A first telehealth therapy session works much like an in-person one, just from the comfort of your own space. You join a secure video call, meet your clinician, and talk through what brings you in. The only real difference is the setup, and it takes just a minute. Here is what to expect so you can walk in relaxed.
How do I join a telehealth session?
Before your appointment, we email you a secure link, usually about ten minutes ahead of time. You click it from a phone, tablet, or computer with a working camera and microphone. There is no software to install and nothing complicated to figure out. If you have never used video for an appointment before, that is completely normal, and we are happy to help you test it beforehand.
What do I need to have ready?
- A reliable internet connection.
- A private space where you can speak openly without being overheard.
- Headphones, which can help with privacy if others are home.
- Your insurance card handy for the first visit, if you have not already sent it.
What actually happens on the call?
The first session is mostly a conversation. Your clinician introduces themselves, reviews confidentiality and how telehealth works at Roots, and then gently asks what brings you in. You share what you are comfortable sharing, at your own pace. Together you talk about what you would like to work on and what the next steps might look like. Sessions run the same length as in-person visits.
Is telehealth private and secure?
Yes. Roots conducts telehealth on a HIPAA-compliant platform, and the connection is encrypted. What you share stays confidential, with the same rare legal exceptions your clinician will explain in the first session. One helpful tip: choose a spot where you feel you can talk freely, since privacy on your end matters as much as the technology.
Do I have to be in Utah for the session?
Yes. Because of state licensing rules, you need to be physically located in Utah at the time of your appointment. Wherever you are in the state, from St. George to Logan, you can meet with a Roots clinician by video.
Getting started
If you are ready to try telehealth, reach out through our contact page and we will help you schedule. You can also read more about how telehealth works at Roots.
This article is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for clinical advice. If you are in crisis or experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or go to your nearest emergency room.