Dr. Poma provides virtual therapy for clients in PsyPact states. PsyPact is a group of states that have come together to agree to allow psychologists from other states to practice virtually in their state, provided that they are certified to do so. PsyPact requires regular training in telepsychology and will not allow therapists to see clients when the therapists are outside of their home state. However, they do allow clients to travel from one PsyPact state to another in order to continue receiving therapy. This is a benefit for many clients because it allows me to see a couple that is geographically separated in a combined session. It also allows me to continue treatment with students while home and at college, or for business travelers. However, PsyPact members are not allowed to see clients outside of PsyPact states.

Dr. Poma does online couple, individual, and family therapy. PsyPact states are being added regularly; you can see the updated list of PsyPact states here. The current map looks like this one. Dr. Poma is currently accepting clients for telepsychology from the following states: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, and WY.

Doing therapy online can be slightly different from going into an office for therapy. Research has shown online therapy to be just as effective as in person therapy, in general. For many people, the convenience of doing therapy from your office on your lunch hour or from your home after the children are in bed can be a benefit. Others prefer to schedule things like family or couples’ therapy when their spouse or family member is off of work. The lack of a need to commute to and from a therapy office is a major benefit of telehealth. However, certain kinds of therapy can be better done in person. In addition, like all other aspects of therapy, how you do therapy is personal. If you’re uncomfortable with technology or can’t guarantee privacy, online therapy is likely not a good fit for you.

Virtual therapy does require a few things from you, specifically around your setup. Overcoming requires you to establish encrypted email so that we can have secure communication. In addition, you need to be sure you have privacy. Overcoming and clients have to work out a way to pay your bill virtually (there are a few options for this). You also need to be able to ensure that you have privacy wherever you’re doing your virtual session. Although clients often retreat to their car for privacy during sessions, Dr. Poma will not conduct telehealth sessions with you while you are driving. Please reach out if you have any other questions about what virtual therapy through PsyPact entails.