Online Therapy Information
What is Online Therapy?
Online Therapy, also called Telemental Health, is counseling that is done remotely by a licensed professional via the internet (audio, video, chat, text or email). The technology used should be secure and encrypted to maintain confidentiality for clients. Licensed Counselors follow the same code of ethics and good practices as they do in an office setting.
Is Telemental Health Effective?
In numerous studies and research, Telemental Health has been found to be as effective as in person counseling. Because of that, more and more professionals are turning to Telemental health to help others. Telemental Health is regulated by the State Licensing Board and in Arkansas, counselors need to be approved for the Technology Assisted Specialization.
Who would benefit from Telemental Health?
Telemental Health allows people to choose a counselor anywhere in the state which allows more options and expertise in needed areas. Telemental Health can save clients from long drive times, getting stuck in traffic, or paying a baby-sitter. It is also ideal for those who already have a busy schedule. You can connect to a counselor from your living room or the beach, wherever you have a secure internet connection. See if you might be a good fit for Telemental Health by completing the Questionnaire below.
Pre-Telemental Health Questionnaire
Since Online/Telemental Health counseling is not for everyone, this questionnaire is used to determine the appropriateness of Telemental Health Counseling for you. Current or Past Mental Health and Technological Skills are those that used to assess appropriateness of online counseling.
1. Do you have a history of major psychiatric episodes, hospitalizations or drug/alcohol dependence?
2. Have you been diagnosed as any of the following - Borderline Personality Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder Type 1, Mentally Ill/Chemically Addicted (MICA), and/or Schizophrenia?
3. Have you had a history of suicidal, homicidal or violent behavior or present as suicidal, homicidal or violent?
4. Are you having any current suicidal thoughts, feelings or actions?
5. Are you having any current homicidal or violent thoughts or feelings, or anger control problems?
6. Do you have access to computer or laptop with webcam?
7. Do you understand basic technology terms such as URL, browser, download, broadband, dialog box etc?
8. Do you have secure high-speed internet service (not complimentary Wi-Fi or on a shared network?)
9. Are you able to schedule appointments online through the HopeLife Counseling website?
10. Are you able to pay through a credit card online through HopeLife Counseling and/or Square’s website?
11. Will you be inside the state of Arkansas for counseling sessions?
12. Do you have a quiet and private place for online sessions?
13. Do you have a photo identification?
14. For online sessions, can you use on Chrome, Firefox or Safari on your PC or device?
If you have answered YES to questions 1-5 or NO to questions 6-14, most likely you are not a good candidate for online counseling and would be a better fit seeing a counselor in the office setting. Call or email the office for questions.
Telemental Health with HopeLife
Video, Audio, or Chat Counseling Services
Telemental Health services by HopeLife Counseling are provided by Psychology Today. They provide secure and HIPAA compliant services. There is nothing to download and is accessible from phone, tablet, laptop, or computer.
Please Note: Online Therapy/Telemental Health can only be provided to those who are 13 years or older and located in the state of Arkansas.
Email and Text Services
Email services are HIPAA compliant, however are primarily used as an adjunct option to in-person or video counseling. Email/Text is not a preferred method of counseling due to its limitations, but can be helpful to follow up between sessions.
Telemental Health Rates
A deposit of $55 is required to book an audio or video appointment and the remaining cost is to be paid prior to the scheduled appointment. Please refer to TMH Payment Schedule for more details.
Psychotherapy Session - 30 minutes: $65
Initial Diagnostic Session - 50-60 minutes: $135
Ongoing Psychotherapy Session - 50-60 minutes: $125
Email Consultations: $25 for one email exchange between both client and counselor.
Insurance for Telemental Health
Did you know some insurance companies and EAP programs offer coverage for Telemental Health Services?
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Tricare East
United Behavioral Health
Qualchoice
Cigna (some plans)
Compsych EAP
Please check your benefits to see if you qualify!
Online Therapy Instructions
Step One
Make sure that you are a good candidate for online counseling by completing the Pre-Telemental Health Questionnaire.
Step Two
Make an Appointment. On the 'Appointment Request' page, you have the ability to make appointments in person or online. Scroll down to see the online appointments and book a time that best meets your schedule.
Step Three
Complete the Appropriate Paperwork. If in Northwest Arkansas, you may complete the regular intake forms OR Telemental Health (TMH) forms. For those in other areas of Arkansas, please complete the TMH forms.
Please scan completed forms and return via email to: Office@hopelifecounseling.com or fax to: 479-761-0188. You should receive a confirmation when these are received.
Step Four
When you appointment time arrives. Please check-in below.
This online counseling website is Secure and HIPAA Compliant. All data is encrypted, your sessions are anonymous to the website host, and none of your information is stored. This website adheres to HIPAA, PIPEDA, and GDPR data privacy requirements.