FAQ’s for Online Counseling Services through Alliance Connect
How do I sign up for an online session?
If you’re a new or existing online client, please click here to go to the Client Portal. You can schedule a session with a counselor of your choice or choose any available appointment to find the best day and time for you. Please be mindful of the ages that our Alliance Connect Therapists provide services to. You can click here to see what ages each counselor works with.
Does my insurance cover online counseling or teletherapy?
Most insurances now cover telehealth services. Please see our Insurance & Fee’s page under Online Counseling to see which insurances our Alliance Connect program accepts.
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?
Our Alliance Connect program is for people who are being seen solely online. That said, we can also provide occasional online counseling services for anyone at Alliance Counseling Associates to provide ongoing support for your goals when in-office visits aren’t possible. For example, if you don’t have transportation for the day or have a sick child, you can contact your therapist directly and they can set up your session for the day to be online. We are here to provide consistent support in order for you to be successful in reaching 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?
My TherapyPortal through TherapyNotes is your client portal. The client portal allows you to schedule appointments, securely communicate with your therapist and 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?
Alliance Connect provides video sessions to conduct therapy. Although text therapy has some benefits, that is not a service we currently offer. We will use secure-messaging through your client portal should there be a need to speak to your therapist outside of session.
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?
Yes. The first form you’ll complete is the Assessment for Online Counseling. You’ll find that here on our website. Then, at the beginning of your first session, you’ll review and electronically sign the intake documents with either an administrative staff member or your counselor right from the video conference screen. Some of the documents include the informed consent for online treatment and notice of privacy practices.
How do I make a payment?
In your client portal, you will be able to enter your credit or debit card number. Our payment system is secure for processing online payments.
How old do I have to be to receive online counseling?
We see people ages 10 and older in our Alliance Connect program.