FAQ
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- Written by David Earl Johnson, MSW, LICSW
- Category: FAQ
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Social media can be a way for you to learn about what I do, my philosophy, and about what sort of therapist I might be. But once you become a client of mine, things change. The relationship you have with a therapist is unique. Therapists cannot be friends or business partners, or have a social or sexual relationship with you.
During the time you are a client mine, you can expect most of the services offered during your scheduled visits. Should you have an urgent need, you can leave a message for me and I will get back to you when I can. You should not expect emergency help from me. Emergency services are available here. If you have an urgent need, contact me by phone. Or email me using an encrypted email service such as protonmail.com which is free. If you sign up for Proton Mail, send me email at . You may call me at 763-250-1231 for scheduling or urgent matters. But do not leave clinical information on a voicemail at my phone number because although it is private, it does not meet HIPAA standards of privacy of health records.
While you are a client of mine, you may still follow me on social media. But if you send me unsecured email, send an @replies or direct message on Twitter, comment or direct message me on Facebook, write a blog comment or contact me via some other insecure and/or public means, you may be ignored and/or deleted to protect your confidentiality and preserve the integrity of the therapeutic relationship
Now that you know my social media policy, you may follow me.
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- Written by David Earl Johnson, MSW, LICSW
- Category: FAQ
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Online video conferencing offers much the same environment of face to face counseling without the expense and inconvenience of travel. Video eTherapy is available only to residents of Minnesota since that is where I am licensed. On-line therapy has been reimbursed by every insurance company I've billed so far. If you want to know for sure, please check with your insurance or you may private pay.
I provide video conference based counseling by appointment for clients in the State of Minnesota. All you need is a simple web camera, a head set and a quiet and private room for privacy. The website doxy.me is what I use for video conferencing. It's a simple free web based program that provides secure and encrypted video conferencing. A head set provides better sound quality while filtering most background noises. Good lighting is a must to allow all the subtleties of facial expressions and body language to show. Although the idea of being on camera may produce anxiety, remember that communication is 80% non-verbal. Our emotions are communicated most readily in our body language. After the first session most of your concerns will be resolved.
Send me a brief email inquiry and I'll let you know if on-line counseling might be helpful. You can use my secure contact form. You can ensure your email will remain private by using a free secure encrypted account at protonmail.com. If you do, address your email to davemsw[at]protonmail[dot]com. Your confidentiality is ensured by encryption of both the content and Internet links.
Is Video Therapy Effective?
Telemental Health services have many advantages, such as convenience and no need for travel. However, not every mental health problem is appropriately treated online. Persons who present a significant risk of suicide or risk to injure others need face-to-face mental health services. If you have a serious problem that includes a risk of suicide or harm to others, visit your local hospital emergency department. Or you can call one of many mental health hotlines.
The federal government requires reimbursement for Telemental Health services paid by Medicaid, including PMAP services and BCBS in MN. The availability for services provided to the disabled and elderly from their homes is an important aspect. The increased availability at home for busy families, a sense of privacy, convenience and the growing development and demand for services for our Veterans in need of treatment after serving our country will ensure that all insurances will soon cover Telemental Health services. If you wish to try Telemental Health services, contact your insurance company to find out if they cover.
Telemental health via video conferencing is a maturing and researched form of therapy. Every month there are new articles measuring the effectiveness of online methods of providing therapy and education. Outcomes are equivalent to face to face methods. There may be more risks to confidentiality by using the internet. Problems can occur with your or my computer, Doxy.me website, and the network are beyond my control. Traditional treatments for your presenting problem may include face-to-face therapy at a local clinic. Sometimes group or family therapy is an appropriate alternative. If you prefer to receive a more traditional therapy, please check with your insurance provider for face to face alternatives. Or if we begin Video therapy and it appears face-to-face may be a better alternative, I will provide a referral. The reader is assured that I am keeping on top of the literature and will continue to add references and abstracts below as I find them.