Frequently Asked Questions

What is Teletherapy?

Teletherapy is mental health counseling that takes place online, through a live video connection. You receive the same treatment that you would in-office, it is just done online via computer/laptop, smartphone, or tablet. Teletherapy is provided by licensed mental health therapists using a HIPPA compliant platform. These therapsits must adhere to the same standards of care as in-office therapists.

What are the benefits of Teletherapy?

PRIVACY – No one will see you coming in or out of our office!
CONVENIENCE – Teletherapy saves time. No more worrying about traffic jams, weather conditions, fuel costs, or parking. Let one of our therapists come to you… wherever you are! We also offer early morning and late evening hours, as well as Sunday hours, to help accommodate your busy schedule.
ACCESIBILITY – Teletherapy is available to everyone including those who are bedridden, have chronic pain and/or illness, and who lack transportation. Teletherapy services are also available to you regardless of adverse weather conditions. Additionally, you can opt to use teletherapy even when you are on vacation.
CHOICE OF THERAPIST – Teletherapy gives you options and makes it easier for you to find specialists without having to travel long distances. Now you can see a specialist with the touch of a button!

Is Teletherapy Effective?

Yes! In fact, research shows that teletherapy can be as effective as in-office counseling in treating many mental health concerns. The high efficacy of teletherapy may be due to higher compliance rates because of greater convenience and access to appointments. Teletherapy eliminates geographical barriers and helps to connect patients with specialized practitioners.

How do I protect my privacy?

At BlueBird Teleshrink your privacy and safety are very important and we go to great lengths to ensure that your Information is kept safe and confidential. BlueBird Teleshrink uses technology that is fully HIPPA compliant. All of your Information is encrypted and stored on a secure Electronic Health Records software, and all communication between our software and the servers is encrypted. Despite the measures taken by BlueBird Teleshrink, teletherapy does have some risks. For example, someone may be able to overhear your session if you are not in a private location while online. It is also important that you use a secure internet connection in order to maintain confidentiality.

What type of technology do I need?

No special equipment is needed – just a computer/laptop, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone, and a reliable internet connection.

Which Internet connection do I need?

You can use any a modern web browser, such as Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.

Are the therapists affiliated with Bluebird Teleshrink licensed?

Yes, some therapists at BlueBird Teleshrink are individually licensed with training in evidence-based therapeutic practices. They may be a Clinical or Counseling Psychologist, a Clinical Social Worker, a Mental Health Counselor, or a Marriage and Family Therapist. However, some therapists are pre-licensed, associate level therapists. This means they have completed their graduate degree, in a mental health related field, from an accredited institution and are gaining additional experience in the field while preparing to take their licensure exams.

Who can use teletherapy at BlueBird Teleshrink?

Now providing services to those living in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin! Check back soon, as additional states are being added!

I’m a parent/guardian of a teen interested in receiving teletherapy, with a therapist at BlueBird Teleshrink. How do I grant them consent?

The therapists at BlueBird Teleshrink extend a warm welcome to you and your teen! To grant consent for your teen, you must sign the consent form as their parent/guardian. This form must be returned prior to your teen’s initial session.

I’m a parent/guardian of a teen receiving teletherapy, from a therapist at BlueBird Teleshrink. Can I talk to my teen’s therapist and access information about their progress?

The answer to this question is based on a case by case basis. For instance, it depends on the age of your teen and the nature of the services. Since, all therapists at BlueBird Teleshrink practice independently you should speak directly with your teen’s therapist.

How much does teletherapy at BlueBird Teleshrink cost?

Contact us at info@bluebirdteleshrink.com, as fees may vary depending on your insurance plan and/or unique situation. For more ways to save, visit our Reduced Cost page.

Do the therapists at BlueBird Teleshrink accept health insurance?

Yes! Here is a list of insurers we are currently in-network with:

Aetna

BlueCross BlueShield (Highmark)

Cigna

Humana

Beacon

Independent Health

Optum (United Healthcare)

Univera Healthcare

Don’t have one of the above carriers? Not a problem! You can always choose to pay out of pocket. In fact, many patients choose not to involve insurance because of the many advantages offered from paying out of pocket, such as:

-You won’t have a diagnosis label permanently attached to your health record.

-Your records are protected, which means all information about you, including very personal information, is not listed in the Medical Information Bureau.

-Your care is not controlled by the insurance company, allowing you to choose the right therapist without being limited to in-network providers.

-You also get to determine the frequency of your sessions without having to worry about approval from your insurance company.

-Your out of pocket medical expenses are in-part tax deductible.

We also offer significantly discounted session rates when you choose to work with a pre-licensed, associate level therapist. Visit our Reduced Cost page or contact us today to learn more.

What forms of payment do the therapists at BlueBird Teleshrink accept?

We accept all major debit/credit cards. We also accept direct deposit through Venmo or Zelle. Unfortunately, we cannot accept PayPal, checks, or bank transfers at this time.