Essentially, telehealth and telemental health are terms used to identify methods for obtaining health care services from a distance; telemental health and online counseling are interchangeable terms. Telemental health systems allow you to connect anywhere with secure and convenient appointments that save you time and hassle. Through audio and video over the internet, you can meet with a health care professional from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device (iOS or Android). I use SimplePractice as the software for telemental health, which includes systems for scheduling, secure messaging, confidential video conferencing and record keeping. SimplePractice, LLC, uses a HIPAA compliant software so your information will be securely kept.

Typically, sessions are scheduled weekly and last for 50 minutes. Depending on your needs, sessions may be scheduled more frequently and/or for 75 minutes.

Please call me at 985-869-8595 and leave a brief message that includes your name, a phone number, and day and time options for me to return the call. I will call you back as soon as possible for a conversation about your needs and my approach. This purpose of this initial consultation is for you to determine if my approach suits you; there is a reduced charge for this consultation.

Once we have had an initial conversation, I can send you an email with instructions so that you can connect through a secure client portal. If you decide to continue to work with me, I will ask you to complete standard consent and information forms. You will also receive information regarding confidentiality and practice policies.

At this time, I am providing counseling services only on line.

To participate in Telehealth appointments, you will one of the following devices: 1. Desktop computer with a webcam and speakers 2. Laptop computer with built-in webcam and speakers 3. Tablet device with built-in webcam and speakers 4. Smartphone (Note: To use a smartphone, you must first download Telehealth by SimplePractice - available for iOS or Android in the app store) You will also need an internet connection that is at least 10mbps. For optimal results, a reliable, high-speed internet connection with a bandwidth of at least 10 mbps will minimize connection issues and provide the best quality. Note: We recommend using the Pre-call Tool to check your internet connection: https://tokbox.com/developer/tools/precall SimplePractice, LLC is my practice management software for video-conferencing, scheduling, secure messaging and records. SimplePractice, LLC, uses a HIPAA compliant software so your information will be securely kept.

No. These avenues are not secure. I will do telephone sessions if you are an established client and there is a temporary need; but my standard method for working with clients is through the secure portal. If you need to contact me with personal concerns, you may communicate through the following secure options: - use the messaging feature through the client portal - leave a voice message at 985-869-8595 - send a email to ganucheau@hushmail.com Sending text messages to my cell phone is not secure option.

I am typically available Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm. If you need to see me outside of those times, please ask. Sometimes, I am able to accommodate appointments outside of normal hours.

There is a fee for cancellation within 24 hours of the appointment. You will be responsible for the entire fee if cancellation is less than 24 hours in advance of the appointment.

Currently, I am not a mental health provider for insurance companies, so my services would be considered out of network. I will provide a completed claim form so that you can submit the claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. My experience is that most clients are able to be reimbursed at 50% to 60% of the approved rate for an out-of network provider as long as the reason for therapy meets their criteria.

I prefer that you pay by credit or debit card since this can be easily done online through the client portal. If this is not an option, I can send a monthly invoice, which may be paid by check. We can discuss rates during our initial conversation.