Telehealth (video or phone) appointments are available with The Hummingbird Centre, and accessible to all of our clients. Here are some facts that can help you understand Telehealth and allay any concerns you might have.

Therapy through Telehealth works

Telehealth has been shown to be an effective way of delivering therapy. Under the current COVID 19 circumstances, it helps us all to maintain social distancing, while continuing to stay connected and take care of our mental health and wellbeing.

Our clinicians are experienced in using Telehealth and have been using it for some time to provide therapy, attend meetings, give and receive supervision, and to provide and participate in online learning.

Benefits

• Easy access with a range of devices (with data available).
• You can choose the location to access your therapy. All you need to do is find a comfortable and private space of your choosing.
• You can choose to see an available therapist at any of our locations, which hasn’t always been as easy with face-to-face appointments.
• It saves you time, as you don’t need to travel to or from your appointment.
• You can continue with therapy, no matter where you are.
• During this challenging time, you can continue to take care of your mental health and wellbeing.
• Safe ‘social distancing’ is a given!

Common concerns

I won’t have the same connection online or on the phone as in person

Many people worry about this, but we have found that most people’s experience is that they quickly adapt to Telehealth sessions, and feel comfortable and supported using this method of therapy. After the first session or two, many people report that they no longer notice the difference. In fact, some people even prefer it! If you find that it is taking time to adapt, discuss this with your therapist, and we can help you to work through adapting to this new way of working together.

I’m not good with technology and it will be complicated

It doesn’t have to be complicated. We offer a range of platforms, including telephone sessions, for Telehealth appointments. The most complicated that it tends to get is downloading an app and clicking on a link that we send you. Many people already have the app downloaded. Once you click on the link, it will either say “wait for the host to start the meeting”, or you will see your therapist on the screen straight away.

If there are any hiccups, our staff can easily talk you through them. We suggest that you have your phone nearby if you are accessing your session on a different device, and we can talk you through the steps, if required.

All you need for video sessions is either a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, or a computer, and access to the internet.

Security and Privacy

At the Hummingbird Centre, we take confidentiality and privacy very seriously. In addition to our usual confidentiality and privacy measures, we are able to employ measures such as using secure video platforms with end-to-end encryption, locking video meetings, and/or using a unique user ID for your sessions. We use up to date software and anti-virus programs, and if we are working from home you may see us wearing headphones or headsets for additional privacy of your appointments. All you need to do is find a private space, out of earshot of others. Further information is available in our Telehealth consent form.

We are here and available to help you with Telehealth or any other questions you might have. Just contact us at The Hummingbird Centre and we’re ready to help get you Telehealth ready.