Online Therapy

It goes by many names…telepsychology, online therapy, tele, videoconferencing, telebehavioral health, telemedicine, telemental health, telehealth. All of these mean generally the same thing – mental health services provided via technology. For the purposes of your work with Dr. Morrison, it means that all of your appointments with her will be held through a secure videoconferencing platform, you will speak with her via phone/secure messaging outside of appointments, and will not have any in-person appointments.

Why online therapy?

Dr. Morrison’s interest in telehealth and her decision to create a practice entirely in this modality was born out of her desire to increase access to mental health care for those in rural and geographically isolated areas. Dr. Morrison was raised in rural Nevada and noticed, as she went through her training to become a psychologist in urban areas, that effective treatments were not getting to all of the people that needed them. Videoconferencing services are one way to address the issue of limited access to care in rural areas. However, people in urban areas also find meeting through videoconferencing makes it possible to fit therapy into their day. The ease of meeting from work, home, or campus helps reduce barriers to treatment, such as commute time, travel costs, and childcare.

Does it work?

The research done thus far has found that psychological services via videoconferencing are as effective as in-person services and patients are generally satisfied (see this article for references and more details). Especially for treatment of disorders where practice at home is crucial (e.g., hoarding disorder, OCD, trichotillomania), videoconferencing can allow the therapist to be present during those home practices and ensure effective use of the intervention.

What do you need for online therapy appointments?

An electronic device with a camera, microphone, and speaker (e.g., smart phone, tablet, laptop, desktop with camera). These features are built in to most devices. Headphones can improve sound quality, but are not necessary.

Internet connection (strong internet connections are best for videoconferencing).

A private location where you will not be heard or disturbed during the appointment.

To be located within a state in which Dr. Morrison is licensed during your appointments.

Telehealth Getting Started Guide by SimplePractice
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Current states where Dr. Morrison can provide services

Resources

Have concerns about meeting via videoconferencing?

Contact Dr. Morrison to discuss these concerns. She has helped patients (from the very tech savvy to those completely new to technology) get comfortable with online therapy and will happily do that for you as well. Online therapy is not for everyone. If it is not a good fit, Dr. Morrison will do her best to assist you in finding resources where you can see a provider in-person.