Profiles in Telehealth: An LCSW Transitions to a Full-Time Career in Telemedicine
We spoke with LCSW, Kelsey B., to hear about her experience transitioning to virtual care full-time and how she benefits from the freedom to work from anywhere.
What’s your background? What did you do before practicing telemedicine?
I am an LCSW and have been practicing for 9 years. I have worked in schools, community mental health and was contracted as a therapist for Navy service members. I currently operate my own private practice where I am licensed to treat clients in 5 states, and recently started working with Wheel! I primarily treat anxiety, trauma, self-esteem issues, and issues related to motivation and achievement. I am also trained in EMDR and Financial Social Work.
What’s your life like outside of work?
I live in Southern California with my husband, baby boy, and dog. Life has definitely been different with the pandemic and having a new baby. I really enjoy getting outside as much as I can with my family and going to the dog beach or for walks around our neighborhood. I also am a big foodie and love to try new restaurants!
What brought you to telemedicine?
I started doing telemedicine about two years ago very part time. Once the pandemic began, I completely moved to telemedicine. I have really enjoyed this transition and I feel like it has allowed me to work with a wider range of clients and provide care to individuals who may not have sought in person therapy.
What’s your Wheel Moment of Freedom?
One great thing about Wheel and telehealth is the ability to work from anywhere! This flexibility allowed me to plan a month-long trip to see my parents in Vermont this summer. That is something I wouldn't have been able to do if I was seeing clients in person.
What do you think the future of healthcare holds?
I think digital mental health is going to continue to grow exponentially. So many clients enjoy the convenience of being able to engage in therapy from their own home and it also helps to remove a lot of barriers, including transportation and scheduling. I also think that interstate license reciprocity may be on the horizon, which would be great for therapists and clients!
Thanks, Kelsey, for being an essential member of the #WheelCareTeam!
Interested in joining our team of virtual care clinicians? Learn more about working in telehealth with Wheel.
Discover more clinician experiences in our previous Care Team spotlight interviews with a telehealth NP on the COVID frontlines, a family NP finding rewards in expanding patient access, and an emergency medicine turned telemedicine MD balancing work and fatherhood.
