Greetings from reflect, As the country and the State of California grapple with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, I wanted to reiterate reflect's commitment to supporting our members during these stressful times. I started reflect due to my own struggles looking for the right therapist, so it’s important to me that our members continue to get needed support -- even if there are circumstances outside our control. Our team is working closely with our entire therapist community to make changes that help safely ensure access during these unusual times. The Bay Area just instituted a 'shelter in place' order, and many companies are asking employees to work from home. While reflect is committed to in-person therapy, we also recognize the extenuating circumstances we are all facing. We must balance the health and safety of our community and comply with recommendations from health officials around social distancing.
As such, we have asked our therapists to offer remote sessions. Studies have shown that teletherapy is incredibly beneficial in many cases, particularly when in-person options are not available -- and definitely better than pausing or not seeking care. Note, not all therapists may offer remote therapy, and the Bay Area’s ‘shelter in place' order still allows for in-person healthcare visits at the time of this posting.
If you find yourself needing support during this difficult time, please click above to get matched. You can also reach out to our team with any questions by emailing us at support@joinreflect.com.
Teletherapy is a temporary offering for now while the Coronavirus outbreak unfolds. We are constantly monitoring reports from health officials and will share updates as soon as we know more.
Lastly, I’m including a few links that I hope can provide helpful information:
CDC’s Website Feeling Anxiety About Coronavirus? A Psychologist Offers Tips to Stay Clearheaded Thank you for your continued commitment to your own mental health and for letting us be a part of your journey. We are here for you. Jonathan TranPham Founder/CEO, reflect
More about teletherapy
What is teletherapy?
California law has long recognized telehealth as a form of delivery of health care and behavioral health services which many psychotherapists are practicing in the state of California and the US. “Teletherapy” includes, but is not limited to, consultation, treatment, and education using interactive audio, video, or data communications.
Why is reflect moving to teletherapy?
During the Bay Area “shelter in place” order, we are temporarily asking our therapists to offer remote sessions. While reflect is committed to in-person therapy, we also recognize the extenuating circumstances we are all facing. We must balance the health and safety of our community and comply with recommendations from health officials around social distancing.
reflect therapists commonly provide teletherapy sessions over phone calls or video conversations in their private practice. This addition means they can now offer it to their reflect clients as well.
What are the benefits of teletherapy?
Teletherapy allows you to continue seeing your therapist in circumstances such as the Bay Area “shelter in place” order. Studies have shown that teletherapy is incredibly beneficial in many cases, particularly when in-person options are not available -- and definitely better than pausing or not seeking care.
For those who do it on an ongoing basis, it provides the convenience of eliminating the need to commute to your therapist office. Additionally, teletherapy can make it easier to see a therapist who specializes in a particular issue but is physically far away, which improves reflect’s ability to get you a good match. Teletherapy also means you’re generally able to have sessions in a location where you are comfortable. The safety of being in your own space may help you open up.
What will I need to access teletherapy sessions?
Some therapists offer phone sessions, others video sessions and some are offering both. For video sessions, your therapist will provide you specific instructions on which teletherapy platform they will be using. Common options for video visits include Doxy and VSee.
Are reflect therapists accepting new clients?
Yes! We are here to support you in this time of heightened need. Please take our matching survey to get started. You'll receive your matches within just 24-48 hours.
What if I’m unsure about starting therapy via video or phone?
If you’re new to reflect, thank you for trying us. We understand that you likely found us based on a positive review from a friend who used reflect to find a therapist for in-person sessions. Of course, we are still committed to the benefits of in-person therapy.
However, in these unusual times, we believe teletherapy is still definitely better than waiting, especially when none of us know how long this crisis will last. Studies show that stress often worsens if not addressed -- that’s even more true during a crisis like this one when we may feel even more lonely or isolated.
Besides the medium for therapy, nothing else about your reflect experience changes with teletherapy. We still use the same data-driven algorithm focused on fit to match you. And you still have access to our quality network of top providers, which you can still try for free by phone. Being open to teletherapy just gives you more potential options during this crisis, as most therapists have moved to a remote model.
If you find a therapist you like with reflect, we encourage you to try scheduling a remote session.
And please know, telehealth is a temporary offering to accommodate social distancing. Once the Coronavirus crisis ends, we will work with our clients and therapists to transition sessions back to in-person therapy.
I am already seeing a therapist through reflect. How do I know if they’re offering teletherapy?
Your therapist should be reaching out to you to move your sessions to video or phone soon if they have not already done so. Please note, not every therapist may be offering remote therapy, and the Bay Area’s “shelter in place” order still allows for in-person healthcare visits at this time. If you have not heard from your therapist about an upcoming session, please check-in with them or with our support team by texting us at 415-439-0518.
Still have questions? Contact us at support@joinreflect.com.
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