WHAT IS TELETHERAPY?

The only real difference between in-person therapy and teletherapy is just that — teletherapy does not occur in person, but instead over a secure and confidential platform using a webcam. Some people may engage with their therapy completely via teletherapy, or a combination of in-person and virtual meetings, depending on their specific needs.

Some people may need teletherapy due to physical, medical or mobility limitations. Others may need it because they live too far from their therapist, and there are few resources in their area. Some people may have specific mental and emotional symptoms that make it difficult to attend therapy in-person, such as severe PTSD or social anxiety. Others may simply be extremely busy with work and their personal life, and teletherapy just fits better for them.

Some things to consider before using teletherapy. Will you feel connected enough to your therapist? Do you feel comfortable using technology to talk about mental health concerns? Do you have the necessary technology?

WHAT HAPPENS
IN THERAPY?

If you’ve never been to therapy, it likely will not look like how it’s portrayed in TV or movies. therapy is two people putting their heads together — you being the expert in your life, and your therapist being the expert in mental health — and figuring out a game-plan to improve your situation.

In the initial appointments, you will discuss what brought you to therapy and what you are looking to get out of it. They will also include talking about your personal and family history and completing assessments to determine your symptoms and whether any diagnosis is present. This will help the therapist create a road-map for therapy. During the meat of therapy, you will do things such as: reflect on the past and gain insights for the future; process past experiences and explore future ones; develop skills to manage stressors, improve symptoms, and maintain wellness. During the final sessions, you will process and reflect on what you learned from therapy, and how you plan to use those skills moving forward. You will also come up with a plan for how to return to therapy as needed.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY EVIDENCE-BASED?

Therapists don’t just talk to you, provide advice, or tell you things are going to be OK. Everything we say and do is intentional and aimed at addressing your symptoms and helping you build skills to reach your goals.

Evidence-Based Treatments are backed by scientific evidence. That is, studies have been conducted and extensive research has been documented on a particular treatment for a particular issue, and it has proven to be successful.

If it hasn’t been studied or measured and found to be effective, then we aren’t using it. This is one of the things that separates us from you just talking to a friend about your concerns.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR SERVICES?

Clinical Psychology = Services that address your mental and behavioral health concerns. This includes individual, couples, group, and family therapy, along with psychological evaluations. This includes specialty eating disorder treatment.

Sport Psychology = Services that address performance-specific needs. This includes individual, group, or team services that focus on building mental skills to improve your overall performance. For athletes and other types of performers.

Consulting Psychology = A array of services related to the use of our expertise in psychological science to help solve-problems. This includes executive coaching, improving productivity, developing policy, and workshops and trainings.

PSYCHOLOGIST vs PSYCHIATRIST?

Although both are mental health professionals, they have different educational backgrounds, training and scope of practice, and both play a unique role in the treatment of mental health issues. Both can be extremely helpful in address your mental and behavioral health needs.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors with special training in psychiatry. A psychiatrist is able to conduct basic psychotherapy and prescribe medications and other medical treatments. Because of demand, psychiatrist tend to spend most of their time on medication and symptom management for mental and behavioral health issues.

Psychologists have an advanced degree and have extensive training in research and clinical practice. Psychologists are experts in psychotherapy and psychological testing and evaluation. Currently, psychologists in some states can prescribe medications with appropriate training (not in Texas).

CAN YOU TALK TO MY OTHER DOCTORS?

Yes — if you give us permission to do so. Our providers have training within integrated care settings where different health care professionals worked together to support a person’s health. Thus, we believe it is important that all of your healthcare providers are on the same page.

Multidisciplinary treatment is the best ingredient for success, especially given the connection between mental and physical health. We can share your information regarding our work together with your other healthcare providers when you decide it is necessary and helpful for them. We can do this in numerous ways, and will do so in a confidential manner.