How to prepare for your first telehealth appointment
Telehealth’s boom in the healthcare industry is undeniable. Although the pandemic has significantly increased its popularity, it is a platform that existed pre-pandemic. It also has always had its guidelines and standards to protect both you and the provider.
Sitting behind a screen can give a sense of ease and safety, as most people are accessing services from the comfort of their home. As providers, we want clients to feel comfortable opening up to us. However, we're also mindful of our clients getting too comfortable. Just because we are each behind a screen, doesn't mean the boundaries go away. If anything, boundaries become even more nuanced for the occasion.
Therapeutic relationships are especially interesting because you do open up in unique ways to your therapist. Likely the relationship you have with your therapist is very different from providers you only see once a year. We acknowledge this difference, and thus hold up our boundaries even more. They are an important reminder of our professional relationship to you, and vice versa.
As a general check-in and guide, see the list of reminders below for your first telehealth session. These can be helpful reminders throughout your therapy journey.
Truly read your intake paperwork. If you need adaptive reading tools, let your provider know.
You may also need your paperwork in your preferred language. Request this from your provider.
Complete all your intake paperwork as instructed by your provider. For Clinica Artesana LLC, we require paperwork to be completed before the first appointment. Appointments cannot proceed without all paperwork being completed. Be in a private space. Sometimes clients have to go to their car, rent an enclosed library room, or find a time for therapy where no one's home. We get it! Be open about the barriers to your provider. Feeling safe in your space helps your own progress.
Payment. For Clinica Artesana LLC, you have established with your provider whether you will be paying through insurance or self-pay. All payment modalities will be established before the first appointment.
Headphones. They don't have to be anything fancy. Headphones really help with each of our audio. Plus they give an extra layer of privacy & focus.
Find sensory tools that will give you comfort and ease. From pillows, tissues, blankets, art supplies and fidget tools. Even something as simple as water can make a difference in your sessions.
Please bring your ID so we can ensure it is truly you on the other side of the screen.
Test your video and audio on your device before the first session.
Strong internet connection. As providers, we really do want to hear everything you say, as well as see your body language. Body language alone is over 90% of communication!
Please note this is not an exhaustive or finite list. As telehealth policies grow and change, we will discuss any new needs along the way.
