Most of our psychologists offer the option of telepsychology services to clients via either telephone sessions or secure, encrypted video conferencing (i.e., zoom or Jane video).  Our experience has been that most clients have found telepsychology sessions to be helpful and uncomplicated, even when there has been no prior experience with the technology.  Many have also described the comfort and convenience of being able to have sessions from their own homes.

 

How it Works:

 

Telepsychology has the same purpose or intention as psychological treatment sessions that are conducted in-person.  For video sessions, your psychologist will send you a link to join the video session. Once you click the link, you will enter your psychologist’s virtual waiting room until your psychologist starts the session. You will be able to see and hear each other, as long as your cameras and microphones are turned on.  For phone sessions, your psychologist will call you at your scheduled session time.

 

​For video sessions, you will need a compatible computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone with internet access and audio and webcam ability. You will also need access to a phone in case of internet disconnection or technological interruptions during video sessions. There is a risk that services could be disrupted or distorted by unforeseen technical problems. Please provide feedback to your therapist should you find the quality insufficient for your needs.

 

To minimize the risk of being overheard by anyone near you, we recommend placing yourself in a private room and using headphones, if possible. Your psychologist will conduct the session from a private, secure space to prevent the risk of sound transfer.

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If your psychologist determines that telepsychology sessions are not appropriate for your case, you will be offered an in-person appointment (if possible) at another time or be provided with referral information to other services.

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Due to licensing requirements, you must be physically located in Nova Scotia during your virtual session. Virtual sessions are also available to clients located in PEI, New Brunswick, and Nfld, but you must notify your psychologist of your location when booking the appointment. Dr. Shannon Bedford is also licensed in Ontario and can therefore provide virtual sessions to clients located in Ontario.