Telehealth and COVID-19

The current global health pandemic caused by COVID-19 (aka the Coronavirus) has turned so much of life as we know it on its head. While we know from experts that limiting the number of people that we come in close contact with helps keep us and others safe, as relational beings with an innate longing for closeness and connection, this can be very painful, lonely, and frustrating.

I have been exclusively providing telehealth sessions via the Zoom video call platform since mid-March. As of this writing, Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies has issued guidance requiring all mental health professionals and their clients who wish to resume in-person sessions to wear masks for the duration of the session. While I would like to be back in person, my current assessment is that it is preferable to see clients via telehealth where we can see each other’s faces than in-person while wearing masks.

Some tips to make the most of telehealth:

• Find a way to mentally transition into and out of the therapy space - perhaps this means making a cup of tea, doing a little stretching, or just sitting quietly for a couple of minutes before your session begins.

• Position your camera at or close to face height

• Avoid backlighting and try to light your face from the front or above

• Find a comfortable and private place to do sessions

• Check your internet speed, and if it is slow consider using an ethernet cable to improve your connection

• Install updates on your computer and try not to run too many programs during a Zoom call

• Test your settings before calls, especially your first call. You may need to adjust the audio settings.

Telehealth in Denver

Have more questions about what telehealth looks like at our practice? Reach out by filling out our contact form here. We are here to provide the answers you are seeking, as well as a space to understand the differences between in-person and telehealth sessions.