Telemental Health Care
What is Telemental Health?
Telemental Health means the mode of delivering services via technology-assisted media, such as but not limited to, a telephone, video, internet, a smartphone, tablet, PC desktop system or other electronic means using appropriate encryption technology for electronic health information.
“Telehealth is a generic term for the remote delivery of health care through the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies.” (Segen’s Medical Dictionary. “Telehealth”. 2012 Farlex, Inc. Web. Dec. 2016).
“Telehealth is the practice of health care delivery by a practitioner who is located at a site other than the site where a recipient is located for the purposes of evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.” (59G-1.057, Florida Administrative Code. Agency for Health Care Administration. Medicaid. Telemedicine. June 2016).
How can Telemental Health care help me?
Perhaps you are someone who lives far away from local mental health service providers. Or, you may have childcare or caregiver responsibilities, and you are unable to leave your home for extended periods of time. Or maybe you often remain in your home due to medical or mental health conditions. Telemental Health services allow people who have access to a reliable computer and internet connection, and a quiet, private place to meet in the convenience of their own home. If you live and will receive services in Florida, North Carolina, or Massachusetts, I am able to work with you. Please realize that Telemental health care may not be an appropriate service for everyone.
Does my insurance pay for Telemental Health services?
I am a service provider for many behavioral health insurance plans serving residents of South Florida. Please contact your insurance plan to determine if Telemental Health services are covered, and if services can be provided by out of network providers. If your insurance plan does not cover Telemental Health services, or if you do not have any healthcare insurance, we can discuss other available payment options.
Is Telemental Health private and confidential?
Your sessions with me are held over a secure, HIPAA compliant internet connection through a virtual office Patient Portal platform with Jituzu. Your clinical records are electronically stored through My Clients Plus. It is always recommended that people using Telemental Health services plan to do so in their own homes, or in a designated service agency space, where they are afforded a private, quiet location free from interruption and distraction. Services cannot be provided to people while they sit in the local coffee shop or other public location utilizing an open access internet connection, as their privacy and confidentiality becomes extremely compromised.
Inquiring more about and enrolling in Telemental Health services.
You can obtain more information about how to enroll in a secure HIPAA compliant Patient Portal by clicking on the button below. Once set up, this portal allows access for the exchange of forms, documents, and assignments. Secure credit card payments can also be made. Through this portal, you will have access to Telemental health appointments we have scheduled.
Once you have enrolled, you will be sent some forms to complete. If Telemental Health services are a good fit for you, we can begin to schedule your sessions.
For additional information or to inquire further about setting up an appointment, please contact me.
Paul C. Briggs, MSW, LCSW, LICSW, SEP, BC-TMH
Florida: SW5478 ● Massachusetts: 110348 ● North Carolina: C003436
Board Certified- TeleMental Health Provider (369)
305.310.4591
I look forward to working with you.