Virtual Health is state of the art, live, warm, and online individual psychological treatment for depression, anxiety, low self esteem, relationship problems or unwanted habits from the comfort of your home computer.

I am excited to offer cutting edge therapy from anywhere in Michigan OR Arizona. I am offering online therapy (video conferencing based) treatment in Michigan OR Arizona for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, procrastination, habits and/or addictions.

How does online therapy work?

I use professional HIPAA compliant video conferencing software.  All you need is a computer with a webcam. Once you book an appointment I will send you a link to the video conference, clicking on it will connect you with my office. Check out the video below to see how video therapy works.  A headset may be needed to improve sound.

How does it work?

We use professional HIPAA compliant video conferencing software.  All you need is a computer with a webcam. Once you book an appointment we will send you a link to the video conference, clicking on it will connect you with your therapist’s office. Check out the video below to see how video therapy works.

What is TEAM-CBT?

TEAM Therapy, was developed by the world-renowned author and therapist Dr. David Burns.   TEAM Therapy is a powerful and innovative form of therapy that builds upon evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).  This drives faster change and relief for patients. Each step of this approach has been studied and shown to improve therapy results.

What is online therapy?

Online therapy is the use of technology for the delivery of psychological services. Therapy sessions are all 1:1, individually tailored to the client’s needs.  No group therapy.

What are the benefits and risks of online therapy?

There are numerous potential benefits of online therapy.

 For example: 

• Sessions can be provided when clients are not able to attend in-person sessions due to various reasons including physical limitations, physical distance, or lack of transportation.
• It allows clients to connect with high quality clinicians who may not be otherwise available based on geography.
• Ample research indicates that online therapy has led to effective treatment of various disorders (Journal of Technology in Human Services, 2008, Vol. 26, No. 2; Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, Vol. 16, No. 3).

However, some potential risks of online therapy include:

• Less control over confidentiality.
• Decreased emotional connection between therapist and client due to lack of physical proximity.
• Reduces the likelihood of insurance reimbursement.
• The necessity of using different forms of crisis intervention (e.g., client is required to visit a local emergency room, support person is more likely to be contacted).
• Online therapy requires you to be familiar with technology and requires that paperwork be submitted via electronic means or postal mail (instead of face-to-face).

How do I know if I am a good candidate for online therapy?

I will use the initial evaluation, as well as the first few sessions, to recommend whether online therapy is appropriate for your needs. Evaluation of appropriateness for online therapy will continue throughout the treatment. If the clinician determines that it no longer seems appropriate to provide online therapy, then the clinician will inform you of this and make local referrals. You may, at anytime, decline online therapy services.  Suicide ideation is one thought processes that is not conducive to online therapy. Proper assessment of the level of suicide ideation will need to be assessed.

What if I live outside of Michigan OR Arizona?

Licensing requirements limit where I can provide online therapy. The information on this page applies to potential clients in the State of Michigan OR Arizona .

What are the technology requirements?

I provide video-based therapy through a HIPAA compliant system (Ring Central). Once you have agreed to use this technology you are encouraged to make yourself familiar with the program.  We ask that you use a computer or mobile device with a camera, clear microphone, up to date antivirus software, and a personal firewall. It is recommended that videoconferencing be completed on an internet service at a bandwidth of 384 Kbps or higher in each of the downlink and uplink directions. Such services should provide a minimum of 640 X 360 resolution at 30 frames per second. You will need access to a private space where you will not be overheard and are free from other distractions (phones, emails, other persons in the area).  Again I have found that some people will need to get a headset to improve the sound.  This is imperative for good understanding.

Are there any concerns that are not a good fit for this program?

Unfortunately, this program is not set-up to replace crisis services or hospitalization.  Persons who are a good fit for this program are eager for help, but are stable, and desire new skills and further symptom relief. I am not able to provide detox services or accept patients who are actively dependent on substances.  Some bipolar or borderline patients may not be a good fit.

What ages are appropriate?

I provide online therapy to individuals age 18 and older.

What are the costs and is insurance accepted?

Online therapy in Michigan or Arizona is billed at $160 per 53-minute session. All fees are paid online at the time the appointment is booked via credit card.  I am a “fee for service” provider.  Services may or may not be covered under your medical plan.  I do not accept insurance reimbursement for online therapy.  I will provide to you, what is known as a Super Bill.  You may or may not be reimbursed by your insurance company for online services.  Please inquire with your insurance company to find out whether they will reimburse online therapy services.

How do I move forward?

Please start by booking a free 15-minute video/phone consultation with Garry.  I will ask questions to understand your needs and provide brief information about the counseling approach. If you both agree it’s a good fit, then you can schedule an initial video-based counseling session to continue assessing goodness of fit and start the counseling process.

The screening process begins with a free 15-minute video or phone consultation. Click on the “book now” button to schedule a free phone consultation to learn more.