Are you about to start digital counseling as a client, patient, or counselor? Do you want to get the most out of the experience? Then this guide is for you.

We’ve broken this guide into two sections; the first is geared toward clients and patients either stepping into virtual counseling for the first time or seeking to improve their outcomes. The second section is for counselors who are working via digital platforms.

Here at Absolute Advocacy, we specialize in drug and alcohol education. Our telehealth approach is a staple service, and we encourage you to read about it. While this guide is primarily for substance abuse professionals and clients who are recovering from a DWI charge, this guide will still offer sound advice for anyone engaging in digital counseling.

Section 1 | For Patients: Getting the Most from Digital Counseling

For our clients, we focus on DWI assessments and classes. Experienced substance abuse counselors lead these. The curriculum you will embark on is designed to help you better understand substance use and abuse. We layer in beneficial counseling techniques to help you succeed in our classes and daily life.

Whether you’re preparing for digital sessions with us or an independent counselor, you can take steps to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Choose The Right Provider

Whether you’re searching for digital counseling in the form of DWI services or substance abuse treatment, it’s critical to find a provider that is experienced, authorized, and flexible.

If you need a DWI assessment and classes, choosing the right provider starts with finding an authorized facility. The state issues authorization, so the provider you select must be publicly listed and approved by the state where you received your DWI.

A qualified or certified substance abuse professional who works for the authorized provider must complete all DWI assessments. You can find the up-to-date list of state-authorized DWI service providers at NCDHHS.

Outside of being authorized, you should also select a provider that works for you. Their ability to meet with you should not impede your schedule, especially when keeping your job is a high priority.

Absolute Advocacy is an authorized DWI service provider in North Carolina. We offer online services and evening and weekend classes that work around your schedule so you can focus on what matters most: getting your license back while minimizing the impact on your life and launching forward better equipped to avoid a repeat offense.

Preparing For Virtual Visits

An experienced digital counseling provider will actively support your success in the virtual venue. You can expect a walkthrough of what to expect and how to prepare best. Here are some tips for anyone who is prepping for virtual visits:

• Check For Forms: Are there any guidelines or terms your provider wants reviewed and perhaps signed before your first digital visit? Chances are these will include standard privacy policies and agreements regarding treatment. Also, look for any guidelines regarding expectations during visits; these can consist of clear conduct expectations for the counselor and the client.
  
  
• Test Your Tech: It’s wise to check your tech before a visit. Does your microphone work? Is it loud enough? Are your speakers working? How’s your Internet connection? Always do a test run before a visit to limit technical difficulties. Also, just in case, keep a headset or other alternative microphone and speakers handy. We go into more technical details in Section 2.
  
  
• Prep Your Area: Know where you plan to sit for your virtual visit before the appointment. Check the camera frame to ensure it only shows what you want and adjust as needed. Remember to sit in an appropriate place with limited distractions so that you can focus and benefit fully from your session.

Be Present and Engaged

Digital counseling and virtual visits depend on technology. It’s easy for the same technology to turn into a distraction. You can be present and better engaged when you plan ways to limit distractions.

• If you’re using your phone, turn it to the “do not disturb” setting to limit or exclude notifications, incoming calls, and texts during your visit.
  
  
• If you’re using a desktop or laptop, turn on the “focus assist” to limit notifications and potential digital distractions.
  
  
• If you’re home for your virtual visit and not alone, find a private and quiet spot to set up. It’s advisable to have a door to close for privacy and to limit intrusive sounds.
  
  
• If an unavoidable distraction comes up, be transparent. Open communication will give you the latitude to handle what’s needed and get back on track.

Feedback Is Important

Open communication continues after the visit. You should always feel safe to discuss what is and (more importantly) what isn’t working for you in the digital counseling setting.

Feedback is a crucial element to success for both you and your provider. Engage in relaying positive or negative feedback—the key is tactfulness.

For Our Clients

If you are in North Carolina (or received a DWI in the state) and need a DWI assessment and DWI classes, Absolute Advocacy is here to help. We’ve been a relied-upon partner and advocate in the Charlotte Metro area since 2011. We service individuals in Charlotte, Concord, and beyond.

Our online DWI classes offer convenience and exceptional quality.

Contact us with questions or to get started today.

Section 2 | For Counselors: Maximizing the Success of Virtual Visits

Working with clients online can present unique differences and challenges compared to traditional in-person venues. We are breaking the common challenges online counselors struggle with into two categories:

1. Confidentiality and professional boundaries
2. Using technology successfully

Confidentiality and Professional Boundaries

Privacy, confidentiality, and security are among the most pressing concerns for any provider that offers digital counseling and services. For substance abuse counselors, there is a mixture of privacy and professional boundary challenges. The change in venue from in-person to virtual can feel intense, but there are some common-sense steps you can take to keep it confidential and maintain professional boundaries.

• Use a Secure Platform: Chances are you won’t have to pick the platform. Your provider will have a digital platform dedicated to virtual services; digital security will be their priority. You will support confidentiality and security by learning how to use the platform and following the policies and procedures your provider puts in place. That said, discussing digital security and confidentiality with the provider is always a good idea to ensure you’re both on the same page.
  
  
• Ensure You’re Secure: You will either work on tech provided by your employer or your tech. If the latter applies, you must ensure your device is secure. That means learning to use antivirus, firewall, and connection privacy software and protocols.
  
  
• Have a Private Area: The space you choose to conduct virtual sessions must be private. You wouldn’t conduct a one-on-one or group session in the middle of an office with friends and family hanging out—don’t do that from your living room. Be sure the area where you conduct sessions is private.
  
  
• Set Clear Boundaries: Online services do not change professional boundaries. You will still uphold them and make them clear as needed.

Further reading: Telehealth Professional Boundaries for Substance Abuse Counselors

Using Technology Successfully

A technical issue can be an off-putting disruption. Not only can it knock you off your game, but it can also interrupt the focus and concentration of your clients.

You can actively work to prevent tech issues, but you won’t have total control over every situation. It’s important to plan for the unexpected and structure what to do in case of a technical failure or glitch.

• Mic Check Mic Check: Check your microphone and speakers before starting a session. It’s a good idea to have a headset, standalone microphone, and speakers to switch between as needed.
  
  
• System and Software Updates: An outstanding operating system or driver updates can wreak havoc with virtual visits. Check for updates regularly, ensure they push through (downloading and installing), and restart your device. Avoid setting up auto-updates that also force a restart of your device, as this could happen during a video visit.
  
  
• Device Maintenance: Building up data in your system or internet cache can slow down everything. Set up a maintenance schedule and follow it. There are lots of programs available for this.
  
  
• Tech Support: If you’re not tech-savvy or navigating the learning curve, have some backup. Contact your provider for some tech support, frequent tech forums, and collect troubleshooting resources.
  
  
• Have a Plan: What if your Internet goes down? What would you do if a technical difficulty outside your control impacted a video session? Brainstorm an action plan now because having it in place and accessible will reduce stress. Also, ensure your clients know what to expect if a session is abruptly cut short. Will they receive a phone call? Is there a backup plan for the unexpected?

For Counselors

Maximizing your digital interactions safely is one of the biggest challenges you will face in both digital counseling and online DWI classes. We strongly recommend reading How to Connect with Patients Online and keeping up with our blog as we continue to support substance abuse counselors and counseling professionals in digital and in-person settings.

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