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Everything about Telehealth

What is Telehealth?

Uses real-time interactive communication that includes audio and video means (i.e. smartphones, tablets, computers) to deliver needed health care services for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, and treatment. Through audio and video over the internet, you can meet with your clinician on-the-go from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device (iOS or Android)—it’s your choice! Telehealth allows us to connect anywhere with secure and convenient appointments that save you time and hassle. There’s no need to deal with traffic when you can schedule and attend your appointments directly from a laptop or mobile device. 


At Florecer Counseling we make it easy and convenience to schedule an appointment with a seasonal psychotherpaist using HIPPA compliant Telehealth Tools to protect your confidentiality and personal information. You can now access psychotherapy from the comfort of your home. Quickly pick a date and time, and you’ve scheduled your online appointment!

Benefits of Telehealth

Privacy. Telehealth reduces the barriers to seek support when needed. You can contact a therapist from the comfort of your home without anyone knowing. 


Telehealth is a Time Saver. No need to be in traffic or leave your office early. 


Flexibility. Because of the first two benefits, Telehealth services are flexible around your schedule. 


Time management advantage. Allows to use your time more effectively making the most of it and receiving the support you need. 

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Access for Disabled Populations. Online therapy allows bedridden patients and those with debilitating chronic illnesses access to the help they need.


Safety during social distancing due to the pandemic

To provide Telehealth Services I am currently using Simple Practice. 


SimplePractice, LLC is my practice management software for scheduling, case management, telehealth, and therapy notes. SimplePractice, LLC, uses a HIPAA compliant software so your information will be securely kept. 

What equipment do You need? 

To participate in Telehealth appointments from your home, you need one of the following devices:

  1.  Desktop computer with a webcam and speakers

  2. Laptop computer with built-in webcam and speakers 

  3. Tablet device with built-in webcam and speakers 

  4. Smartphone (Note: To use a smartphone, you must first download Telehealth by SimplePractice - available for iOS or Android in the app store). If you are connecting via Zoom, make sure you have the Zoom application on your phone. 

Minimum Internet connection

You will also need an internet connection that is at least 10mbps. For optimal results, a reliable, highspeed internet connection with a bandwidth of at least 10 mbps will minimize connection issues and provide the best quality. Another option is to have ethernet connection instead of Wifi. 

To join on a desktop or laptop computer:

If you plan to use a desktop or laptop, there is nothing to download prior to your appointment. 
Here are the steps to join: 

  1. Approximately 10 minutes before your appointment, you should receive either an email or SMS text appointment reminder. 

  2. Click the unique link embedded in the reminder. Your video call screen will now open in a new tab. 

  3. If I have already joined the call, you will see my face on the screen. If I have not, you will see yourself, as shown below.

  4. You will also see the Welcome prompt. Click Play test sound to test your camera and microphone settings. 

  5. When you are ready, click Join Video Call. This will take you straight into the video call. 

How to join on a Smart Phone

  1. If you plan to use a mobile device, here are the steps to join: 

  2. Choose a well-lit, quiet room in your house to have your appointment. Do not sit directly in front of windows due to back lighting. 

  3. Download Telehealth by SimplePractice (for iOS or Android) in the app store. Approximately 10 minutes before your appointment, you should receive either an email or SMS text appointment reminder. 

  4. Open the reminder on your mobile device, and click the unique link. This will open the Telehealth by SimplePractice app. 

  5. If I have already joined the call, you will see my face on the screen. If I have not, you will see yourself.

  6. When you are ready, click Join Video Call. This will take you straight into the video call. 

Things you can do to improve your connection

​ If you live in an area with slow internet, this can really affect the speed of your connection. Here are some basic steps that can improve the overall quality: 

• Use wired Ethernet instead of wifi whenever possible. Wifi will work, but you may experience a lag and interference, which can make your video and audio choppy. Wired internet will give you a much smoother, more consistent experience. 
• Test your internet connection speed. Google provides an easy way to test your internet connection directly from the google homepage. Simply search: internet speed test. Click the blue button that says Run Speed Test. If it is under 10mbps and you’re using wifi, try using a wired internet connection or restarting your router.
• Close other programs. If you have several programs running in the background, closing them will almost certainly improve the quality. Also, make sure you’re not downloading any large files. If you are unable to connect, please contact your clinician as soon as possible to see if I can help you troubleshoot.

Ways to improve your video call experience.

Decide the best place in your home that is private and away from household members, coworkers, pets or any other potential distractions. 


Keep background noise to a minimum, close any doors and shut any windows.


Adjust your light. Some small lighting tweaks that can have a huge impact include placing a lamp or other light source behind your monitor, pointed toward you. Also, make sure you don’t have too much light behind you. 


If you’re on a laptop, make sure the camera is at eye level and not pointing up at the ceiling lights, or down at the floor. 


If possible, have tissue paper available.

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