Telehealth Informed Consent Information

Effective Date: September 12th, 2025

Last Updated: September 12th, 2025

This information page provides comprehensive details about telehealth therapy services offered by [Your Practice Name]. While formal informed consent occurs during the therapeutic intake process, this information helps potential clients understand what telehealth therapy involves and what to expect.

What is Telehealth Therapy?

Telehealth therapy, also known as teletherapy or telemental health, is the delivery of mental health services through secure video communication technology. It allows licensed mental health professionals to provide therapeutic services to clients who are in a different physical location.

Key Features of Telehealth Therapy:

  • Real-time, interactive video and audio communication
  • Secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms designed for healthcare
  • Same therapeutic interventions and treatment approaches as in-person therapy
  • Professional licensing and ethical standards apply equally

Services Provided Via Telehealth

Lorrie Ogren provides the following trauma therapy services through secure telehealth platforms:

  • Individual trauma therapy sessions
  • Trauma-informed therapy approaches
  • EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting therapy
  • Somatic approaches to trauma treatment
  • Crisis stabilization and safety planning
  • Therapeutic assessment and evaluation

Important: All services provided via telehealth maintain the same professional standards and therapeutic effectiveness as in-person sessions.

Technical Requirements

To participate in telehealth therapy sessions, you will need:

Required Technology

  • High-speed internet connection with sufficient bandwidth for video calling
  • Device with camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone)
  • Updated web browser or telehealth platform app
  • Private, secure location where you can speak confidentially

Recommended Setup

  • Stable internet connection to minimize disruptions
  • Good lighting so your therapist can see you clearly
  • Comfortable seating in a quiet, private space
  • Backup communication method (phone) in case of technical difficulties

Platform Security

We use Doxy.me, a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform specifically designed for mental health services. This platform includes:

  • End-to-end encryption for all communications
  • Secure data transmission and storage
  • No recording capabilities without explicit consent
  • Automatic logout features for security

Benefits of Telehealth Therapy

Accessibility and Convenience

  • Geographic flexibility - Access therapy from your home or safe location
  • Reduced travel time and costs - No commuting to appointments
  • Scheduling flexibility - More appointment time options
  • Comfort of familiar environment - Therapy in your own space

Therapeutic Advantages

  • Increased comfort for some clients - Reduced anxiety about in-person meetings
  • Better attendance rates - Fewer missed appointments due to transportation or weather
  • Continuity of care - Maintain therapy during illness, travel, or other barriers
  • Family involvement - Easier to include family members when appropriate

Limitations and Considerations

Technology-Related Limitations

  • Internet connectivity issues may cause disruptions to sessions
  • Audio or video quality may vary based on your internet connection
  • Platform familiarity - Some time needed to become comfortable with technology
  • Technical difficulties may require backup communication methods

Clinical Limitations

  • Physical observations may be more limited than in-person sessions
  • Crisis interventions require different protocols for telehealth
  • Certain therapeutic techniques may be adapted for virtual delivery
  • Emergency response procedures differ from in-person sessions

Environmental Considerations

  • Privacy requirements - Need for confidential space during sessions
  • Distractions - Potential for interruptions in home environment
  • Professional boundaries - Maintaining therapeutic frame in informal setting

Privacy and Confidentiality

HIPPA Compliance

Telehealth therapy sessions are subject to the same privacy protections as in-person therapy:

  • Protected Health Information (PHI) is secured through encrypted platforms
  • Confidentiality standards remain the same as traditional therapy
  • Privacy practices follow all applicable state and federal regulations

Your Privacy Responsibilities

To maintain confidentiality during telehealth sessions:

  • Ensure privacy - Use a private space where others cannot hear or see you
  • Secure your device - Use password protection and log out after sessions
  • Avoid public spaces - Do not participate in sessions from public locations
  • Inform others - Let household members know you need privacy during session times

Platform Security Features

Our telehealth platform includes:

  • No data storage on external servers after sessions end
  • Encrypted transmission of all audio and video data
  • Secure authentication requiring login credentials
  • No recording capabilities without explicit mutual consent

Emergency Procedures and Crisis Management

Emergency Situations

Important: Telehealth therapy is not appropriate for mental health emergencies or acute crisis situations.

If You Experience a Crisis During a Session:

  1. Immediate Safety: If you are in immediate danger, call 911 immediately
  2. Inform Your Therapist: Alert your therapist to the crisis situation
  3. Stay Connected: Remain on the video call unless directed otherwise
  4. Follow Safety Plan: Implement crisis safety plans previously established

Crisis Resources

National Crisis Resources:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Wisconsin Crisis Resources:

  • Wisconsin Crisis Line: 1-800-985-5990
  • Text "TALK" to 741741

Minnesota Crisis Resources:

  • Minnesota Crisis Line: 988
  • Text "MN" to 741741

Crisis Protocol

Your therapist will:

  • Assess safety and determine appropriate level of intervention
  • Contact emergency services if immediate danger exists
  • Coordinate with local resources in your geographic area
  • Follow up with appropriate safety planning and support

State Licensing and Legal Requirements

Professional Licensing

Lorrie Ogren is licensed to provide telehealth therapy services in:

Wisconsin:

  • License Type: LPC
  • Licensing Board: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

Minnesota:

  • License Type: LPCC
  • Licensing Board: Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy

Geographic Restrictions

  • Client Location: You must be physically located in Wisconsin or Minnesota during all telehealth sessions
  • Therapist Location: Your therapist will be located in Wisconsin or Minnesota during sessions
  • Legal Compliance: Services comply with Wisconsin and Minnesota telehealth regulations

Informed Consent Requirements

Wisconsin and Minnesota require specific informed consent for telehealth services:

  • Voluntary participation - Telehealth therapy is completely voluntary
  • Right to refuse - You may decline telehealth services at any time
  • Alternative options - In-person therapy alternatives will be discussed
  • Documentation - Consent for telehealth services will be documented in your record

Your Rights as a Telehealth Client

Right to Quality Care

  • Same standards of care as in-person therapy
  • Professional competence in telehealth service delivery
  • Appropriate treatment planning adapted for telehealth delivery
  • Ethical practice following all professional guidelines

Right to Privacy

  • Confidential treatment with same privacy protections
  • Secure communications through encrypted platforms
  • Control over recordings - no sessions recorded without consent
  • Privacy practices disclosure and explanation

Right to Choice

  • Voluntary participation - no requirement to use telehealth
  • Option to withdraw consent at any time without penalty
  • Alternative services - access to in-person therapy options
  • Technology alternatives - different platforms if needed

Right to Information

  • Clear explanation of telehealth processes and procedures
  • Technology training and support for platform use
  • Regular check-ins about telehealth experience and satisfaction
  • Open communication about any concerns or limitations

Session Expectations and Guidelines

Before Each Session

  • Test technology - Ensure your device and internet are working properly
  • Prepare your space - Find a private, comfortable location
  • Minimize distractions - Silence phones and close other applications
  • Have backup plan - Know how to reach your therapist by phone if needed

During Sessions

  • Professional attire - Dress as you would for an in-person appointment
  • Full engagement - Minimize multitasking and distractions
  • Clear communication - Speak clearly and ask for clarification if needed
  • Respect boundaries - Maintain the same therapeutic boundaries as in-person therapy

Technical Difficulties

If technical problems occur during a session:

  • Stay calm and try basic troubleshooting (restart, check connection)
  • Contact by phone using the backup number provided
  • Reschedule if needed - Sessions may be rescheduled if technical issues persist
  • No additional charges for technology-related session disruptions

Billing and Insurance Information

Session Fees

  • Telehealth sessions are billed at the same rate as in-person sessions
  • Technology fees - No additional charges for telehealth platform use
  • Payment methods - Same payment options as in-person services
  • Cancellation policy - Standard 24-hour cancellation policy applies

Insurance Coverage

Important Note: Lorrie Ogren does not accept insurance. All services are fee-for-service.

  • Self-pay rates apply to all telehealth sessions
  • Payment due at time of service or as arranged
  • Good Faith Estimate provided as required by federal law

Getting Started with Telehealth

Initial Steps

  1. Schedule consultation to discuss telehealth options
  2. Complete intake paperwork including telehealth-specific consent
  3. Technology test session to ensure platform functionality
  4. Establish backup protocols for emergency and technical difficulties

Ongoing Support

  • Regular technology check-ins to address any platform issues
  • Feedback opportunities about your telehealth experience
  • Flexibility to transition between telehealth and in-person sessions as needed
  • Continuous assessment of telehealth effectiveness for your needs

Contact Information

For questions about telehealth services or technical support, please contact:

Lorrie Ogren Integrative Therapy

Lorrie Ogren, MA, LPC, LPCC

Licensed in Wisconsin and Minnesota

Phone: 1-715-333-3446

Website: https://lorrieogren.com

Emergency Contact: Use crisis numbers listed above

Note: This information page is for educational purposes only. Formal informed consent for telehealth services will be obtained during your intake appointment. If you have specific questions about telehealth therapy or would like to discuss whether it's appropriate for your needs, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

This Privacy Policy was last updated on September 12th, 2025 and is effective as of September 12th, 2025.