TELETHERAPY
If clinically appropriate for the client, all Compass providers offer teletherapy for those who would prefer to not come to the office. We utilize a HIPAA-Compliant professional version of Zoom. A link for your teletherapy session will be emailed to you prior to your session. If you have not received the link at least 24 hours prior to your appointment, please call the office.
In order for you to get the most out of your teletherapy session, we ask that you find a private location with a strong internet connection. We encourage you to devote your full attention to your session, minimizing interruptions and multitasking. For your safety, your clinician will require you to reschedule your session if you are driving. It is inappropriate for you to use substances, including vaping or smoking, during your session. Intoxicated clients will be asked to reschedule. Please note: if asked by your provider to reschedule for these reasons, late cancellation fees will apply.
If your telesession is dropped due to an internet connection issue, try to log back into the session. If unsuccessful, please email your provider for further instructions if they have not previously informed you of what to do in that situation. Compass clinicians pride themselves on being punctual for all appointments–in person or via telehealth. If your provider has not started the Zoom meeting within 5 – 8 minutes of the scheduled start time, please email your provider and/or call the office.
The law requires the client to be located in a state where the provider holds a license. On the day of a session, if you are not in the state listed in the contact information you provided, please notify your provider at the start of your session. The only exception to the residency requirements is if you are located in a PsyPact state and your clinician is licensed as a PsyPact provider.
What is PSYPACT?
PSYPACT is an interstate agreement that allows licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology and conduct temporary face-to-face sessions across state boundaries legally and ethically, without requiring the psychologist to be licensed in each individual state.
Which Compass clinicians are PsyPact Members?
- Holly Brown, PhD
- Tara Frem, PsyD
- Matt Gilbert, PsyD
- Amy B. Greenamyer, PhD
- Abby Kelty, PhD
- Clint Nowicke, PsyD
Why is PSYPACT important to me?
PSYPACT allows licensed psychologists to provide “continuity of care,” which ensures that treatment is not disrupted due to a client moving or relocating. Psychologists can also reach underserved populations, isolated populations such as rural areas, and provide specialty care that is not available in that state. PSYPACT also ensures that the psychologist has met the defined standards to practice in other states, which protects the general public.
What is required of me as the client?
Communication is essential to any virtual therapeutic relationship. Before treatment begins, you must provide a reliable emergency contact number to have on file in case of an emergency. Your provider will also verify your present location at the beginning of each session, typically by asking for the address. You are free to join the session from anywhere in the PSYPACT state if the connection is reliable, secure, and confidential. Please note, your provider is not able to see you if you are physically located outside of a PSYPACT state.
What is required of the therapist?
Prior to joining PSYPACT, the therapist must be licensed in a PSYPACT state and declare a “Home State.” The psychologist must be physically located in the Home State in order to see clients and adhere to the applicable laws of both the Home State and the Receiving State (where the client is located). Psychologists working under PSYPACT undergo a multi-stage application process and receive an e.Passport Certificate from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) and permission from the PSYPACT Commission for their Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT).