How do I join a Virtual Appointment?
Joining your telehealth session is easy: if you're on a phone or tablet, you'll need the Telehealth by SimplePractice app (no download needed if you're using a computer). Here's how to get started.
Before Your Appointment
You'll receive a unique video link by email and/or text reminder about 10 minutes before your appointment starts. This link is one-time use and expires 30 minutes after your appointment ends, so save it for the day of your session rather than bookmarking it.
What you'll need:
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A quiet, private space with good lighting
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A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi recommended over mobile data)
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A few minutes to test your camera and mic
Joining from a Computer
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Open the email or text reminder and click Join your Video Appointment.
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Your session will open in a new browser tab.
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Preview your camera and microphone, and confirm your location (in case of emergency).
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Click Ask to Join.
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If your provider uses a waiting room, you'll see a brief waiting screen until they let you in.
No link handy? You can also join from the Client Portal, go to your Appointments tab and click Join Video.
Joining from the Client Portal
To join your appointment directly from the Client Portal, click on the appointments tab, and go to your upcoming appointments. You can click on "Join Video" to join your virtual appointment.
Joining from a Phone or Tablet
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Before your appointment, you must download the Telehealth by SimplePractice app (available on iOS and Android).
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Tap the video link from your reminder — it will open directly in the app.
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Preview your video and audio, enter your name, and tap Ask to Join.
Tip: You can also join directly from the SimplePractice Client Portal app without needing a separate link.
Joining the Appointment
After entering your video link, you will be asked to enter your name and address. Sharing your location helps your clinician support you in an emergency and comply with applicable state licensing or insurance requirements.
If you usually join from the same place, check Remember this address on this browser to save it for next time. Your address will show up automatically at your next session — you can confirm it or select Use a different address to update it.
Once you’re ready, click Ask to join.
The Virtual Waiting Room
If your provider has a waiting room enabled, you'll land on a waiting screen after clicking Ask to Join. This just means your provider hasn't started the session yet; you'll be brought in automatically as soon as they're ready.
No need to refresh or rejoin — just sit tight, and your appointment will begin shortly.
Troubleshooting Tips
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No sound or video? Check that your browser or app has permission to access your camera and microphone.
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Poor connection? Switch from mobile data to Wi-Fi, or move closer to your router.
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Didn't get a link? Check your spam folder, or log in to your Client Portal to join from the Appointments tab. If you are still unable to access the link, please give us a call at (301)690-8008, and we can resend it.