Telehealth

Getting Ready for Your First Telehealth Therapy Session

If you’re preparing for your first telehealth therapy session with Transitions Counseling, this guide will walk you through what to expect and how to get ready, so you feel confident and prepared. Telehealth sessions are conducted through Microsoft Teams, a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform.

Telehealth Reminders

You’ll receive an appointment reminder 24 hours before your session by both email and text. These reminders will include a secure link to join your telehealth session.
You can also view and join your current and upcoming telehealth appointments anytime by logging into your patient portal here.
In addition to the links provided in your reminders, you can also join your session directly through your patient portal by clicking the “Join Session” button next to your appointment.
If you’ve misplaced your session link, no problem—just log in to your patient portal to access it or contact our office and we’ll be happy to help.

Joining from a Desktop

Click the session link in your email, text reminder, or patient portal at the scheduled time.
You’ll be given the option to join in your browser or through the Microsoft Teams app (no download is required but it’s helpful if you have Teams on your computer).
If prompted, allow your browser to access your microphone and camera.
Click “Join now” to enter the session.

Joining from a Mobile Device

Tap the session link in your email, text reminder, or patient portal.
If you haven’t already, download the Microsoft Teams app here.
After downloading, open the app and tap the session link again.
Select “Join as a guest,” enter your name, and allow access to your microphone and camera.
Once you’ve joined, you can toggle your video or microphone on/off using the controls at the center of the screen.

For more details, you can download our Microsoft Teams Telehealth Guide, which includes step-by-step visuals and troubleshooting tips to help you access your session with ease.

Tips to Prepare for Your First Telehealth Therapy Session

Set Up a Private and Comfortable Space

Choose a quiet location where you won’t be interrupted or overheard.
Avoid holding sessions in public places such as coffee shops, shared workspaces, or moving vehicles. A private setting allows you to speak freely and ensures confidentiality.
Join 5 minutes early to test your setup and ensure everything is working correctly.
Sit somewhere comfortable, such as a chair, couch, or desk, where you can stay focused and engaged throughout the session.

Get Your Technology Ready

Ensure you have a stable, secure internet connection—avoid using public or unsecured Wi-Fi.
Use a device that is fully charged and has a working camera and microphone.
Familiarize yourself with Microsoft Teams in advance.
Test your mic and camera before the session.
Consider using headphones for additional privacy and clearer audio.
Have a backup plan (like a phone call) in case of technical issues.

Minimize Distractions

Let others know you’ll need uninterrupted time during your session.
Mute your phone, pause email alerts, and close any apps or browser tabs you don’t need—this not only reduces distractions but also helps Microsoft Teams run more smoothly during your session.
Turn off voice-activated assistants (like Alexa or Google Home) to avoid accidental disruptions.
Don’t multitask during the session—avoid texting, cooking, cleaning, or working on other tasks. Treat your session the same way you would an in-person appointment, giving it your full attention.

Prepare for Your Session

Complete all required documents in your patient portal before your session to help your therapist or psychiatry provider prepare.
Write down any questions or topics you’d like to discuss.
Review any personal notes or journals that may help guide the conversation.
Have your current medication list and any other relevant information ready.

After Your Session

Make sure you have your next appointment in your calendar—don’t forget all your appointments are listed in your patient portal.
Follow up on any recommendations or homework discussed with your therapist or psychiatry provider before your next session.

For Parents

Telehealth links are different for each session for security reasons—be sure to use the most recent link sent to you.
You can always find the correct telehealth session link in your child’s patient portal.
A parent or guardian should be present for the first appointment to review important background information with the therapist or psychiatry provider.
Your participation helps ensure the provider has the context needed to support your child’s care from the start.

Telehealth

Telehealth Reminders

Joining from a Desktop

Joining from a Mobile Device

Set Up a Private and Comfortable Space

Get Your Technology Ready

Minimize Distractions

Prepare for Your Session

After Your Session

For Parents

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