Telehealth Services
Secure, convenient virtual therapy sessions from the comfort of your home
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth, also known as teletherapy or online therapy, allows you to receive mental health services
through secure video conferencing from the comfort of your home, office, or any private location. This
provides the same quality of care as in-person sessions while offering greater flexibility and
convenience. Virtual sessions are ideal for clients who: • Prefer the privacy and convenience of meeting
from home • Have scheduling constraints that make in-person visits difficult • Have mobility limitations
or transportation challenges • Feel more comfortable in their own environment Telehealth sessions follow
the same structure and clinical approach as in-person therapy. The only difference is the medium through
which we connect.
Technical Requirements
To participate in telehealth sessions, you will need: Device: • Computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone
with camera and microphone • Updated operating system (Windows 10+, macOS 10.13+, iOS 12+, Android 8+) •
Current web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) Internet Connection: • Reliable high-speed
internet (minimum 1 Mbps upload/download) • Wired connection or strong WiFi signal recommended Private
Space: • A quiet, private location where you can speak freely without interruption • Headphones
recommended for additional privacy • Well-lit room so I can see you clearly Platform: I use a
HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform that ensures the security and confidentiality of our sessions. You
will receive a secure link before each appointment—no software downloads required. Simply click the link
at your scheduled time to join the session.
Privacy & Security
Your privacy and confidentiality are just as protected in telehealth sessions as they are in-person: •
HIPAA-Compliant Platform: All sessions are conducted through a secure, encrypted video platform that
meets federal healthcare privacy standards • End-to-End Encryption: Video and audio are encrypted during
transmission to prevent unauthorized access • No Recording: Sessions are not recorded unless you provide
explicit written consent • Secure Storage: Any notes or records are stored in HIPAA-compliant electronic
health record systems • Private Environment: You are responsible for ensuring you are in a private
location where others cannot overhear the conversation Your Responsibilities: • Join sessions from a
private location • Use headphones when possible to prevent others from hearing • Close doors and windows
to minimize noise and interruptions • Avoid public WiFi networks when possible; use a secure,
password-protected network • Do not allow others to be present in the room during sessions unless
previously discussed and agreed upon
Informed Consent for Telehealth
Before beginning telehealth services, you will be asked to review and sign an Informed Consent for
Telehealth form. This document outlines: • Benefits and Limitations: Understanding what telehealth can
and cannot provide • Technical Issues: Acknowledgment that technology may occasionally fail (internet
disruption, platform issues) • Emergency Protocols: Procedures for handling crisis situations remotely •
Privacy Considerations: Your responsibility to ensure a private, secure environment • Confidentiality
Limitations: Understanding that while we use secure technology, no online platform is 100% risk-free •
State Licensing: Confirmation that you are physically located in Wisconsin, Illinois, New York, or a
PSYPACT state during all sessions By signing the consent form, you acknowledge that you understand these
considerations and agree to participate in telehealth services. You may withdraw consent at any time.
Insurance Coverage for Telehealth
Most insurance plans now cover telehealth services at the same rate as in-person sessions. However,
coverage varies by insurance provider and plan. In-Network Providers: I am contracted with the following
insurance plans: • Aetna • Cigna/Evernorth • Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO • United Healthcare • UMR If you
have one of these insurance plans, your sessions will be billed directly to your insurance company at
in-network rates. You will be responsible for any applicable copays, coinsurance, or deductibles as
determined by your plan. Out-of-Network: For all other insurance plans, I am an out-of-network provider.
You will pay for services upfront, and I can provide documentation (superbills) for you to submit to
your insurance for potential reimbursement. Before Starting Telehealth: • Contact your insurance company
to verify your telehealth benefits • Ask about copays, deductibles, and any pre-authorization
requirements • Confirm whether telehealth is covered the same as in-person therapy • If out-of-network,
ask about reimbursement rates for mental health services
State Licensing & Location Requirements
I am licensed to provide telehealth services to clients who are physically located in Wisconsin,
Illinois, New York, or any PSYPACT participating state during sessions. This means: • You must be
physically located in one of these authorized states at the time of each telehealth session • I cannot
provide services to you if you are traveling to an unauthorized state • If you relocate to a state where
I am not licensed, we will need to discuss alternative arrangements At the beginning of each session, I
will ask you to confirm your current physical location to ensure compliance with state licensing laws.
This is a legal requirement, not a reflection of trust. If you plan to travel or relocate, please let me
know in advance so we can discuss options.
Emergency Protocols
Telehealth is not appropriate for emergency mental health situations. If you are experiencing a mental
health crisis: • Call 911 immediately • Go to your nearest emergency room • Call the National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline: 988 • Call the Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 Before Beginning Telehealth: You
will be asked to provide: • Your current physical address for each session • An emergency contact person
(name and phone number) • Your preferred local hospital or emergency facility This information allows me
to dispatch emergency services to your location if necessary during a session. During a Crisis in a
Session: If you are in immediate danger during a telehealth session, I will: 1. Stay on the line with you
2. Contact emergency services on your behalf 3. Remain connected until help arrives Telehealth is designed
for routine therapy sessions. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, severe psychiatric symptoms, or
are in crisis, in-person or emergency care may be more appropriate.
Questions About Telehealth?
If you have questions about telehealth services, technical requirements, or whether virtual therapy is right for you, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Email•contact@hegertypsych.com
Phone•(414) 253-3256