Online Video Counseling in Florida
Wesley Chapel, Tampa, Lutz, and Nearby Areas
Are transportation concerns or time constraints preventing you from getting mental health support?
We have a potential solution for you: Virtual Counseling. We offer online video counseling throughout the state of Florida, as well as in-person counseling to Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, and nearby areas. Your safety and well-being are of the utmost concern to us, therefore, clients with serious medical conditions or complicated mental health diagnoses will not be considered appropriate candidates for telehealth. However, for those to whom this does not apply, studies have demonstrated that online counseling is just as effective as in-person sessions. Consider the following benefits:
Convenient: Come as you are for sessions from the comfort of your own space
Flexible Scheduling: Fits into your busy life
Accessible: No matter where you are in the state of Florida
Confidential: Your therapist will be located in a private office
Come as you are - Online Video Counseling with Boundless Hope Christian Counseling in Florida
“How does online video counseling work?”
Prior to your initial virtual appointment:
You will need to submit all signed intake forms. These can be downloaded, printed, completed, and scanned back to the therapist’s secure email, which is found on our website’s "Our Team" page. Your therapist will let you know which online platform he/she will be using during your session and will provide you with any necessary information. You are welcome to reach out to them before your first appointment with any questions or concerns.
At the beginning of your virtual appointment:
Your therapist will ask for your current physical address and local emergency contact. You must be in the state of Florida and, for safety reasons, cannot be actively driving when an appointment is being held. Once you have confirmed that you are alone, in a private location, you and your therapist will agree on what to do if service is interrupted or disconnected. Rest assured that your therapist will ensure confidentiality by being alone as well, in a private office, during their time with you. If it is your initial appointment, your therapist will also review the signed consent forms with you to ensure understanding.
Emergency Protocol
In the unlikely event that you were to have a medical emergency while in a virtual session, your therapist will contact the local emergency services and your local emergency contact. This is why your therapist asks for your physical location and local contact before each session.
Payment
Your therapist may collect payment before your session, after the session, or email you a secure link to make an online payment.
“How should I prepare for my online video counseling session?”
We are here to help you get your space and tech set up before meeting virtually with your therapist.
Creating Confidential Space
Is the space private?
Can you lock the door? (If not, ask others not to enter the room.)
Have you had a conversation with others who have access to your counseling space to request privacy? (If they are not receptive, what is your plan B location?)
Can others outside the room hear you talking? (If so, you can create white noise with a fan or other form of background noise, preferably placed outside the doorway of the room you’re in. Perhaps you have your session on your laptop and place your phone with a video like this playing outside the door.)
Do you have headphones or earbuds so that your therapist’s voice is private and audible only to you?
White Noise Outside Door, Headphones In, Comfortable, Private, Alone, Safe - Ideal Confidential Space for Online Video Counseling at Boundless Hope Christian Counseling in Florida
If you have a hard time finding confidential space, here are some examples that others have used.
Laundry Room
Walk-In-Closet
Attic
Car (We encourage you to choose this as a last resort and be sure you are parked in a safe, private spot. We want to emphasize that private does not mean secluded. Please be sure you are in a safe location that has an address you can share with your therapist.
These are not ideal locations but can be considered secondary choices if needed. If you use any of these, please make sure that the space is comfortable for you. This is highly important so you can focus on your therapeutic work.
Technical Setup
We recommend a laptop or desktop computer with the biggest screen you have available. If you need to use your tablet or phone, please prop the device up prior to meeting with your therapist. Be sure it is stable and the camera is at eye level. Be sure to move your computer as close as you can to your WiFi router (the box that enables the WiFi.) Or better yet — plug your computer into the router with a cable.
Regardless of the device you choose, After that, close out of all unnecessary apps or tabs. Be sure that you are in a well-lit location, without a bright light source directly behind you.
You are ready for a convenient, comfortable session with your therapist!
Thanks to modern technology, many previous barriers that may have prevented access to mental health care are no longer a problem. We want you to get the care you desire and are thankful for virtual counseling as an option that eliminates transportation challenges and commuting time to our office. Email or call us to schedule a FREE 15-minute phone consultation if you think that online video counseling may be a good option for you.