News
Keeping Clients Connected to Services Through Telehealth
Counseling Rooms Available for Clients, Providing Internet Access and Privacy
From online learning to accessing healthcare, we are all adjusting to new ways of doing things. Throughout the pandemic, SouthLight has remained committed to keeping our clients healthy, safe and connected to services.
Our clients have adjusted to receiving services in new ways, which includes telehealth sessions for counseling and psychiatric services. All group and individual services are now virtual, and for some, there are advantages.
“One of my clients made a good point about liking the convenience, saying usually her appointments take up to 2 hours each way on the bus, but with telehealth, her appointments do not take up her entire day,” said Tod Carver, Intensive Outpatient Program counselor.
For clients who may not have access to the internet, SouthLight has opened private rooms for telehealth appointments at our Garner Road location. “We have worked to remove barriers to access to care,” says Kathryn Schley, Senior Director of Operations. “If a client does not have a phone or computer, they can still continue their treatment.”
While telehealth may be new for many clients, we are taking extra measures to check in and make sure our clients are ok, and they know we’re here for then.
Tips for Telehealth Sessions
If you or someone you know is receiving services via telehealth, here are some tips and reminders:
- Remember that this is a therapy session, and all information is confidential.
- Take responsibility on your end to make sure you are in a place where no one can hear you or interrupt you.
- Charge their phone or computer (if video make sure they have a good internet signal).
- Relax; while having a session over the computer or phone may be uncomfortable at first, the nerves will dissipate.
About SouthLight:
Founded in 1970, SouthLight Healthcare is one of the area’s largest nonprofit providers of substance use treatment and mental health services. SouthLight partners with individuals and communities to provide innovative treatment solutions delivered with compassion and dignity. With outpatient and community-based programs, SouthLight provides prevention, education and treatment services in the Triangle and beyond. Learn more at www.southlight.org.
SouthLight provides both mental health and substance use services, and is accepting new clients. We welcome those with or without insurance; our doors are open to all. For those with commercial insurance, we offer office-based services at our Barrett Drive location in the North Hills area (although currently all services are virtual).