Virtual Assessment And Psychotherapy/Counselling Services
As technology continues to improve and become more prevalent in our everyday lives, more clients are now interested in receiving services online through video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc. or occasionally by telephone.
If travel, scheduling, health or comfort are limiting factors to accessing services in-person, virtual appointments are an excellent option.
Why access Assessment and/or Psychotherapy/Counselling appointments online?
Traditionally, clinicians and clients have preferred to engage in service in person. But times are changing, and more people are becoming interested in accessing services online.
The most common reasons we hear from clients for accessing services online include:
Clients are unable to access the service they want or engage with the clinician of their choice in their current geographic region. Transportation required to access services in person can be a limiting factor as well.
Clients find it easier to attend an appointment when there is an opening in a clinician’s schedule, if travel time is not required.
Clients can be more efficient with limited time. For example, we have clients who access the service while waiting to pick their child up from an hour-long activity or when they are unable to secure childcare.
Clients prefer to stay indoors for the evening or don’t want to brave the weather, particularly during the winter months.
Attending a psychological assessment or psychotherapy/counselling appointment can be an uncomfortable experience for some, and participating in an appointment online from home or office can make the service more comfortable. Further, for some psychotherapy/counselling clients, attending appointments initially online provides a potential bridging opportunity to participate in in-person at a later date as they become increasingly comfortable with the service.
Mobility issues can present as a limiting factor for clients to attend in person. And while we have a fully accessible clinic, coping with physical discomfort or arranging travel can present as challenges.
Since the pandemic, clients have generally become more concerned with going out in public when they feel sick. There is also additional concern about going out in public during cold or flu season or when something is “going around”.
With improvements in technology, the ability to see the clinician’s face without the screen “freezing”, as well as hear their voice clearly, has helped to mimic the experience of in-person services. Both clients and clinicians are now able to monitor non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions, and better infer tone of voice. Recent studies are also beginning to show that virtual services can be just as effective as in-person appointments.
- As technology becomes more prevalent in our daily lives and people regularly engage in video chatting with apps like FaceTime or participate in Zoom or Teams calls at work, utilizing video-conferencing services has become a regular part of everyday life for many clients. At our clinic, we use a secure video-conferencing platform that is compliant with Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
How Do Virtual Assessment and Psychotherapy/Counselling Appointments Work?
When you contact our clinic to make an appointment, you complete the same intake process that you would complete if you were attending in person. You indicate that you would like to receive services online or via telephone. If you would like to learn more about what to expect when you call Sullivan + Associates, please click here.
For anyone uncertain how to download the video conferencing app to access the online service, our Client Care Specialist will provide detailed instructions on how to download and access the service.
Two days before your appointment, you will receive an email from our clinic with a clickable link that will allow you to connect to our video conferencing platform.
How To Prepare For A Virtual Appointment?
Before the appointment, it’s helpful to ensure that both your environment and technology are optimal for the appointment.
With your environment, it’s ideal to select a space where you feel comfortable and are confident that the meeting will be confidential.
With technology, it’s important to ensure that your voice can be heard clearly. This would involve checking that the volume is unmuted and the speakers are correctly connected. You may also wish to use a microphone, a headset, or earbuds to enhance the auditory experience.
For the visual aspect of the meeting, it’s too important to confirm that your camera is operational and turned on.
If you experience any difficulties installing the video conferencing app or have problems with troubleshooting audio or visual issues, please feel free to call our clinic at 807-768-0660 or toll-free at 888-269-0237, and our in-house IT person, Joshua Sullivan, will be happy to assist you.