What to Expect in your Telehealth Appointments

Paperwork

Prior to scheduling your first appointment, you will be asked to complete several forms located in the student portal.

• Notice of Privacy and Professional Practices. All students receiving any kind of CAPS services are required to acknowledge this form. This document is intended to inform you of our general practices and policies, including confidentiality, record-keeping and release of information, benefits and risks, and communication.
• Client Information Form. All students receiving any kind of CAPS services are required to complete this form. It provides CAPS counselors with some helpful background information about you prior to your appointment.
• Supplemental Notice of Privacy and Professional Practices for Teletherapy Sessions. This document is specifically for students engaging in telehealth at CAPS. It contains detailed information about the use of technology and associated risks of this therapeutic modality. CAPS requires a location as well as emergency contact information for each student so that, in case of imminent risk, CAPS staff can notify the appropriate people and/or agency and direct them to the student’s location. At this time, CAPS is only able to serve students living within the state of Texas.

Initial Consultation

Your first appointment will be a consultation that occurs over the phone. The counselor will likely call you from a number with no caller ID, so it is important you ensure your device is able to receive such calls. During this appointment, the counselor will verify your current address and emergency contacts, discuss the privacy of your current location, and inquire about any questions you might have about the required paperwork. For this appointment, it is important that you be in a quiet, private place that is free of distractions and that you refrain from multitasking, such as driving, during the time of your appointment. You may be asked to reschedule your appointment if you are unable to participate in a private, distraction-free space. The counselor will gather information about your concerns and discuss treatment options that will be most helpful for you. Options may include ongoing individual telehealth, group telehealth, self-help and self-guided resources, and/or other resources located within your local community.

Ongoing Appointments

Individual ongoing appointments may occur by phone, Zoom or in person depending on you and your counselors’ needs and preferences. All group appointments will occur through Zoom. Regardless of which technology you use, it is imperative that for all of your sessions you are in a private, secure location with limited distractions. You may be asked to reschedule your appointment if you are unable to participate in a private, distraction-free space. It may also be beneficial to use headphones and/or a microphone to enhance communication with the counselor. If you have any issues or worries about engaging in telehealth, bring these concerns to your counselor’s attention so that you can explore what will be most helpful for you. For all of your sessions, it is required that you are located within the state of Texas.