Telehealth
Telehealth lets you have therapy sessions from the comfort of your own space — no driving, no parking, no hassle¹. For folks who feel anxious in public or have mobility challenges, this makes therapy more accessible and stress-free². It’s also a safer option for vulnerable populations³.
Software
We use Doxy.me and Simple Practice at Out Couch Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, because both are explicitly designed for telehealth. Unlike general platforms, both Doxy.me and Simple Practice meets HIPAA standards for data privacy requirements, keeping your sessions secure and private. Both are easy to use — no downloads, no confusion — and even includes a virtual waiting room. Your therapist’s waiting room link and your portal access is the same every time for Doxy.me and Simple Practice, respectively, so no hunting through emails trying to find the right link.
All Out Couch clinicians are trained in HIPAA compliance and telehealth protocols. We’re committed to maintaining your privacy and confidentiality — from secure video sessions to protecting your personal information. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Your clinician will always be in a private, secure setting to protect your confidentiality.
Telehealth Best Practices
At the beginning of every session, your clinician will verify your location—this is a standard telehealth protocol to ensure your safety. We are only authorized to provide services within the state of California, so please let your provider know if you are traveling.
As a client, we offer these recommendations to optimize your telehealth session:
- Make sure you are in a private space when engaging in therapy.
- Check your internet connection, webcam, and microphone prior to the session
- Use headphones or earbuds to reduce the possibility of echo and help maintain privacy
- Doxy.me works best on desktop, but it can be utilized on a smartphone:
- On PC and Mac, it can be opened in Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
- On Android, it can be opened in Chrome.
- On iPhones and other iOS devices, it can be opened on Safari.
Is Telehealth Effective?
Yes — research shows telehealth works just as well as in-person therapy for most mental health issues. During COVID-19, it helped clients stay connected and reduced disruptions in care¹. A survey found that 96% of psychologists think telehealth is effective, and 97% believe it should stick around². We also believe that providing telehealth allow for LGBT clients in more rural areas access to affirming healthcare providers.
References
¹ American Psychological Association. (2022). Telehealth proves its worth. Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/01/special-telehealth-worth
² Shigekawa, E., Fix, M., Corbett, G., Roby, D. H., & Coffman, J. (2020). The current state of telehealth evidence: A rapid review. Health Affairs, 37(12), 1975-1982. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2018.05132
