Frequently asked questions
General
What is Sailor Health?
Sailor Health is a premium mental health service designed specifically for older adults. We connect seniors with licensed therapists who specialize in geriatric care, offering personalized therapy to address issues like anxiety, depression, and the challenges of aging.
Our services are accessible through secure online or phone-based sessions, making it easy for seniors to receive care from the comfort of their homes.
Is Sailor Health covered by insurance?
Yes, Sailor Health is in-network with Medicare and many Medicare Advantage plans, making our services accessible and affordable for our clients. We believe that mental health care should be within reach for everyone, so we work hard to ensure that our services are free or low-cost.
What if my loved one isn’t comfortable with technology?
We understand that technology can be intimidating for some older adults. Studies show that many seniors actually find online therapy more comfortable and convenient once they try it, with clinical outcomes comparable to in-person therapy.
Seniors can join therapy sessions with a simple video link or a phone call (no smart phone required). We offer step-by-step guidance to their caregivers and are available to help with any technical issues, ensuring that technology doesn’t stand in the way of receiving quality therapy.
Can family members or caregivers be involved in the therapy process?
Yes, we encourage the involvement of family members or caregivers in the therapy process, as it can enhance the support system for the client. With the client's consent, family members or caregivers can participate in sessions, receive updates, and collaborate with the therapist to ensure the best possible outcomes. We believe in a holistic approach to care that includes those who are closely involved in the client’s daily life.
How do you ensure privacy and confidentiality?
Privacy and confidentiality are cornerstones of our service at Sailor Health. We use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms for all virtual therapy sessions, ensuring that your personal information and the details of your therapy are kept strictly confidential. Our therapists adhere to professional ethical standards, and we have rigorous data protection measures in place to safeguard your privacy at all times.
Therapy
How does the first session work?
The first session is primarily an introductory meeting. The therapist will need to learn more about you to work effectively. They may ask questions about what brought you to therapy, as well as inquire about various life events, family, relationships, and other relevant aspects. Alternatively, they might listen to your story, guiding the conversation with clarifying questions.
Online Format: At the scheduled time, you connect with your therapist using a convenient platform or messenger. It's important that you are alone in the room during the session to ensure privacy and focus.
In-Person: You visit the therapist's office at the appointed time.
The session typically lasts 50 minutes, but there can be exceptions depending on your needs. It's advisable to confirm the session length with your therapist beforehand.
Is Sailor Health covered by insurance?
Yes, Sailor Health is in-network with Medicare and many Medicare Advantage plans, making our services accessible and affordable for our clients. We believe that mental health care should be within reach for everyone, so we work hard to ensure that our services are free or low-cost.
I don't like my therapist, what should I do?
If you are not satisfied with your therapist, use the specialist selection feature on our platform. You can choose from four suggested therapists. Additionally, on the main page of the platform, there is a filter for specific issues. Use it to see all the specialists who have experience working with your particular concern.
It's important to understand what exactly didn't work for you. Working on yourself is not always a joyful process, as it often involves confronting aspects of your personality that you haven't seen or didn't want to see before. Accepting and processing these aspects requires resilience.
Finding the right therapist can be challenging, much like finding a new friend. Don't give up; the results are worth the effort you put into finding a specialist who is right for you.
Will my therapist treat what I say as confidential?
All therapists are registered with their respective professional organizations, having successfully completed the required education, exams, training, practice, and ongoing supervision.
In general, therapists will keep what you tell them confidential, but there are some limited exceptions. For example, if you threaten serious harm to yourself or to an identifiable victim, the therapist may be required to report this information to the relevant authorities. Therapists are also subject to ongoing professional supervision as required by their organizations.
Before starting therapy, it’s a good idea to discuss any concerns or questions you have about confidentiality with your therapist to fully understand their obligations.
Can I cancel or reschedule a session?
Yes, you can cancel or reschedule a session up to 24 hours before it begins. If you cancel the session later than this, the payment for the session is non-refundable.