Telehealth Therapy: Counseling by Video
Telehealth therapy is a counseling session held by video, so you talk with your therapist from home or another private place. You need a device with a camera, an internet connection and somewhere you will not be overheard. Balanced Life Counseling Services offers telehealth alongside in-person appointments at both offices.
Who it helps
A long drive to the nearest therapy office
A work or caregiving schedule that leaves little room for travel
No reliable transportation, or a health condition that makes travel hard
Feeling more at ease opening up from your own space
Wanting to keep appointments going during a busy season
How a video therapy session works
A telehealth session is a regular therapy appointment that happens on a screen. At your appointment time, you and your therapist connect by video and talk, much as you would in the office. The conversation and the goals are the same, and so is the confidentiality that applies to therapy.
The first session follows the usual pattern. Your therapist invites you to share what has been going on and any goals you have, and the two of you decide how often to meet. You may still get homework between sessions.
When you schedule, ask us how you will join your session and what to do if you have trouble connecting. We would much prefer to answer those questions ahead of time than have you worry about them five minutes before your appointment.
What you need for a telehealth appointment
A device: a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer with a working camera, microphone and speakers.
An internet connection: the steadier the better. With Wi-Fi, sitting close to the router and limiting other devices on the network can help.
A private space: a room with a door you can close, where people nearby cannot see or overhear you.
Headphones or earbuds, if you have them. They can make it easier to hear and be heard, and they keep your therapist's side of the conversation private.
A charged battery or a charger within reach, so the device lasts through the session.
Getting set up before your first video visit
Test your sound and video. A day or two ahead, make a video call to a friend or family member to check that the camera, microphone and speakers work on the device you plan to use.
Choose your spot. Pick a quiet place with good lighting and few distractions. Let the people you live with know you are not to be interrupted.
Position the device. Set it on a steady surface, with your head and shoulders in the frame, so you are not holding a phone for the whole session.
Write down what you want to cover. A short list of questions or concerns helps you use the time well, the same as it would for an office visit.
Who video sessions tend to suit
Virtual visits do not require travel, which can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule. They may also reach people who cannot easily get to in-person care, including people who cannot drive or who live in remote areas. On Maryland's Eastern Shore, that can mean the difference between a short break in the day and a long round trip.
Some people also find that connecting with a provider online feels less intimidating than walking into an office. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, virtual care can be effective for treating conditions such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
If you are interested in individual counseling, anxiety therapy or another service by video, ask when you call whether it is offered that way.
When coming to the office may be the better fit
Video is not the right choice for everyone or for every week. An in-person appointment at our Salisbury office or Bethesda office may suit you better if:
You do not have a place where you can talk without being seen or overheard.
Your internet connection or device is unreliable. A poor connection can disrupt a session.
You feel uncomfortable being on camera at home, or having your surroundings visible.
You find it easier to focus, or to say hard things, when you are in the same room as your therapist.
You or your therapist think that meeting face to face would serve your goals better.
Telehealth is not for emergencies
Our office does not provide emergency services, in person or by video.
If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 or call 911.
Location, insurance and booking a video appointment
Telehealth depends on where you are physically located during the session, not only on where you live. If you travel, study or work away from home, tell us when you call so we can let you know whether a video session is possible.
Insurance coverage for telehealth varies by plan and by state, so confirm with your insurer that video visits are covered. Our accepted plans and self-pay rates are on the insurance and fees page.
To schedule, contact our office or call 443-978-8688. If you are still deciding, our comparison of telehealth and in-person therapy goes through the trade-offs.
Frequently asked questions
Is therapy by video as effective as therapy in person?
Virtual care can be effective for treating conditions such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. How well it works for you also depends on practical things: a private space, a steady connection, and whether you feel comfortable on camera. If video is not working, tell your therapist so you can talk about other options.
Can I have a telehealth session if I am outside Maryland?
It depends on where you are physically located at the time of the session. We cannot give one answer for everyone on a web page. Tell us where you will be when you call, and we will let you know what is possible.
Can I use my phone for a video session?
Yes, a smartphone can work, as long as it has a camera, a microphone and a good connection. Prop it on a steady surface so your hands are free, and make sure the battery is charged. A tablet or computer gives you a larger picture, which you may find easier for a full session.
What happens if the video freezes or the call drops?
Technology problems happen, and a poor connection or a malfunctioning device can interrupt a session. Ask your therapist at the start what the backup plan is, so you both know what to do. Sitting closer to your router and limiting other devices on the network may also help.
Is a telehealth session private?
Sessions are confidential, with the same legal exceptions as in the office: risk of harm to yourself or others, and suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult. Privacy on your end is partly in your hands. Choose a room where you cannot be overheard and consider headphones. Our patient privacy page has more detail.
Does insurance cover telehealth therapy?
Some plans cover telehealth and some may not, and policies vary from state to state. Check with your insurance company before your first video visit and ask specifically about telehealth for mental health care. If you are paying yourself, a 45 to 50 minute individual session is $130, and a Sliding Fee Program is available.
Can I switch between video and office visits?
Both in-person and telehealth appointments are available at our practice, so raise it with your therapist. Whether you can alternate depends on your clinician's schedule, your location and what you are working on. Some weeks an office visit may fit better, for example when you cannot get privacy at home.
Ready to talk with someone?
Call 443-978-8688 or request an appointment. We see clients in person in Salisbury and Bethesda and by telehealth across Maryland.
Sources
National Institute of Mental Health: Getting Mental Health Support Virtually
National Institute on Aging: Telehealth: What Is It, How to Prepare, Is It Covered?
If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.
