Coronavirus Safety and Telehealth
In recent days, COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus, has significantly impacted the community. While some are directly affected by the virus, many more are experiencing heightened anxiety, economic hardship, isolation from social distancing, and increased stress. As we continue to learn about and manage COVID-19, Wolf Psychological Services is committed to protecting the health and safety of those we serve. We are responding to COVID-19 by:
If you are ill or believe you have had prolonged contact with someone who is ill, please reach out to your therapist to inquire about Telehealth or rescheduling options.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s informational page, which provides up to date information about the virus.
For helpful suggestions on managing COVID-19 related anxiety:
Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty
Let's Meet This Moment Together
About Telehealth:
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth is therapy done through a live video connection over the internet. Clients can get the same type of therapy they could receive in person, only through a computer, phone, or other smart device instead. If you’ve ever used Skype or FaceTime, you’ve used the same type of technology Telehealth uses. This mode of therapy offers many benefits, but also has some risks.
Is Telehealth private?
Licensed therapists are ethically and legally bound to ensure your privacy through a privacy protection law called HIPAA. When working with a therapist through Telehealth, they will likely ask you to use their secure, HIPAA compliant video platform. Your therapist will also be in a private, secure place for the video session with you. Your risk for a privacy breach will largely be in your hands. If you open up your computer in a coffee shop for a session, your session will not be private. If you go to a quiet, private space, your privacy will be protected just as it would be in a traditional session.
Does Telehealth work as well as in-person therapy?
Research shows that synchronous video counseling is just as helpful as therapy done in person. Telehealth can make attending therapy sessions more convenient and accessible, which helps people with consistency in attending sessions.
With that said, there are some areas, particularly in family and couples counseling, that have not been researched as well. There’s also something to say for not being able to shake hands or have a tissue handed to you by your therapist.
Will my insurance cover Telehealth?
Generally most insurance policies will cover Telehealth as part of your mental health treatment options. All insurance policies are different, so the best place to find this answer is to contact your insurance company directly.
What are the risks?
All mental health treatment carries some risk because the process toward change can be complicated. Telehealth carries the same risk of traditional therapy along with a few additional considerations, the biggest being a failure of technology. Most therapists will have a backup plan like having a phone session or rescheduling option if technology fails.
- Increasing sanitization measures
- Following recommended hygiene protocols
- Encouraging use of our Telehealth platform
If you are ill or believe you have had prolonged contact with someone who is ill, please reach out to your therapist to inquire about Telehealth or rescheduling options.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s informational page, which provides up to date information about the virus.
For helpful suggestions on managing COVID-19 related anxiety:
Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty
Let's Meet This Moment Together
About Telehealth:
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth is therapy done through a live video connection over the internet. Clients can get the same type of therapy they could receive in person, only through a computer, phone, or other smart device instead. If you’ve ever used Skype or FaceTime, you’ve used the same type of technology Telehealth uses. This mode of therapy offers many benefits, but also has some risks.
Is Telehealth private?
Licensed therapists are ethically and legally bound to ensure your privacy through a privacy protection law called HIPAA. When working with a therapist through Telehealth, they will likely ask you to use their secure, HIPAA compliant video platform. Your therapist will also be in a private, secure place for the video session with you. Your risk for a privacy breach will largely be in your hands. If you open up your computer in a coffee shop for a session, your session will not be private. If you go to a quiet, private space, your privacy will be protected just as it would be in a traditional session.
Does Telehealth work as well as in-person therapy?
Research shows that synchronous video counseling is just as helpful as therapy done in person. Telehealth can make attending therapy sessions more convenient and accessible, which helps people with consistency in attending sessions.
With that said, there are some areas, particularly in family and couples counseling, that have not been researched as well. There’s also something to say for not being able to shake hands or have a tissue handed to you by your therapist.
Will my insurance cover Telehealth?
Generally most insurance policies will cover Telehealth as part of your mental health treatment options. All insurance policies are different, so the best place to find this answer is to contact your insurance company directly.
What are the risks?
All mental health treatment carries some risk because the process toward change can be complicated. Telehealth carries the same risk of traditional therapy along with a few additional considerations, the biggest being a failure of technology. Most therapists will have a backup plan like having a phone session or rescheduling option if technology fails.
About Us
3830 Packard Road, Suite #110
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Wolf Psychological Services, PLLC is a multiple specialty private practice, conveniently located on the border of Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Appointment schedules are flexible, and though evening appointment times fill up quickly, daytime openings are typically available.
We offer individual, couple, and family therapy. The initial intake appointment will consist of a clinical evaluation to see what approach will work best with the patient, and to see if there is a good patient-therapist fit. Being able to develop a good relationship with the therapist is a crucial part of therapy. Our experienced clinicians have refined their skills over the past 20+ years. Our training, education, and experience in multiple settings, equip us to evaluate and treat many challenges such as:
The issues listed above are manageable and treatable. Sometimes people are hesitant to enter psychotherapy because are afraid they will try, but won’t get better. We will work with you on your journey to health, or we will do our best to find someone who can. Sometimes it may take a short time to relieve symptoms, and sometimes long-term work is required.
We offer individual, couple, and family therapy. The initial intake appointment will consist of a clinical evaluation to see what approach will work best with the patient, and to see if there is a good patient-therapist fit. Being able to develop a good relationship with the therapist is a crucial part of therapy. Our experienced clinicians have refined their skills over the past 20+ years. Our training, education, and experience in multiple settings, equip us to evaluate and treat many challenges such as:
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Autism and Spectrum Disorders
- Behavioral Issues at School and Home
- Career and Work Issues
- Coping Skills
- Couples
- Depression
- Emotional Disturbance and Emotional Regulation
- Grief and Loss
- Learning Disabilities
- Life Transitions
- Marital and Premarital
- Military Personnel, Families, and Veterans
- Mood Disorders
- Other Issues of Childhood and Adolescence
- Parenting
- Peer Relationships
- School Issues
- Self-Esteem
- Sexual Abuse
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Stress
- Trauma and PTSD
- Women’s Issues
The issues listed above are manageable and treatable. Sometimes people are hesitant to enter psychotherapy because are afraid they will try, but won’t get better. We will work with you on your journey to health, or we will do our best to find someone who can. Sometimes it may take a short time to relieve symptoms, and sometimes long-term work is required.