What Is Telemedicine?

Destiny Wellness Center now offers a telemedicine option. You may opt to use office sessions, telemedicine sessions, or a combination of the two. Telemedicine allows health care professionals to evaluate, diagnose and treat clients at a distance using telecommunications technology.

During this unprecedented time, telemedicine may benefit you in the following ways:

  • Greater access to counseling services. If you live far away or have difficulty leaving the home/traveling/spending time in public, telemedicine ensures you have access to your counselor. Telemedicine can also be used in the event of inclement weather, pandemic and other barriers.

  • Greater comfort for the counseling client. Crisis can increase stress and anxiety. Telemedicine offers you a comfortable home setting to address your stress, anxiety, and mental health concerns.

  • Additional insight to therapy. The home environment is different from an office. Clients, including children, may act and feel differently. The therapist may gain additional information and insight from these encounters.

What you will need:

  • A secure internet connection rather than public/free Wi-Fi.

  • 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.

  • A safety plan that includes at least one emergency contact and the closest ER to your location, in the event of a crisis situation. o

  • If you are not an adult, we need the permission of your parent or legal guardian (and their contact information) for you to participate in telemedicine sessions. o

  • A safe and private place to access telemedicine to participate in your session. It will be your responsibility to make sure your session is private.

  • Your counselor will take all necessary steps to protect your privacy, as in any other session.

  • Please minimize distractions. Turn off televisions, electronics, and games. Let others know not to disrupt you.

  • Plan to be present and engaged. This is just like an office session. You and your counselor’s time is valuable.

  • No-show/cancellation. Unless there is an emergency or severe technical difficulty, the standard $25 no-show fee applies to scheduled telemedicine sessions. A minimum 24-hour notice of cancellation is required.

    Next Steps:

  • Verify that your insurance will cover telemedicine. If are unsure, schedule a free screening.

  • Confirm you have a laptop, desktop, smartphone, or tablet to access telemedicine.

  • Your device has access to Google Chrome or Safari.

  • Your device has a camera and a microphone.