Telepsychology Policies

Telepsychology Visits

The following policies are related to telepsychology visits at the SDSU Psychology Clinic. Telepsychology visits (connecting over a secure video platform) are designed, as much as possible, to be equivalent to traditional in person sessions.

The sessions are the same format and length (e.g., generally 50-minute sessions, starting at the top of the hour) and payment is due at the time of service (using the online payment link).

Clinicians conduct the visits from private therapy offices, just as they do for in person sessions.

 

Ensuring Safety during the Telepsychology Visit

Before your first telepsychology visit, you will be asked to provide your clinician with the following information:

• The location (specific address) where you will be participating in telepsychology sessions.
• The name and contact information for an emergency contact that they are approved to contact in case of an emergency during a telepsychology visit.

In order to create a therapeutic environment, we ask that you please treat your telepsychology visit the same way you would an in-person visit by adhering to the following guidelines:

 

Preparing for the Telepsychology Visit

Ensure you are in a safe, quiet, and private space.

• No other people should be present and able to view the screen or hear the session. This is to respect the confidentiality of your treatment.
• Visits should be attended from home/work if possible (i.e., not in a public space).
• The use of headphones or white noise machines/phone apps can help maintain privacy.

Use an appropriately charged device with good internet connectivity

• Use a screen bigger than a cell phone if available.
• Ensure your device is fully charged before the visit.

Remove possible distractions.

• Turn off other devices (televisions and radios, etc.). Set your phone to do-not-disturb so you are not interrupted.
• Remove pets or other distractions from the room.
• Let others know not to disturb you.

 

During the Telepsychology Visit

Check your connection at the start of the visit.

• Check your self-view to ensure others can see you. Position yourself in a well-lit area with the device at eye level so your face is clearly visible.
• Ensure that you can see and hear your clinician.

Treat your visit the same way you would an in-person visit.

• Dress appropriately as you would for an in-person clinic visit.
• Be seated in an alert position (not lying down/in bed, if physically able).
• Do not engage in other activities during the visit (e.g., cooking, cleaning, eating). Drinking water is ok.
• No smoking or use of tobacco products during the session.
• Do not video/audio record the session, unless directed to do so by your clinician.

Ensure safety and attention during the visit.

• Notify your clinician at the start of the session if you are attending the visit from a different location than the address you have previously provided.
• Do not engage in unsafe behavior during the visit (e.g., driving)
• Please do not attend the visit while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Please lock up all weapons (e.g., guns, knives, etc.) and remove them from the room where the virtual therapy will be occurring.

Prepare for disconnection or technical issues.

• If the call unexpectedly disconnects, close your browser, and try rejoining the Zoom link.
• If you continue to be unable to connect, your clinician will contact you at the agreed upon phone number.

 

Options for Care

• If there are frequent difficulties with the technology platform (audio/video), telepsychology may not be the best option for you; your care team can discuss alternatives with you.
• Telepsychology is not a suitable modality of care for everyone. You and/or your care team may determine some services may be better offered in person and will discuss this with you should it become relevant.

Please discuss any questions or concerns about any of these telepsychology policies with your clinician so alternative options can be identified as needed.