ONLINE THERAPY FAQs
Here are some helpful tips when signing on to your online telehealth session. Please read in its entirety.
• This page serves as a reminder or refresher on how to use online telehealth or videoconferencing services. Goss and Associates, Inc uses the doxyme.com video format for virtual sessions. The hyperlink https://doxy.me/drgoss is reusable for you to save for future uses on your chosen PC computer, table, or smartphone device.
• Please connect with the video link at least five to ten minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. It is important to be on time. If you need to cancel or reschedule your telehealth appointment, you must notify the psychologist in advance (i.e., 48-hours notice) by phone only.
• You need to use a webcam or smartphone during the session.
• It is important to be in a quiet, private space that is free of distractions (including cell phone or other devices) during the session.
• It is important to use a secure internet connection rather than public/free Wi-Fi.
• Disable all notifications on your computer or device. Disabling notification on your device during telehealth session helps to prevent disruptions (i.e, a text or incoming phone calls), distractions (i.e., incoming email notifications), and potential loss of connection with video format.
• When initially signing into the video format, Doxyme.com click the blue hyperlink to give access to camera and microphone (audio/visual).
• It is important to note that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) requires while the Coalition for Technology in Behavioral Science (CTiBS) recommends that you verbally attest prior to each Telehealth session that you are in a private location to mitigate risk of privacy violation, physical, and possible technical safeguards.
• As technical problems can arise, we will need a back-up plan (e.g., phone number where you can be reached) to restart the session or to reschedule at another time.
• As your psychologist, I may determine that due to certain circumstances, telepsychology no longer appropriate and that other arrangements will be made.
• Prior to starting video-conferencing services, we discussed and agreed to the following:
• There are potential benefits and risks of video-conferencing (e.g. limits to patient confidentiality) that differ from in-person sessions. These matters have been discussed in detail in the Addendum to Client Consent for Telehealth form signed prior to beginning telehealth services.
• Confidentiality still applies for telepsychology services, and nobody will record the session without the permission from the others person(s).
• We agree to use the video-conferencing platform selected for our virtual sessions, and the psychologist will explain how to use it.
• We need a back-up plan (e.g., phone number where you can be reached) to restart the session or to reschedule it, in the event of technical problems.
• We need a safety plan that includes at least one emergency contact and the closest ER to your location, in the event of a crisis situation.
• As your psychologist, I may determine that due to certain circumstances, telepsychology is no longer appropriate and alternative arrangement will be made.
