Quality treatment services are vital for those with mental health disorders. We offer all outpatient programs, including partial hospitalization, through teletherapy. Anyone in the state of Pennsylvania is eligible to receive these services.
Call (610) 644-6464 to learn more about online therapy for adults and teenagers, or our virtual children’s therapy group.
A variety of fully virtual counseling, psychiatric and holistic services are also available to residents of Pennsylvania and New Jersey through Pyramid Online Counseling, one of our affiliated healthcare providers.
What is Online Therapy?
Teletherapy uses electronic devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones to conduct online counseling sessions. This lets you receive treatment services without coming to our physical locations. As COVID-19 forces many people in Pennsylvania to remain at home, online therapy allows us to meet mental health needs.
Benefits of Teletherapy Services:
- Receive treatment from anywhere in the state of Pennsylvania. You can participate in programming at any of our locations, even if you are not within driving distance.
- Meet one-on-one with a licensed therapist in a secure, virtual setting.
- Participate in virtual therapy groups.
- Schedule sessions and appointments during times that fit your schedule.
Is Virtual Counseling Different from In-Person Treatment?
Although online therapy sessions feel different from in-person therapy, the programming remains the same. You will work on the same recovery skills and be able to talk freely with your therapist. Our clinicians are trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques that are adaptable for online platforms. Understandably, you may miss the feel of an in-person session. However, know that your recovery can still move forward.
Teletherapy FAQs
As you prepare for mental health treatment from The Light Program, here is more information on what to expect.
What technology is used for teletherapy services?
The Light Program uses BlueJeans to conduct online therapy sessions. This is an easy-to-use video conferencing platform that connects you with one of our highly-trained therapists.
How do I schedule or join a teletherapy session?
For new clients, scheduling a teletherapy session is simple. Call (610) 644-6464 to speak with our Admissions team who will walk you through the process step-by-step.
What happens when I call to schedule an assessment?
- Admissions takes general client information including your name, birth date, contact, insurance information, and a brief description of current symptoms.
- Our team schedules a teletherapy Level of Care Assessment (LOCA) to determine the level of care necessary to achieve your treatment goals. LOCAs conducted over BlueJeans take between 1.5-2.5 hours to complete depending on which program is appropriate.
BlueJeans makes it easy to join teletherapy sessions. Call us with any questions or concerns about accessing your virtual session.
Additional BlueJeans Login Tips (PDF)
What accessibility features does online therapy provide?
BlueJeans offers closed captioning to assist clients with hearing impairments. It is also compatible with standard screen readers, including VoiceOver on iOS and OSX platforms, TalkBack on Android devices, and NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Access) for Windows. You can learn more on the BlueJeans website:
Closed captioning on BlueJeans
BlueJeans screen reader compatibility
How do I prepare for a teletherapy session?
Before a virtual therapy session, find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Make sure you have a strong internet connection and that your device is fully charged. Consider using headphones or earbuds for improved sound quality and privacy.
What should I do during a session with my therapist?
Treat a virtual counseling session the same as an in-office visit. Maintain communication with your therapist and speak clearly. Avoid distractions such as chores or visiting other websites.
Is my privacy protected with online counseling?
Yes. Our online therapy platform, BlueJeans, uses highly-secure, encrypted video connectivity to meet HIPAA privacy rules.
What does encryption mean? It is the process by which the data transferred between client and clinician is translated into another form (or coding language). This code is only converted back into video data by a user who has the “key.” Only the people invited to your BlueJeans teletherapy session have the key. This means that your information is only available to you and your therapist.
Is online therapy covered by insurance?
It can be hard to find online therapy that takes insurance. The Light Program has reached out to all of its commercial insurance providers and most have agreed to cover teletherapy services. Please confirm with your provider that teletherapy is covered. You can also contact our admissions department for help with insurance and payment.
Start Online Counseling with The Light Program
If you are concerned about accessing mental health care during COVID-19, online therapy is a great option. Talk to a therapist or participate in group therapy from the comfort of your home. We’ll create an individualized treatment plan that fits your needs. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a teletherapy session.
