For our online therapy sessions, we use a very simple-to-use platform called doxy.me. Here are some tips to make sure your online therapy session runs smoothly:
1. The software we use for online therapy sessions will only work in Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, so make sure you are using one of these web browsers.
It will not work in Internet Explorer/Microsoft Edge. Here is a link for downloading the Google Chrome browser if you need it: Google Chrome
2. If possible, hook your computer up to the Internet directly via an ethernet cable rather than using Wi-Fi.
While Wi-Fi can work, it is less reliable and sometimes slower. If you are going to try to use Wi-Fi, make sure you are close to the router and that no other devices on the network are using a lot of bandwidth.
3. We recommend using a computer/laptop rather than your phone or tablet.
While phones and tablets do often work just fine, we have experienced problems with using them in some cases. Please understand that you are taking a risk if using your phone or tablet; the call quality may not be sufficient to have a session.
4. Test your device’s capability to have an online therapy session beforehand.
You can test your device here:
https://webcasts.com/webrtc/https://test.webrtc.org/
If any of the test items come up red, you will probably not be able to do an online therapy session on that device. Items that come up yellow are not typically a problem and you should be fine. Here is a link to doxy.me’s support page which contains advice for troubleshooting common problems: Doxy.me Support.
This page also includes some additional diagnostic tests if you are having trouble figuring out what is wrong: Additional Diagnostic Tests
5. Close all other programs running on your computer.
6. Make sure your operating system software is updated.
7. Your browser may prompt you to give permission for doxy.me to use your camera and microphone. Allow this.
If needed, click here for more detailed instructions on this: How to Allow Your Browser to Use Your Webcam and Microphone
8. On occasion, there may be an issue with audio feedback on the call. You may want to have headphones available just in case, which will prevent this problem.
We also recommend minimizing background noise as much as possible to make sure we can hear you.
Security Of Your Sessions
There are 2 primary forms of protection to maintain the security of information online. Both of these methods are used to protect your confidentiality during your sessions with us online.
Encryption is scrambling information that is transmitted online to make it unreadable and unusable to anyone trying to intercept it. Our online therapy platform, Doxy.me, uses 128-bit encryption, which is considered very secure.
It is up to your discretion whether you would like to use additional encryption methods on your computer as well.
A firewall is a hardware or software filter meant to ensure that only authorized information is sent in or out of a computer or network. We use a firewall on our computers.
A firewall is an extra step of security that you can take if you wish. We use a firewall on our end, and it is up to you if you wish to use one on your end. Windows and iOS both come with firewalls, though you may need to make sure they are active. Additional firewalls can be found in home computer security software products like Webroot or McAfee.
Please understand that although we make these efforts to ensure that your online therapy session transmissions will not be intercepted, there is no such thing as a 100% foolproof online security plan. We cannot guarantee the security of any information exchanged online.
Finally, it is your responsibility to ensure confidentiality in your physical location. Make sure you are in a quiet area, preferably at home, where no one else will be able to overhear your session.