To protect your privacy and help create a therapy experience that is as focused and effective as an in-person session, please prepare your telehealth space before each appointment.
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Your Device

• Use a laptop or desktop computer. A phone or tablet should be avoided for psychotherapy sessions except in an unusual circumstance discussed with your therapist in advance.
• Your device must have a working camera and microphone.
• Use a reliable, high-speed internet connection.
• Keep your device plugged in or adequately charged throughout the session.
• Close unnecessary applications, browser tabs, notifications, and other programs that may cause distractions or interfere with the session.
• Make sure your operating system, browser, and telehealth software are reasonably up to date.

Your Privacy

• To maintain confidentiality, you must be alone in the room during your therapy session.
• ​Please arrange for children and pets to be cared for outside of the session space to help maintain privacy, minimize interruptions, and allow you to remain fully engaged in therapy.
• Choose a private, enclosed space where other people cannot hear your conversation.
• Do not participate in therapy from a public place, workplace, vehicle, restaurant, or other location where privacy cannot be maintained.
• Let household members, roommates, and others know that you are in a private therapy session and should not be interrupted.
• Do not record, photograph, or livestream any portion of the therapy session without prior discussion and consent from your therapist.
• Do not allow another person to listen to the session unless this has been discussed with and agreed upon by your therapist in advance.

Headphones

• Headphones or earbuds are strongly recommended and may be required when others are nearby. They help protect the confidentiality of your conversation and reduce background noise and distractions.

Your Therapy Space

• Create a space that resembles the privacy and attentiveness of an in-person therapy office:
• Sit at a desk, table, or other stable surface rather than holding your device.
• Position your camera at approximately eye level.
• Sit close enough to the camera that your face and upper shoulders are clearly visible.
• Choose a quiet, comfortable, and distraction-free environment.
• Use adequate lighting so your face can be seen clearly. Avoid sitting with a bright window directly behind you.
• Remain seated and present for the session rather than walking around or engaging in other activities.
• Keep food, household chores, work, gaming, social media, and other non-therapy activities for another time.
• Silence your phone and disable computer and phone notifications during the session.

Before Your Appointment

• Please test your equipment before your first session and address any technical problems before the appointment begins.
• Be ready to enter your session a few minutes before the scheduled start time so that you are settled, connected, and prepared to begin on time.

The Goal

• Telehealth works best when you treat your session as you would an in-person therapy appointment: find a private space, eliminate distractions, be fully present, and give yourself the opportunity to focus on the therapeutic process.
• Your privacy and the quality of your therapy experience are important. If you are unable to provide a private or appropriate setting for a particular session, please discuss this with Dr. Ballard in advance.

Thank you,