Telehealth therapy—the use of secure video and audio technology to meet with your provider remotely—is a convenient and effective way to access mental healthcare. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), telehealth is just as effective as in-person therapy for treating most mental health conditions. While the delivery method is different, the clinical quality and the relationship you build with your therapist remain the core of the healing process.
At Spring Health, all virtual sessions incorporate high-quality video and audio to help you establish a meaningful connection with your therapist from the comfort and privacy of your own space.
Benefits and Considerations of Telehealth
Expected Benefits | Possible Risks |
| Greater Accessibility: Connect with providers who may not be available in your local area. | Technical Issues: Poor internet connectivity can occasionally interrupt the flow of a session. |
| Convenience: Save time by eliminating travel and logistical barriers like childcare or traffic. | Logistical Delays: Equipment or system failures can cause minor delays in care. |
| Enhanced Comfort: Participate in therapy from an environment where you already feel safe. | Initial Discomfort: Some find virtual communication feels less "intimate" at first, though most members report feeling more comfortable after 1–2 sessions. |
| Greater Privacy: No need to sit in a public waiting room or take time off work for travel. | Remote Limits: Managing severe clinical emergencies can be more complex from a distance. |
Location Requirements for Telehealth
To ensure high standards of care and legal compliance, there are specific requirements for virtual sessions:
- Physical Location: You must be physically located in a state or jurisdiction where your provider is licensed to practice at the time of the session.
- Identity Verification: Your provider may ask to verify your identity and confirm your exact location at the start of each session. Please have a photo ID on hand.
- Couples & Family Care: For joint sessions, all participants must be located in a state or jurisdiction where the provider is licensed. If any participant is in an unlicensed location, the session cannot proceed and may be subject to a late cancellation fee.
What if Telehealth Doesn't Feel Right?
While many people find that they adapt to virtual communication after just two or three sessions, it isn’t for everyone. If you decide that telehealth is not the right fit for your needs, please notify our team promptly. We can help you explore in-person options within our network or facilitate a referral to an off-platform provider that offers the treatment mode you prefer.
Emergencies & Crisis Situations
Telehealth is not appropriate for medical or psychiatric emergencies. If you are experiencing a crisis, you should:
- Call Spring Health’s Crisis Line at (855) 629-0554, option 2,
- Call 911 (or your local emergency number), or
- Go to your nearest emergency room.
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