Teletherapy Only


United States
(847) 438-4222
Fax: (847) 438-0844

While ALL of our therapists at Cherry Hill offer teletherapy services, a few of our clinicians offer teletherapy as their primary or only method of counseling services.  

Since the COVID-19 crisis, we have been offering teletherapy counseling to existing and new clients. Initially we were able to offer it during a time when in-person services were unavailable. Now we continue to offering this service to clients who prefer telehealth for any number of reasons.

What is teletherapy? 

Teletherapy, sometimes referred to as virtual therapy, tele-health counseling, e-counseling, tele-mental health and video therapy, is counseling provided through a video platform (or by phone). Teletherapy provides a similar experience to Skype® or Facetime®, but on a more secure, encrypted, and HIPAA compliant video platform. 

Teletherapy versus In-Person Counseling

Teletherapy is very similar to in-person counseling, but through a different medium. Through teletherapy you will receive the same warm, relational connection with your therapist as you would in the therapist’s office. The physical connection with the therapist such as hand-shakes, shared warm beverages, and some body language are diminished. However, new therapy experiences become possible through the teletherapy platform. The therapist now gets to be virtually “in the home” of the client and can quickly learn a great deal about the client’s family life and interests. Clients, especially children and teens, often show off collections, trophies, and even family pets. Many clients feel more comfortable and disinhibited when sharing personal stories while safely behind a screen – which is well-documented in research on telehealth.

While privacy and confidentiality laws still apply to the teletherapy platform, some clients may find it challenging to find a private and confidential space in their home when other family members are present and near-by. However, most clients, with some creativity and support from others in the home, are able to create a private environment in which they can engage in their teletherapy session.

The effectiveness of teletherapy is supported by research and is recognized as a viable and effective form of treatment by state licensing boards, governing bodies, and most insurance companies. Most teletherapy clients are pleasantly surprised by how warm and personal therapy can feel over video.

Is my counseling still private if it’s over video chat?

Cherry Hill provides teletherapy using an upgraded version of Zoom for healthcare providers. This video platform is both encrypted and HIPAA compliant. Your privacy rights are exactly the same with tele-therapy as they are with in-person counseling. The guiding laws for both in-person and tele-health counseling are described by the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act (IMHDDCA) and also the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). 

Is teletherapy covered by my insurance?

Federal and state level government officials mandated access to Telehealth services during the COVID-19 crisis. The government has now ended the official sanctioned period of requirements.  While we don’t yet know the implications of how this will impact insurance coverage for every insurance provider and plan, we are committed to keeping teletherapy as an available option to our clients. We strongly recommend that if you choose to use your insurance benefits, that you call your health insurance company to ask if tele-mental health counseling is covered under your policy. 

We do offer private pay options for clients that do not have insurance coverage for teletherapy services.

Services

  • Individual Therapy
  • Family Therapy
  • Counseling for Adolescents
  • Marital/Couples/Premarital Therapy

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Teletherapy Only Therapists

The following therapists are available in Teletherapy Only

Rick Coffaro, MA, LPC

Teletherapy Only

Rick Coffaro’s work experience prior to Cherry Hill includes twenty-eight years in sales, marketing, and management. The theme of his career was making, building and maintaining relationships. Rick offers first-hand knowledge of life and career transitions. He enjoys working with individuals, couples, adults, adolescents and young adults, and groups.

Karen Robbins, MSW, LCSW

Teletherapy Only

Karen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has experience counseling teens, adults, couples, and families. She is trained in multiple empirically supported approaches including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. She focuses on developing rapport with clients and using strength-based approaches to facilitate healing and change.

Gary Gruebnau, MA, LSW

Teletherapy Only

Gary is a social worker with several decades of experience counseling teens, adults, and couples in secular and church settings. He enjoys working with a broad age range of clients from teens to the elderly. His background includes military service, working in the business world, and teaching in both public and private settings.

Elizabeth Haines, MS, LCPC

Teletherapy Only

Elizabeth is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She values a strong therapeutic alliance and believes that a supportive and collaborative working relationship is instrumental in helping clients improve their overall quality of life. She uses her expertise in yoga and mindfulness to assist clients in learning to calm and relax the stressed body and mind.

John Dichtl, MA, M.Div., LCPC

Teletherapy Only

John Dichtl has worked as a counselor since 2012 in both agency work and private practice. He has focused experience providing couples counseling, and treating mood disorders and addictions. With graduate level training in both therapy and theology, John is uniquely equipped to help clients integrate their psychological and spiritual concerns.

Arielle Miree, MA, LPC

Teletherapy Only

Arielle received her M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University. She has a passion for helping people heal and grow in order to live a meaningful life. She values authentic relationships and creating a safe space for clients. She has experience working with those struggling with addictions and co-occurring disorders. Arielle enjoys working with a variety of clients including athletes and artists.

Alison Yu, MA, M.Div., LCPC

Teletherapy Only

Alison Yu, M.Div, MA, LPC, is a bilingual (English and Mandarin Chinese) counselor who is experienced working with individuals, couples and families. She has a special heart for immigrant families. Trained in both psychology and theology, she is passionate about helping people to integrate the Christian faith in their healing process.

Patti E. Krivo, MSW, LCSW

Teletherapy Only

Patti is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with decades of experience in the mental health field. Patti specializes in work with trauma recovery and PTSD as well as the impacts of those experiences on family relationships.

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