• Do I think that it would work for me?
• Do I think that I will I feel connected to my psychologist?
• Will using eTherapy make me feel less (or more) isolated?
• Do I feel comfortable using technology to receive services?
• Do I have the technology?
• Can I access the technology?
• Am I certain that I feel comfortable with seeing another professional in an emergency?

New patients may register online using the secure, HIPAA/HITECH-compliant appointment scheduler for the practice. Your first appointment will help to determine whether eTherapy is right for you.

You will be required to pay in advance (or register your credit card) to reserve your eTherapy appointment time(s). The most convenient way to do so is via your secure patient portal. Your card will be charged within 24 hours of (typically just before) your scheduled eTherapy appointment.

• Increased access to therapy for individuals with physical, medical and/or mobility disabilities.
• Increased access to psychologists with specialty training & experience (e.g., Health Psychology; Prolonged Exposure treatment for PTSD; working with children and adolescents).
• Increased access to therapy for individuals who may have difficulty attending therapy on-site (e.g., those with post-traumatic stress disorder or agoraphobia).
• More time to collect information about thoughts, feelings and behaviors outside of the sessions.
• Flexible scheduling.
• Ability to receive services from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
• For families with busy schedules, no need to hire a sitter or coordinate child care.
• Peace of mind during in climate weather, as there is no need to worry about poor road conditions

• Accessibility – you can access services if you live far away or if you can’t be away from home (e.g., if you feel sick, or if you need to stay home to take care of a sick child); if you have mobility or transportation challenges; when road conditions are bad; or when you are traveling.
• Privacy – no need to wait in a waiting room for your appointment. The video flowing across the Internet is encrypted.
• Convenience – you can access services from the comfort of your own home, avoiding commuting time, including traffic and other hassles.
• Time and cost savings – travel time and fuel expenses are eliminated, no need to arrange for costly child-care services.

• Your health insurance may not reimburse you for eTherapy services. Please check with your health insurance company if you’d like to get reimbursed. Ask if they reimburse for “*GT code add-on” for psychotherapy.
• You need to be physically located within New York State in order to receive eTherapy.
• Reliability issues can occur around the quality of your video or audio connection.
• Video conferencing is not right for everyone. Your initial appointment will help to determine whether it might be right for you.

• Private computer (or iPhone; iTouch, iPad, or other Smart device) with web camera and microphone
• Highly recommended: Headset or earbuds with built in microphone
• High speed internet connection
• Good lighting
• You will not need to install any special videoconferencing software, as you will log into your secure patient portal via the practice website. (The practice uses Counsol.com).
• However, some patients have downloaded and installed VSee – a free app) as a back-up.

• Close all other programs and/or windows on your computer to reduce delay and choppiness
• Make sure your camera and microphone (or microphone equipped headset) are plugged in and working properly
• Make sure you have your phone nearby in case of technical difficulties

Five minutes before your scheduled session:

• Open the application and make sure it is working.
•  Connect at your scheduled appointment time.
•  If you have any trouble connecting, you may send a secure email via your secure patient portal.