Online Video and Telephone Sessions
During the COVID-19 pandemic, and in accordance with public health advisories, I remain committed to providing psychological services in a safe manner through video and telephone sessions. Psychological sessions through video conferencing and telephone can be a very important means of providing care when it is not possible or convenient to attend in-person. Research has shown that Telepsychology, ie., using telecommunication technologies to conduct psychotherapy, can be as effective as face-to-face therapy.
Virtual Psychological Therapy • Teletherapy Information
I do my best to provide video and telephone sessions in a safe, ethical and thoughtful manner including through discussions together of the potential benefits and risks of these modes of providing treatment. These considerations include having access to a quiet and private space that is free of distractions, as well as access to a secure and stable internet connection to assist in ensuring the confidentiality and privacy of our sessions. We may determine that due to certain circumstances, virtual sessions are not the most helpful approach, and that it is best to hold our sessions in-person if and/or when this is possible.
Video Platforms & Security
I only use video platforms (eg, VirtualCare, Doxy) that are designed for healthcare, use end-to end encryption, and do not record and store the session. Only the people on the call can access it, and once it is terminated, there is no audio or video record of the call’s contents. Although I do my best to ensure that the services are fully encrypted and secure, I encourage you to review the privacy policy of the service before agreeing to its use.
Since the internet is constantly changing in terms of online security, I cannot guarantee complete security of the information exchanged. However, I can assure you that I consider online security to be of paramount importance, and that I am reasonably assured of the security of the systems I use. Video sessions will consume a considerable amount of cellular data, so you might want to consider using video only when you have access to a wireless network.
Telephones are rarely encrypted, putting them at seemingly greater risk of hacking or tapping, though this appears to be quite rare.
At the start of a video or telephone session, I will need to confirm your location and telephone number, as well as a back-up plan (e.g., the phone number where you can be reached), in the event of a crisis or of technical problems. All individuals present for the virtual visit must be within view of the camera so that I can be aware of who is participating. No one can record the session without permission from the other.
Contact Me
Please feel free to contact me to discuss how I may be of assistance, or if you would like to arrange for a Virtual Psychological appointment / Teletherapy appointment.
Tel: 416.694.4380 Email: dr.lempert@rogers.comAddress: 47 Main Street, Toronto, ON M4E 2V6
Registered Psychologist
Psychoanalyst
Psychologue Agréé
Psychanalyste
Toronto Beach
Individuals & Couples
Bilingual