Susan Boyes LPC
Counseling for Life Enhancement
The Manassas Group
3635 Manassas Drive #A . Roanoke, VA 24018
(540) 774-4686
Skype Counseling
- What is Skype?
- Why Skype Counseling?
- How Does Skype Work?
- How Much Does Skype Counseling Cost?
- How Do I Get Started?
- Skype Counseling Tips
- Is Skype Confidential?
What is Skype?
Skype is a free software that allows you to have free calls, video conferencing and chat over the internet. If you have a computer and a high speed internet connection, you can start downloading the program and using it right away.
Why Skype Counseling?
Skype counseling is a great alternative to face-to-face counseling when:
- You don't want your insurance carrier to have access to your mental health information.
- You are unable or unwilling to travel to a counseling office.
- You live in a remote place where counseling services are inaccessible.
- You travel for work a lot and do not want to miss any sessions while out of town.
- You would like to have some of your sessions at our office and some of your sessions via Skype.
- You do not feel comfortable about visiting a counselor's office or you do not want others to know that you go see a counselor.
- You would like to work on yourself in a place where you feel comfortable.
- You are very busy and do not have time to travel to counseling services.
- You would like to try out counseling before committing to more long-term therapy.
Important: Telephone and Skype counseling is not appropriate for people who are suicidal, self-injuring, homicidal, or who have mental health issues that require more intense care than one session per week. If you feel severely depressed, suicidal, or you think you are about to hurt yourself or someone else, call 911, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room or clinic immediately and ask for help.
How Does Skype Work?
After you have decided to schedule a counseling session using Skype, we will arrange a time for the session to take place. Then I will contact your skype number and we will proceed exactly as an office counseling session would proceed. Skype is similar to face-to-face counseling because the use of the video conferencing allows visual and audio communication between us on our computer screens.
How Much Does Skype Counseling Cost?
Skype counseling is currently not covered by most insurance, so the final cost must be balanced between the cost of your co-pay, and the value of not having to drive to a counseling session, and the comfort of doing it in your own home.
The fee structure is as follows:
| One (1) 30 minute sesson | $50.00 | ||
| One (1) 50 minute session | $75.00 | ||
| Three (3) 50 minute sessions | $200.00, $25.00 discount | ||
| Six (6) 50 minutes sessions | $360.00, $90.00 discount |
All fees must be prepaid via Paypal.
How Do I Get Started?
- Call and talk. Call me at (540) 206-3800. We can get to know each other, and I can answer any questions you may have. If I am not available, please leave your phone number, and I will return the call as soon as possible. If you want me to call at a specific time, please let me know, and I will accommodate you if possible.
- Set up a free Skype test. After you have opened your free Skype account, e-mail me your Skype number to me at susan@susanboyes.com, along with several times you will be available. I will email you detailing the exact time when I will call you via Skype. There will be no charge for this preliminary 15 minute session.
Skype Counseling Tips
The following tips may be useful to make your sessions more effective:
- Please try to create a private space free from distractions and other people during the session time.
- Have paper and pencil ready for taking notes.
- Please turn off your other phones or set them on silent mode.
Is Skype Confidential?
Yes, all Skype sessions are encrypted to ensure privacy and confidentiality. You can read more about it on Skype's web site:
