Online Therapy

Although we have 3 office buildings with multiple therapy suites, many of our clients prefer the convenience of teletherapy.  We remain very anchored in the community and have been in operation for over 20 years. CFCE offers stability combined with flexibility.

There are practices with a solely online business that do not offer their therapists the support that we believe is so essential to do the best work. Our therapists – even virtual therapists – participate in weekly supervision and consultation groups. This practice benefits our clients tremendously. All of our therapists have a solid team behind them. 

Online therapy provides an opportunity for you and your therapist to meet in the comfort and safety of your home. It can be done via a computer or smartphone and is completely confidential.

Our clients consistently report that they are highly satisfied with online therapy. Every day we are helping individuals of all ages, couples, and families. We are running groups as well! 

More about Online Therapy:

The platform we use is secure and HIPAA compliant (Google Meet). Your therapist will guide you through the straightforward process to help you access the platform before beginning your session.

If you need to adjust your appointment time due to privacy or practical concerns in your home, please let your therapist know so they can accommodate any changes necessary to make the transition easier for you.

Tell Me More About How Online Therapy Works!

You can schedule an appointment with a licensed therapist (or therapist intern) as you typically would via our New Client Inquiry form or by calling our office (609-714-8400).  

The appropriate forms will be emailed to you. You will be asked to complete them before your first appointment.

Prior to each online session, you will receive an invitation via email for your appointment containing a link to a “Google Meet” session on the agreed upon day and time. 

USING GOOGLE MEET FOR THE FIRST TIME:

• CFCE utilizes Google Meet, a HIPAA-secure video conferencing platform to maintain confidentiality and privacy.
• If you are already using Gmail, Google Photos, Youtube or another Google product, you do NOT need to download additional software — simply need to sign into your Google account!  You can access Google Meet on your desktop or laptop by using any updated web browser.
• If you plan to use a tablet or iPad, you will need to download the free version of Google Meet. You can download this from the Apple Store or Google Play. 

**We do not always recommend using a smartphone for your session because of the small screen size, but this is useful as a backup in case you encounter challenges on your computer.    

You can read more about Google Meet here:  https://apps.google.com/intl/en/meet/how-it-works/

BEFORE YOUR SESSION BEGINS, CHECK YOUR SET UP! 

• Prepare a quiet and private place with good light, preferably in room with a good connection to the Internet 
• Check that your chair is comfortable and your computer is powered up and on a steady surface
• Utilize a desktop computer or laptop (a larger screen improves the experience!) 
• Ensure you have a working camera and microphone —you can test this ahead of time
• Have your cell phone nearby and your therapist’s email in case you need to contact them 
• It can be helpful to have some paper and a pen nearby, and a water bottle if you feel you might be thirsty. Other suggested items are tissues, fidget toys and other items that make your space and experience comfortable for you.  

A BIT MORE ABOUT PRIVACY…

• Inform other members of your household that you will be online, and request that you not be disturbed or interrupted.
• Consider using earbuds or headphones to improve sound and maximize privacy
• You might want to put a white noise machine outside your closed door, or play music outside of the room you are in  
• It can be helpful to put a sign or a note on the door that lets others know you are on a call 
• If you still feel concerned, please speak to your therapist about other helpful ideas to ensure your privacy
• Parents are encouraged to help their child or teenager have this same experience  

CONNECTING WITH YOUR THERAPIST: 

• Your therapist will want to be able to hear and see you clearly, so check this together
• If you are uncomfortable with the camera, please let your therapist know as there are some ways to ensure your comfort (for example, you can hit the “pin” on your therapist’s video screen to see only your therapist and not yourself). 
• By looking into the camera, you are more likely to have good eye contact with your therapist

ENSURE A GOOD CONNECTION, AND TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS: 

• Unless your internet connection is hard wired into your device, it will usually be helpful if other family members are not streaming during the time of your session to improve the quality of your online connection.
• If the connection gets ‘glitchy or laggy,’ please let your therapist know. It sometimes helps to ‘exit the Meet’ and rejoin.  
• If for some reason you cannot access the “Google Meet” – please call or text your therapist to figure out a solution. Your therapist can also text you a link to the “Meet.”

FOR COUPLES:

• Test out your screen and ensure you can both be seen on the video camera (the larger the screen the better)
• Sit close enough to the microphone so that you can both be heard
• It’s preferable to be together but couples can also join from separate locations 
• Take the same precautions as noted above in ‘set up’ and privacy

FOR ADOLESCENTS:

• Ensuring privacy is particularly important for this age group

• Use of video camera is optimal but teen/young adult can opt out if they prefer
• Therapist checks in to be sure teen/young adult is comfortable with set-up 

FOR FAMILIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN:

• Provide young children with a quiet, private space as you would for an adult

• If parent and child participate in the session, ensure  you can both be seen and heard on the video
• Try to remove any distractions from the immediate area, however, fidget toys and other therapist-approved toys are okay 
• Ensure you have any supplies needed for the session (therapist will advise you)
• If a child participates alone, parent should allow privacy but have a plan to provide support in case the child needs help with technology or other issues
• Check that your therapist has your cell phone number in the event you are needed
• Help your child test out the Google Meet before sessions begin –most kids already know how to use it along with its many features!