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Telehealth

Telehealth Therapy When You're Not "Tech-Savvy"

You don't need to be good with computers to get therapy from home. How telehealth really works, and the help we give so the technology never gets in the way.

Telehealth5 min readBy the Brightrise Mental Wellness Care Team · Reviewed for accuracy by the Brightrise team

If “telehealth” sounds complicated, take a breath — it isn’t, and you don’t have to be good with computers to use it. For many people, it’s as simple as answering the phone. And whatever you use, we walk you through the setup so the technology never gets in your way.

Plenty of the older adults we work with felt unsure about the tech at first — and were surprised how quickly it became second nature. Here’s how it really works.

The simplest option: a phone call

You don’t need a computer, the internet, or a camera. At your appointment time, it’s just a phone call with your therapist — you answer, and you talk. If technology worries you, this is all telehealth has to be.

If you’d like to use video

Video is easy too. We send you a link, and when it’s time you tap it once — that’s it. We test it with you ahead of your first session so you know exactly what to expect, and a family member can help you set it up the first time if you’d like.

What you’ll need

  • For phone sessions: a working telephone. That’s all.
  • For video sessions: a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and an internet connection.

We help you get comfortable

You won’t be thrown in the deep end. Before your first real session, we’ll do a relaxed practice run, and there’s always a real person you can call if something doesn’t look right. We go at your speed — no rushing, no jargon.

Common worries, answered

  • “What if it freezes or cuts out?” No problem — we simply switch to a phone call and keep going.
  • “What if I press the wrong button?” You can’t break anything, and we’ll help you find your way.
  • “I don’t own a computer.” You don’t need one — a phone call works perfectly.

Getting started

When you’re ready, we handle the details — checking your Medicare coverage and setting up the technology — so you can focus on the part that matters: talking to someone who can help. You can get started here.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a computer or the internet for telehealth therapy?

No. Many people do telehealth therapy entirely by phone — no computer, internet, or camera required. If you’d prefer video, you’ll need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and internet, and we help you set it up and test it first.

What if the technology doesn't work during a session?

It’s not a problem. If a video connection freezes or drops, we simply switch to a phone call and continue. There’s always a real person you can reach for help, so a technical hiccup never means missing your session.

Can a family member help me set it up?

Yes, and many people find that helpful for the first session. A family member can help you tap the link or get the camera working once, and after that it’s usually easy to do on your own. We’re also here to walk you through it.

Is telehealth therapy hard to use?

Not at all — for many people it’s as simple as answering the phone. We set everything up for you, offer a practice run beforehand, and provide help whenever you need it. Most people who felt unsure at first are surprised how quickly it becomes routine.

If you or someone you love is in crisis or thinking about self-harm, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) any time — it's free and confidential. In an emergency, call 911. Brightrise is not a crisis service.
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