Once you've decided telehealth might be a good fit, the next questions tend to be practical ones: What platform is used? What if the connection drops? Is it actually private? Here's exactly how virtual sessions work at Arrow Behavioral Health, from booking your first appointment through a typical session.
Who Telehealth Tends to Work Well For
Telehealth isn't the right fit for every situation, but it works well for many of the clients we see, including:
Rhode Island residents who live outside Kent County or Aquidneck Island
Clients with unpredictable work schedules who need flexibility
Parents coordinating childcare around appointments
People who feel more comfortable opening up from a familiar space
Clients continuing care while traveling within Rhode Island
We've written previously about the general effectiveness of telehealth therapy and what online therapy in Rhode Island looks like more broadly. This piece focuses specifically on our process.
Step 1: Scheduling Your First Appointment
Telehealth clients go through the same intake process as in-person clients. Call our office or use our contact form, let our team know you're interested in virtual sessions, and they'll verify your insurance and match you with a therapist who offers telehealth appointments.
Step 2: Getting Set Up
Ahead of your first session, you'll receive a secure link and simple instructions for joining. Sessions take place through a HIPAA-compliant video platform, meaning the connection is encrypted and private, not a standard video call app. You don't need to download special software in most cases, just a stable internet connection, a private space, and a device with a camera and microphone.
Step 3: Your First Session
Your first telehealth session looks much like an in-person one. Your therapist will ask about your history, current concerns, and goals for treatment. The main difference is logistical: you're joining from wherever is private and comfortable for you, rather than sitting in our Warwick office.
Step 4: Ongoing Sessions
Once you're established with a therapist, ongoing telehealth sessions typically follow the same rhythm as in-person care, weekly or biweekly, depending on your needs. Many clients mix formats over time, using telehealth during busy stretches and switching to in-person sessions when it's easier to make the drive.
Privacy and Technical Considerations
A private space matters more for telehealth than people often expect. We recommend finding a room with a door that closes, using headphones if you're concerned about being overheard, and testing your internet connection before your first session if you're on a shared or unreliable network. If a connection issue does come up mid-session, your therapist will have a backup plan, usually a phone call, to make sure the session isn't lost.
Services Available by Telehealth
Most of what we offer in person is also available virtually, including individual therapy, family therapy, teen and adolescent counseling, and medication management consultations. A small number of complementary services, like Reiki, are only available in person given their hands-on nature.
Insurance and Telehealth
Most major insurance plans now cover telehealth therapy at the same rate as in-person sessions, though coverage details vary. Our intake team can verify your specific plan before your first appointment.
Start Telehealth Therapy With Arrow
If a commute isn't realistic right now, or you simply prefer meeting from home, telehealth gives you full access to our team without leaving your space. Reach out through our contact form or call (401) 477-9446 to get started.