Telehealth Services
Online counseling through Arkansas Families First includes psychiatric appointments and online counseling for individuals, families and groups. We are pleased to have launched Telehealth services to our clients and others in our communities during the COVID-19 crisis. On this page you’ll find all the information you need to get started with telehealth and resources to improve your online treatment experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Research supports telehealth services as an effective treatment approach for counseling.
Yes. AFF uses an encrypted telehealth services platform produced by Zoom. It’s encrypted beyond the standards set by HIPAA.
No. There are cases that are not suitable for telehealth services. Your clinician will assess the appropriateness of using telehealth for your particular treatment needs.
No. Telehealth, or online counseling is the same price as in-person counseling and is covered most, but not all insurances. Our staff will check your insurance benefits and let you know if it’s covered and how much you owe for co-pay and/or deductible. You are free to call your insurance company to inquire, if preferred.
It works like FaceTime or Skype. Your clinician will email you a link. You’ll click the link, which will download Zoom and launch your counseling session. It’s that simple!
Preparing For My Telehealth Session
Be prepared to pay your co-pay at the beginning of your session.
Schedule your initial session by phone or email, then be prepared to schedule follow up appointments during or after your session.
Your behavioral health provider will email you about any items you or your child will need prior to the session.
Please create a setting for your telehealth session that is private and quiet.
You’ll need to sign a consent for Telehealth Services.
Click here for an Adult Telehealth Consent Form. Click here for an Child Telehealth Consent Form.
What You’ll Need for Telehealth Treatment
You’ll need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a mic and camera
You’ll need access to reliable internet. It can be wifi, wired, or cellular.
You’ll need to be open to a new way doing therapy. It can be just as effective, in some cases more effective, than in-person therapy, but it will be different. Have an open, curious mindset about this new way of receiving therapy.
Online Evaluation, Online Counseling, & Online Psychiatric Appointments
Telehealth is a safe and effective way to access great behavioral health care for children and families!
Expanding access and reducing barriers to mental and behavioral health care for youth in Arkansas
Advantages of Telehealth
Research has shown that online counseling can be just as effective as in-person Counseling, sometimes more effective.
Telehealth allows patients access to specialty mental health providers from anywhere in the state
Online counseling accommodates the busy lives of modern families
Requires less time away from school
Requires less time away from work
Online counseling reduces the cost of transportation and travel expenses
Telehealth and online counseling empowers more consistent treatment attendance, which can improve outcomes
Online Counseling Resource Library
Activities
Simon Says
Charades
Pictionary
I-Spy
Show and Tell
Favorite Apps
Calm
Headspace
Triangle Of Life
Moodnotes
Cosmic Kids
Therapeutic Videos
Understanding Social Distancing (children)
Be The Pond (Mindfulness)
Living with a Black Dog (Caregivers of Teens & Adults Depression)
Do All Autistic People Think the Same (Teens & Adults)
Therapeutic Activities
Feeling Faces
Feeling Charades
Ungame
Empty Chair, Parts Work, Role Plays
Art Therapy Interventions
Guided Imagery
Mindfulness
Meditation
Yoga
About Us
Arkansas Families First is a multidisciplinary behavioral health care group that offers a variety of health services for children, teens and families in Central Arkansas. Our group of independently practicing providers strive to provide the best, most comprehensive care that modern psychology, psychiatry, counseling, and other disciplines have to offer.
Mission
Arkansas Families First is devoted to unlocking the full potential of children and families. We utilize the latest research and the most skilled providers in the service of improving people’s lives. We strive to empower parents and to integrate multiple disciplines in the building of strong families and healthy children.
Our Promise
We take a strengths-based approach utilizing the latest evidence-based treatments and include parents in all aspects of treatment and assessment. We’ll find the service and the provider that best fits your family. With our growing list of clinicians, if you are not satisfied with your provider or services will help you make the necessary changes.