We offer psychotherapy focusing on mental and physical health integration to improve overall functioning and prevent illness. Services support individuals with mental health issues linked to medical conditions or injuries. Therapy uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness. Provided in English and Spanish with a culturally sensitive approach. Most services are through Workers' Compensation; we accept all Workers' Compensation insurances. Referral from a medical provider is required. During sessions, you must be at home in a private, secure space—not at work or in your car.
Benefits and Risks of Telepsychology
Electronic Communications
Telepsychology involves delivering psychotherapy services remotely via telecommunications, including video conferencing and telephone. This modality allows clients and clinicians to engage without physical co-location, facilitating continuity of care despite geographic relocation, extended absences, or inability to attend in-person sessions. Telepsychology offers increased convenience and time efficiency. Services are available in English and Spanish to individuals residing in rural Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, as well as those with physical disabilities, limited mobility, transportation challenges, or undergoing pre- or post-surgical care.
However, telepsychology necessitates technical proficiency from both client and provider to ensure effectiveness. While offering clear advantages, telepsychology differs from traditional in-person therapy and carries inherent risks related to technology use and potential limitations in therapeutic interaction. For example:
*Risks to confidentiality: Telepsychology sessions occur outside the therapist’s office, risking others overhearing if you're not in a private space. I will protect your privacy, but you must ensure your location is private and secure your device.
*Technology issues: Sessions may be interrupted by technical failures, unauthorized access, or data breaches.
*Crisis management: Telepsychology is usually not used for clients in crisis or needing high support. An emergency plan will be created before starting telepsychology.
*Efficacy: Research shows telepsychology is generally as effective as in-person therapy, though some therapists feel remote sessions limit understanding of non-verbal cues.
We use HIPAA and Hi-Tech compliant video-conference software for sessions. Between sessions, communication is limited to email and text messaging (i.e., 720-244-0201) with your consent, strictly for administrative purposes such as appointment scheduling and billing. Confidentiality of email and text communications cannot be guaranteed; thus, clinical matters will not be discussed via these channels and are discouraged on your part. Emails and texts are not monitored continuously and do not constitute emergency contact. For urgent concerns, please contact me by phone; I will respond within 24 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. If unreachable in an emergency, contact your physician or the nearest emergency facility for psychological care. Extended absences will be communicated with alternate contact information for coverage.
Confidentiality:
Appropriateness of Telepsychology:
Emergencies and Technology:
I am legally and ethically obligated to protect communications during telepsychology sessions using updated encryption, firewalls, and backup systems. However, due to the inherent risks of electronic communication, confidentiality cannot be fully guaranteed, and unauthorized access may occur. You should also take reasonable measures to secure communications, such as using secure networks and password-protected devices. Under workers’ compensation, session progress notes will be shared with your insurance company for billing and the referring physician for coordinated care.
You will be informed if telepsychology becomes inappropriate for your treatment. Alternatives, including in-person counseling or referrals to suitable local professionals, will be discussed. Telepsychology is generally not used for conditions requiring higher levels of care, such as psychosis, suicidal ideation or attempts, self-harm, substance abuse, or step-down from inpatient treatment.
Assessing threats and emergencies during telepsychology may be more challenging than in-person therapy. To mitigate this, an emergency plan will be established prior to telepsychology services. You must designate an emergency contact near your location and sign an authorization permitting me to contact this person if a crisis arises. If a session is interrupted due to technical failure and you are experiencing an emergency, do not attempt to reconnect; instead, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately, then contact me once emergency assistance is secured. If no emergency exists and the session is interrupted, disconnect and wait; I will attempt to reconnect within two (2) minutes via the agreed platform. If you do not receive a call within that time, contact me using the provided phone number.
Fees:
Records:
Services rendered under Workers' Compensation will be billed directly to the WC carrier. Please provide the claim number and WC carrier contact information. Fees adhere to the State of Colorado Fee Schedule for Tele-Health Services.
Telepsychology sessions shall not be recorded without prior written mutual consent. I will keep session records consistent with those of in-person sessions, in accordance with established policies.