FAQ’s for Online Counseling Services
How do I sign up for an online session?
If you’re a new client, please click here to go to request an appointment. You can request a session with a counselor of your choice or request any available appointment to find the best day and time for you. We try to respond as soon as possible once we receive your appointment request.
Does my insurance cover online counseling or teletherapy?
Most insurances now cover telehealth services. You may call our office or submit an appointment request where we can assist in getting additional information about what your specific insurance will cover.
Is my privacy protected during an online counseling session?
Yes! We use a telehealth program called Doxy.me that is HIPAA compliant which allows us to provide secure online counseling sessions.
What if I’m already a client at Alliance Counseling Associates but would like to have my sessions take place online instead?
That’s one of the benefits of online counseling! It provides flexibility to be seen by your therapist online and in person when necessary. Some examples of how current clients use online counseling when they typically see their therapist in person is when they have had a sick child or lack of transportation for the day. However it’s best for you, we are here to provide consistent support in order to successfully reach your goals!
Is online counseling effective?
Yes! Research has proven that it’s just as effective as in-person counseling for individuals who aren’t at risk of self-harm, risk of harming others, experiencing psychosis or experiencing a crisis that may require more intense intervention.
What is my client portal?
We use Carepaths as our Electronic Health Record and you’ll be provided with a login once you become a new client. The client portal allows you to securely sign necessary documents such as your individualized treatment plans.
How do I do online counseling with my significant other, spouse, child, etc. if we aren’t at the same physical location?
Online counseling is a convenient option for busy couples and families. We can have up to to 4 people join our session. For example, if you are at home and your spouse is at work, you can both join from where you are to participate in the session. This allows couples to work on their relationship without having to carve out the time to get to an office setting.
Does online counseling include text therapy?
Text therapy is not a service we currently offer and is not reimbursable by insurance companies.
Are my online sessions recorded?
Absolutely not! We will never record or store audio or video recordings of counseling sessions.
What kind of equipment do I need in order to have an online counseling session?
A computer, tablet or phone with a built-in camera and microphone
High Speed Internet
Ear buds/headphones with a microphone (not required, but recommended)
Do I have to be in the state of Kentucky to receive online counseling?
Yes you do. If you live outside of Kentucky or are vacationing outside of Kentucky we cannot provide online sessions. Kentucky licensing boards don’t allow for therapists to practice with clients who aren’t physically in the state of Kentucky.
What other terms are used to explain online counseling?
You will frequently hear the terms telehealth, telemental health, telebehavioral health, online therapy, telemedicine, etc. to describe online counseling services.
What kind of credentials will my counselor have?
All therapists are licensed in the state of Kentucky as one or more of the following:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA)
Licensed Psychological Professional (LPP)
Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Clinical Social Worker (CSW)
*Some of our therapists are also Board Certified-TeleMental Health Providers (BC-TMH)
Are online counseling sessions the same length as an in-person session?
Online counseling sessions typically range from 15-60 minutes. We provide more intensive sessions in-person versus online to better assess and intervene with the symptoms you’re experiencing. That said, longer online sessions are sometimes necessary and can be provided.
Are there special forms I need to fill out?
You will complete and sign the same documents you would if you were receiving counseling in person with the exception of additional information that explains telehealth in more detail. Some of those documents include the informed consent for online treatment and notice of privacy practices.
How do I make a payment?
We will get your payment information through one of the secure forms you’ll complete via email before your first session. We store this information in our HIPAA secure system in order to seamlessly charge your balance after your session takes place and/or after your insurance pays their portion of the balance. Our payment system is secure for processing online payments.
How old do I have to be to receive online counseling?
We see people of all ages through online counseling, however, some young children have a difficult time focusing and may benefit greater from in person sessions.