Telehealth Practice of Dr. Pamela Brewer
WHAT IS TELEHEALTH?
Telehealth services (the ability to ‘meet’ online) are becoming more common across several medical disciplines. The availability of telehealth services used to be quite limited and available primarily in very rural areas - this is no longer the case. Telehealth, or more specifically in this case, telemental health, is simply an online in-person meeting between you and your therapist. The connection process is quite simple. Prior to a scheduled appointment, you will receive a link that is available only to you prior to each scheduled telehealth appointment.
In other words, telehealth services involve having face-to-face conversations with your clinician on a HIPPA compliant site. A site that is HIPPA compliant offers the privacy protections afforded you by law. Our conversations can take place face-to-face via your computer, tablet or phone. If you have ever participated in a Facebook, Zoom, or other online video call – you will be right at home with this telehealth option. The difference between meeting with a telehealth practitioner is simply that you are on a secure platform – which Facebook, Zoom, Skype etc. may/may not be.
In response to Covid-19 technology fees were eliminated in 2019. Your access to your client portal will be established and available specifically and only to you. You will receive an easy-to-decipher, detailed guide to accessing this Telehealth service.
THE CLIENT PORTAL
Through your client portal you will be able to schedule appointments, reschedule and/or cancel appointments. You will not have to play ‘phone tag’ in order to select a time/day within those available that works for you. You will be able to send secure emails, complete intake forms prior to your first appointment through the client portal. You will be able to pay for your sessions through the portal and access your monthly statements through the client portal.
It cannot be repeated often enough, you should ensure the environment in which you choose to have your session is private, secure and without distracting noises or interruptions. If you believe you are in a physically, emotionally, socially etc. insecure relationship/environment – it is particularly important that you locate a physical space in which you will feel safe and full privacy is available.
In 2019, the practice became a Telehealth only service and session fees were reduced by 25.00 per service. Thus – the first visit for an individual is 175.00 – for couples – 225. Follow up session fees with an individual is 150, with couples: 175.00 - These fees will remain constant through 2021.
Even if you are a returning/continuing client, there are also specific documents that need to be “signed” acknowledging your understanding and wish to participate in the telehealth process.
GEOGRAPHIC AREAS OF PRACTICE
As the current laws stand – I am able to practice in the states in which I am licensed: Alabama, Maryland, New York, Texas, Virginia and Washington, DC. As I add states to my practice options or the laws change – I will advise.
You can schedule a free consultation
A no-cost 20 -minute consult is available to new clients on a scheduled basis. If you would like to schedule a consult, use our Contact form or send an Email. Should you choose to become a telehealth client, in the future, it is unlikely that an email or phone call will be required prior to your scheduling your appointments.