Teletherapy, sometimes called online therapy, TeleMental health, distance therapy, or e-therapy, is the delivery of mental health counseling via the Internet.
One of Georgia HOPE’s missions is to break down barriers to accessing necessary therapy services. We meet clients where they are. Teletherapy allows us to provide individual or family therapy services through a HIPAA compliant online platform in any private setting. Anywhere that you can access the internet, you can access teletherapy services.
Anyone who needs therapy can be considered for our online therapy program.
Currently, online therapy offers services such as diagnostic assessments, individual counseling, and family counseling.
At Georgia HOPE, Medicaid CMOs (Wellcare, Amerigroup, CareSource, Cenpatico) will cover the cost of teletherapy just like any other counseling. Services are also available to non-English speaking individuals through our partnership with DBHDD or Medicaid.
What are the requirements?
Clients who are interested in teletherapy should:
How do I know if my internet is fast enough?
If you can easily stream video (Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, etc.), your internet speed is probably fast enough. However, if you usually get lag (i.e., the little spinning wheel on your screen) when you do this, you might want to consider a faster connection at an appropriate location (i.e., local libraries often have space you can reserve).
What happens if I’m disconnected from my therapist?
In your first session, your therapist will go over with you a plan for what you will do if this happens. Usually it involves trying to reconnect via Zoom and then by phone if you are unable to connect by Zoom.
Is this safe/secure?
By using the Zoom platform, we have engaged with a HIPPA-compliant encrypted service to ensure the security of your information. We know that there is never a 100% guarantee that there will not be a complication in this, but you can rest assured that by using our platform, we are adhering to the American Telemedicine Association’s standards for care and are remaining HIPPA compliant.
Will it work?
While we cannot guarantee the outcome of any counseling relationship, teletherapy has been shown to be as effective as traditional face-to-face counseling in studies performed by the Department of Defense and the VA. We are confident that the services Georgia HOPE will provide via teletherapy will meet our standards of care and you will receive high-quality counseling during your time in this program.
I’m interested, but I don’t know how to set up my technology. Can I still do teletherapy?
We are committed to making your services at Georgia HOPE successful. If you already have a Client Support Specialist (CSS) assigned, this worker can assist you in setting up your technology prior to your first teletherapy session. If you do not have a CSS assigned, we will work with you to ensure that you have the support necessary to get this technology set up.
Will my insurance still pay for this?
Yes! Insurance recognizes teletherapy the same way they recognize traditional face-to-face counseling, so there’s no need to worry! As a reminder, as with any service at Georgia HOPE, it is essential that you maintain active insurance. If you have any changes with your insurance during the course of services, please make sure you notify us promptly to avoid any extended gap in services.
Who should not use teletherapy?
Like any other type of therapy, people who are an immediate threat to themselves or others should call a suicide hotline or seek psychiatric treatment before committing to therapy.
Are you interested in teletherapy? We’re glad to hear it! Just like our other services, anyone can refer themselves or someone else to services with Georgia HOPE. Simply complete our encrypted referral form. After a referral is submitted, our administrative staff will check eligibility and will let you know via email if the client meets eligibility requirements.
If you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Phone: (706) 279-0405 Ext. 149
