Continuing Therapy During Summer Travel

Yes, absolutely! ZipHealthy offers secure telehealth sessions that can be conducted from anywhere with internet access. Our telehealth platform is HIPAA-compliant and accessible via smartphone, tablet, or computer, making it easy to maintain your therapy schedule while traveling.

Many of our clients find that maintaining regular sessions during travel provides valuable support during what can sometimes be a stressful time, despite the enjoyable aspects of vacation. Whether you're visiting family (which can bring up complex emotions) or exploring new destinations (which can sometimes trigger anxiety), having your regular therapeutic support can make your travel experience more pleasant.

Most insurance plans cover telehealth therapy sessions just like in-person visits. This includes major carriers like BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Cigna. However, some plans have geographic restrictions that may apply when you're outside your home state.

Before your travel, we recommend scheduling a brief benefits verification call with our office. We'll contact your insurance provider to confirm your telehealth coverage while traveling and ensure there are no surprises. Most of our clients continue to pay only their regular copay ($25-50 for most plans) for telehealth sessions conducted during travel.

Finding privacy can be challenging while traveling, especially when sharing accommodations with family or friends. Here are some practical solutions our clients have successfully used:

• Your parked car - A vehicle often provides excellent privacy and sound insulation
• Schedule strategically - Book your session during a time when travel companions are out on activities
• Hotel business centers - Many hotels have small meeting rooms or business centers that can be reserved
• Early morning sessions - Schedule before others are awake
• Walking sessions - For less intense therapy work, consider a walking session with headphones in a quiet area
• Bathroom sessions - While not ideal, many clients have successfully conducted sessions from a bathroom when privacy options were limited

We can also discuss scheduling shorter check-in sessions (30 minutes instead of a full hour) during your travel period, which may be easier to accommodate.

While short breaks can sometimes be appropriate, there are several reasons why maintaining therapeutic momentum during summer travel can be beneficial:

1. Vacations can trigger unexpected emotions - Family visits, disrupted routines, or even relaxation itself can sometimes bring up feelings or patterns that are valuable to process in therapy
2. Real-time support - Having access to your therapist during potentially challenging situations (like family gatherings) provides immediate support when you might need it most
3. Maintaining progress - Consistent therapy typically yields better outcomes than start-and-stop approaches
4. Practical skill application - Vacation provides real-world opportunities to practice new coping skills and communication techniques in different environments

That said, each person's situation is unique. We recommend discussing your specific travel plans with your therapist to create the most appropriate approach for your needs. Some clients benefit from regular sessions during travel, while others do well with a scheduled break or reduced frequency.

ZipHealthy offers flexible scheduling to accommodate our traveling clients:

• Early morning appointments starting at 7:00 AM
• Evening appointments until 8:00 PM
• Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

We can temporarily adjust your appointment time during your travel period to account for time zone differences. Our scheduling system allows us to note these temporary changes while maintaining your regular slot for when you return.

Many clients find that the flexibility of telehealth actually makes therapy more accessible during travel than during their regular routines, as they often have more control over their schedule while on vacation.

Connectivity concerns are valid, especially when traveling to remote areas. Here are some tips to ensure successful telehealth sessions while traveling:

• Test your connection before your appointment time
• Have a phone available as backup if video fails
• Consider using your phone's hotspot if WiFi is unreliable
• Let your therapist know in advance if you're traveling somewhere with potential connectivity issues

We understand that technical difficulties sometimes occur. If connectivity prevents a full session, we have flexible policies to reschedule or prorate sessions as needed.

To make the most of your therapy sessions during travel:

1. Schedule your session at least 30 minutes after any planned activities to avoid rushing
2. Have headphones available for better privacy and sound quality
3. Find a spot with good lighting so your therapist can see you clearly
4. Keep a water bottle nearby
5. Let travel companions know you need privacy for a call (without necessarily specifying it's therapy)
6. Have your device charged or plugged in

It can also be helpful to take a few minutes before your session to jot down any specific topics or experiences from your travel that you'd like to discuss.