important directions needed to join teletherapy sessions

Please email or call us at 337.504.4974 if you cannot find an answer to your question.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

Desktop computer with a webcam and speakers
Laptop computer with built-in webcam and speakers
Tablet device with built-in webcam and speakers
Smartphone (Note: To use a smartphone, you must first download Telehealth by SimplePractice - available for IOS or Android in the app store.)
You will also need an internet connection that is at least 10mbps. For optimal results, a reliable, high-speed internet connection with a bandwidth of at least 10 mbps will minimize connection issues and provide the best quality. We recommend you using the Pre-Call Tool to check your internet connection.

DAY OF THE CALL: HOW DO I PREPARE IF I AM USING A DESKTOP OR LAPTOP?

If you plan to use a desktop or laptop, there is nothing to download prior to your appointment. Here are the steps to join:

Approximately 10 minutes before your appointment, you'll receive an email appointment reminder. Please note that the exact time you receive the reminder may vary based on your cell phone carrier.
- Note: If you have already consented to receiving text and/or email reminders, you will also continue to receive them for Teletherapy appointments. For new clients, make sure you have provided your email &/or mobile phone number in your portal so that we can enable email or text reminders if you have not done so already.
Click the unique link that is in the reminder sent to your phone or email. You may have to copy and paste the link into your web browser if clicking the link does not work. Your video call screen will now open automatically in a new tab.
When you are ready, click Join Video Call. This will take you straight into the video call.
If the therapist has already joined the call, you will see their face on the screen. If not, you will see a picture of yourself and the icons of a couch and a lamp. Please wait in the online waiting room until your therapist arrives.

Tip: For information about enabling camera and microphone access, please click below:

How to enable camera and microphone access for Telehealth.

DAY OF THE CALL: HOW DO I PREPARE ON THE DAY OF THE CALL IF I AM USING A SMARTPHONE OR TABLET?

If you plan to use a mobile device, here are the steps to join:

First download "Telehealth by SimplePractice" (for iOS or Android) in the app store. Approximately 10 minutes before your appointment, you should receive an email appointment reminder.
Open the reminder email on your device and click the unique link. This will open the Telehealth by SimplePractice app and bring you automatically to the virtual office.
If your therapist has already joined the call, you will see their face on the screen. If not, you will see yourself and the icons of a couch and a lamp.
When you are ready, click Join Video Call. This will take you straight into the video call.

Note: There may be a slight delay for the therapist to join the appointment if they are finishing with a previous appointment. Please be patient and they will join momentarily.

WHAT IF I DIDN'T GET A LINK SENT TO MY EMAIL?

Please contact us at 337.504.4974 and we will resend you the link via email or secure messaging. Also, if you have received the link and are unable to connect and we can help you troubleshoot.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE MY SPACE FOR AN APPOINTMENT?

Identify a suitable room that is quiet, private, and free of distractions.
To keep background noise to a minimum, make sure to close any doors, shut windows, turn off the television, and keep loud pets in another room if possible. Consider hanging a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door to avoid interruptions.

WHAT IF MY MICROPHONE AND WEBCAM ARE NOT WORKING?

When you click on your Telehealth appointment link, make sure to click Allow to enable your webcam and microphone to work with Telehealth. If you don't see this option, click Reload the page.

WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE INTERNET CONNECTION?

Use wired Ethernet instead of Wifi whenever possible. Wifi will work, but you may experience a lag and interference, which can make your video and audio choppy. If you experience a lag or interference while using Wifi, we recommend moving closer to your router. However, wired internet will give you a much smoother, more consistent experience.
Test your internet connection speed using the PRECALL TOOL.
Close other programs. If you have several programs running in the background, closing them will almost certainly improve the quality. Also, make sure you’re not downloading any large files.
Turn off your video stream. When your video is turned on, there's more strain on your internet connection which may impact the audio quality during a Telehealth session. If your audio becomes choppy, your connection may not be strong enough to support a live video stream. Turning off your camera, may help to improve the audio quality of the call.

DIRECTIONS

ORLEANS PLACE | RAMPART BUILDING

850 Kaliste Saloom Road, Suite 212

Lafayette, LA 70508

PHONE 337.504.4974

FAX 337.456.2434

Admin@acadiancounselingcenter.com

LOCAL COUNSELORS IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES

We are honored to provide counseling services to Lafayette and the surrounding communities in Louisiana.

Counseling Offices: Lafayette

Telehealth Counseling: Youngsville, Broussard, Scott, Carencro, New Iberia, New Orleans, Metairie, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lake Charles, Alexandria and others.

Telehealth is available for anyone in the state of Louisiana.

Learn more about TELEHEALTH SERVICES