In addition to face-to-face sessions, the Rowan Center for Behavioral Medicine offers teletherapy sessions to those individuals who have a difficult time coming into the office. We provide evidence-based services primarily to those in the Los Angeles area, so that it is feasible for you to come into the office if you need to. These teletherapy sessions are offered in either a phone call or video-conferencing format, utilizing a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer with a webcam. You will also need to have an internet connection. These services are provided during flexible hours and using HIPAA-compliant applications.
Many insurance companies are now offering expanded telehealth benefits, including Cigna. Your same copay or deductible benefits applies to virtual sessions as it would for in-person sessions. Because we can also provide you with the superbill to submit to out-of-network insurance companies, please check with your insurance to determine if you have teletherapy benefits.
- Medicare Update: During COVID-19, CMS has expanded telemedicine benefits to all Medicare beneficiaries (previously only available to those in rural areas). We are now able to provide teletherapy services to patients with Medicare, so that you do not have to leave your homes.
A Viable Alternative
Research has shown that teletherapy has the same benefits as in-person therapy (Novotney, 2017). We are lucky to live in a technologically advanced age where these types of services are available to us when in-person sessions are not possible. If you live in the Los Angeles area and whether you have a busy schedule, transportation issues, or health conditions that make travel difficult, teletherapy makes it possible for you to still receive services from the comfort of your own home. Initial consultation, diagnosis, and ongoing therapy sessions can all be conducted virtually. Online video sessions allow you to speak with providers virtually face-to-face in the same way you would do in the office setting.
Much of the same areas of concern can be addressed through teletherapy as in in-person therapy. These areas of concern include, but are not limited to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief and Loss
- Stress/Anxiety associated with COVID-19
- Adjustment to Medical Illness
- Marriage and Relationships
- Work and Career Issues
- Healthy Lifestyle Development
- Insomnia
- Chronic Pain
- Trauma (PTSD)
Reference: Novotney, A. (2017, February). A growing wave of online therapy. (apa.org/monitor).
