Platform okay but connection terrible
I have been using this platform for about a year with my therapist. I can’t even SEE the words I am typing at this time! The picture and sound go in and out quite a bit. Sometimes it has gotten so bad that we have had to get off of this platform and just FaceTime each other to finish our session. I say that the platform is OK because it has a nice looking background and it’s always clean and it does serve for a nice private and secure connection. However, it is very fresh when you cannot see your therapist. Anyway, I would gladly give it a five star rating if they could get the technical issues worked out. Several times after having a session it will have a survey and I always put on there that there are connection issues in which connection issues or technical issues they are, however nothing has been done to make this better. So, hopefully some changes will be made soon.
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Terrible connection and battery hog.
Well I’m very thankful that there are videoconferencing solutions to connect clients with therapists, this is one of the worst apps I’ve ever used. Constant dropouts even with full WiFi, and it’s impossible to have a full session unless my phone is plugged in. My phone will go from 100% dead in about 15 minutes. Even when connected to a wall outlet, my battery will drain 20% during an hour long session, and at the end my phone will be hot to the touch. I use secure video conferencing apps all the time, and I’ve never had problems like that with any of them. I recommend any competitors app over this one.
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Go get your teletherapy on a more reliable app!
I am a clinician and have been using this app since March 2020. In the beginning, my client video sessions were seamless and I was very happy. Within the last two months, the connection has been unreliable which has negatively impacted my therapy sessions. At times, my audio cuts out and clients cannot hear me. At other times there is such a significant lag that we are both waiting to hear what the other person says and video and voice is not matching up. I have talked with multiple customer service people there, yet issues are not remedied. They are quick to say that it is my Wi-Fi or the Wi-Fi of my clients, yet I am trying other HIPAA protected teletherapy platforms and we are all having zero issues. They brought on too many customers at once and cannot handle it. Go get your teletherapy on a more reliable app!
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Response from developer
Hi There, we sincerely appreciate your candid feedback. We're always looking for ways to improve our Telehealth feature and heavily consider customer insight in implementing feature enhancements. For context, besides internet connection, there are a few other factors that could contribute to decreased quality: the operating system, app version, or browser you and your clients are using could also affect the session.This guide goes through some helpful tips for troubleshooting Telehealth appointments: https://support.simplepractice.com/hc/en-us/articles/360041146032-Troubleshooting-Telehealth-appointment-issues . Thanks again! - Ruth
A Sturdy Lifeline in a bad time
My wife and I have been having weekly family therapy via this medium.
It was a bit awkward in the beginning but we are now nicely attuned, and the sessions are highly productive.
The trauma of isolation in these dark times is ameliorated though these encounters. We have learned to pick up body language more exclusively through facial expressions, and voice tones, and our therapist’s sensitivity helps a lot.
We are also pleased with the technical simplicity of the program and its broad compatibility with various devices.
It was a bit awkward in the beginning but we are now nicely attuned, and the sessions are highly productive.
The trauma of isolation in these dark times is ameliorated though these encounters. We have learned to pick up body language more exclusively through facial expressions, and voice tones, and our therapist’s sensitivity helps a lot.
We are also pleased with the technical simplicity of the program and its broad compatibility with various devices.
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In the middle
I have continued trouble getting disconnected while in Simple Practice though my WiFi signal is strong.
I also find it frustrating not being able to speak with anyone directly about an issue. For example, I have watched the tutorials but still have questions that I need to ask directly to a live person and have them walk me through.
The diagnostic options are too restrictive in scope and also don’t allow for multiple diagnoses to be assigned. I think there should be a more affordable option for someone that only wants the note taking option in the EHR and the video conferencing telehealth features. I have my own biller and can’t figure out many of the other features, but don’t have the option for a reduced monthly subscription rate accordingly.
Otherwise, I like using it.
I also find it frustrating not being able to speak with anyone directly about an issue. For example, I have watched the tutorials but still have questions that I need to ask directly to a live person and have them walk me through.
The diagnostic options are too restrictive in scope and also don’t allow for multiple diagnoses to be assigned. I think there should be a more affordable option for someone that only wants the note taking option in the EHR and the video conferencing telehealth features. I have my own biller and can’t figure out many of the other features, but don’t have the option for a reduced monthly subscription rate accordingly.
Otherwise, I like using it.
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Assurance
I use this as a way to connect with my grief counselor after the loss of my fiancé through suicide.
Without being able to connect with her so easily and have the ability to clearly communicate with her through this app, I don’t know where I’d be today.
I easily join in on our video appointment every time. I have a clear picture of her as we speak and can hear her clearly through my phone.
For me personally, it’s been a wonderful tool in being able to get the support I needDuring this most difficult time
Without being able to connect with her so easily and have the ability to clearly communicate with her through this app, I don’t know where I’d be today.
I easily join in on our video appointment every time. I have a clear picture of her as we speak and can hear her clearly through my phone.
For me personally, it’s been a wonderful tool in being able to get the support I needDuring this most difficult time
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Why not?
Now that I can have therapy from a place I feel comfortable (my home) using this app, why not? Before I was only able to meet with my therapist twice a month with my schedule. Now that I can have appointments from home I can meet with her once a week. This has been super helpful with the progress of my therapy. I’m doing a regimented therapy that has a beginning, middle and end. It would have taken longer had I continued to meet at her office. When I hear my friends and family struggling, I have said “maybe try therapy, now that you can do it from home, why not?”
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Learning to Use
I enjoy this approach to mental healthcare, especially during this pandemic. I’ve learned the cut and past methods using my I Phone app. However, I would like to learn how to receive this transmission on my I Mac computer. My phone works with a number and my I Mac works with my email address. Am I doing something wrong? My daughters think I’m erroneously using two methods of contact. If I am, how do I correct this. I want to use the I Mac. I really like this technology. Please help me.
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Iphone 8+ overheating
I've used this app a few times on my iPhone 8+, and have had issues every time. My phone overheats to the point that it gives me a heat warning, which I've never had happen ever before. Taking my case off and trying to keep it cool during a session worked somewhat, but I'd lose wifi connection every 5 or so mins when my phone got a little warmer than usual.
Overall, I'm considering changing therapists as this software has some major issue and this is all they offer. I'm currently up to date on all app and iOS updates. I have no other apps that do this, so it seems the app is to blame.
Please fix asap!
Overall, I'm considering changing therapists as this software has some major issue and this is all they offer. I'm currently up to date on all app and iOS updates. I have no other apps that do this, so it seems the app is to blame.
Please fix asap!
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I need therapy
With COVID-19 happening in our real world, the distancing from others is somewhat of a struggle but manageable. I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 disorder. Therapy is a constant in my life and much needed, along with visits with my psychiatrist. TeleHealth has helped me stay connected with my support group, my wonderful therapist Shawn and my psychiatrist Dr. Randle. I’m so grateful that in our world today, we have these sources to continue the treatment we need whether it’s therapy, doctor visits, psych visits or whatever you use this platform for. It’s helping others stay connected with the people they need most in their lives. Thank you TeleHealth for making that possible.
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