Telehealth

What is Telehealth?

Through video messaging over the internet, you can meet with your clinician wherever you are from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device (iOS or Android) – it’s up to you!

Telehealth allows us to connect anywhere with secure and convenient appointments that save you time and hassle. There’s no need to deal with traffic when you can schedule and attend your appointments directly from a laptop or a mobile device.

What Do I Need?

To use Telehealth appointments from your home or on-the-go, you will need one of the following devices:

  • Desktop or laptop computer with a webcam and speakers
  • Tablet device with a built-in camera and speakers
  • A smartphone with at least iOS 11 or Android 7.0 (Please Note: To use a smartphone, you must first download the free Telehealth by SimplePractice app – available for iOS or Android in the app store.)
  • Using earbuds with a microphone or a headset with a microphone can sometimes provide better quality audio in your session and provide increased privacy as well, – though they are recommended, they are not required.
  • A reliable, high-speed internet connection can minimize connection issues and will provide the best quality experience for your appointment. An internet connection of at least 10mbps is recommended.

Note: We recommend using the SimplePractice Internet Connection Test to check your WiFi strength prior to the start of your appointment. If your connection is anything less than Excellent, you’ll see tips that may help to improve the quality of your call.

Day of Appointment
Using a smartphone or tablet…

If you plan to use a mobile device, here are the steps to join:

  • Download the free Telehealth by SimplePractice (for iOS or Android) in the app store. Approximately 10 minutes before your appointment, you should receive an email reminder or text alert.
  • Open the reminder on your device and click on the unique link. This will open the Telehealth by SimplePractice app.
  • If your clinician has already joined the call, you will see their face on the screen. If they have not, you will see yourself.
  • When ready, please click Join Video Call to take you into your session.

Note: There may be a slight delay for your clinician to join the appointment as they are finishing with a previous session. Please be patient and they will join momentarily.

Using a Desktop or Laptop computer…

If you plan to use a desktop or laptop, there is nothing to download prior to your appointment. Here are the steps to join your Telehealth appointment:

  • Approximately 10 minutes before your appointment, you’ll receive an email or text message appointment reminder. Please note that the exact time you receive the reminder may vary based on your cell phone carrier.
    • Note: If you have already consented to receiving text or email reminders, you will continue to receive them for each Telehealth appointment. For new clients, please be sure you have filled out all paperwork so that we can enable email and/or text reminders.
  • Click the unique link sent in the reminder. If you are experiencing issues clicking on the link, please copy and paste the link into you web browser. Your video call will open in a new tab.
    • Note: Each appointment has its own unique link. Trying to click on a previous session’s link will not take you to your Telehealth appointment.
  • If your clinician has already joined the call, you will see their face on the screen. If they have not yet joined, then you will see yourself.
  • You will also see a Welcome prompt. Please click on Play Test Sound to test your camera and microphone settings.
  • When ready, click Join Video Call to take you straight into your Telehealth session.
Tools and Tips
  • We recommend joining the video appointment a few minutes early to test your settings.
  • Be sure to complete all documents sent to you before your first appointment! This can help make your intake session run smoother.
  • If you can connect to the Internet, but are having trouble joining the video you can use the SimplePractice Internet Connection Test. Click Show Details to see the breakdown of your Audio and Video connection scores.
  • Before you can use a smartphone to join your video appointment, you must first download the free Telehealth by SimplePractice app available in the app store for iOS or Android.
  • If you need to cancel, reschedule, or have questions about the appointment, please contact Laura Inglis, LICSW, LCSW via phone ((253) 951-8624) or email (laura.inglis@serenityhope.com).