How to Use Telehealth

The office of Dr. Murrell uses telehealth exclusively for a number of reasons.

1. It is incredibly convenient. As long as the client is in a private space and will not be interrupted, the therapy can take place anywhere. That may be in the home, in the office, in a vehicle or anywhere the client feels safe. Therapy can reach into spaces that it was previously very difficult to reach. Clients who have lived in very rural environments can now benefit from therapy, provided they have a computer, cell phone or landline.

2. It is cost-effective for both the psychologist and client. Not having to provide office space is cost-effective for the psychologist. It is cost-effective for the client, because there is no commute time and no waiting in the psychologist's office to be seen. There is no need to drive your car at all. No time taken off of work or away from the family and friends. In fact, family and friends can wait in the next room of the same home to offer support to the client.

3. Therapy can be on the phone, provided the conversation is private. Research has shown that clients are often more open and comfortable doing phone therapy because they don't have to look at their psychologist while they are speaking. The autonomy of being out of sight, often makes talking about very personal details, more comfortable.

4. Dr. Murrell's clients download the app entitled Spruce Medical Communication and that encrypts all conversations as well as texts. That technology meets the criteria for HIPAA approved communication and is recorded as part of the progress notes that goes into the client's file. Although using an app may sound complicated, it really is not. After getting the client’s name, phone number and email, Dr. Murrell sends an invitation to the client. When the client responds, the system is then set up and ready to use. It is surprisingly simple to have a complete HIPAA approved encrypted communication full installed in a matter of a very few minutes.

5. As always, client’s phone calls or texts are answered within 24 hours.