important directions needed to join teletherapy sessions

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.

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. 

• 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. 

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. 

• 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.