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Open the waiting room
At your scheduled appointment time, select Join Your Virtual Appointment β. The link opens Psychology Today Sessions.
Dr. Mark Bowers Β· Virtual appointments
Your appointment.
One easy place to begin.
Joining a virtual consultation or evaluation should be straightforward. Find the waiting-room link, set up your device, and get ready for your appointment, all in one place.
Join Your Virtual Appointment βClick the button above to enter the virtual waiting room when it is time for your scheduled appointment.
The essentials
Joining takes three simple steps.
Whether this is your first virtual appointment or your tenth, you'll use the same waiting-room address unless our office tells you otherwise.
2
Enter your name
Follow the prompts, enter a name Dr. Bowers can recognize, and allow access to your camera and microphone if requested.
3
Wait to be admitted
You'll remain in the virtual waiting room until Dr. Bowers admits you. Please don't worry if he is finishing with another family.
Good to know: Your waiting-room link is reusable. Save this page in your bookmarks so you can find it quickly for future appointments. You do not need a brand-new link every time.
Recognize the screen
This is what mobile check-in may look like.
When you open Psychology Today Sessions, follow the prompts to enter the waiting room and type your name. The screenshot is an example from the client app, so the exact screen may look slightly different on your device.
Example screenshot provided for orientation. Use the actual Join button on this page to open your appointment waiting room.
First-time setup
Choose the device that works for you.
Use a computer, smartphone, or tablet in a quiet, private, stationary location. Please wear headphones when possible to protect confidentiality and reduce background noise.
Laptop or desktop
Join from your computer
- Open this page in an up-to-date browser, such as Chrome or Safari.
- Select Join Your Virtual Appointment β.
- Enter your name, then grant the browser permission to use your camera and microphone.
- Stay in the waiting room until you're admitted.
Phone or tablet
Join from your mobile device
- Open Join Your Virtual Appointment β on your phone or tablet.
- If your device prompts you to use the Psychology Today client video app, install or open it.
- Follow the prompts to enter your name and permit camera/microphone access.
- Remain in one place with a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection until Dr. Bowers admits you.
Already using the Psychology Today client video app? If it asks you to enter a therapy or waiting-room name manually, use dr-mark-bowers.
Look for this appPsychology Today client video for virtual appointments.
Returning on your phone? The Psychology Today app may offer a way to remember your waiting room. If available, select that option for easier future check-ins. You can also bookmark this page.
Joining from a parked car? That can be a useful private option. Park safely before joining. Stay parked throughout the appointment and make sure your Wi-Fi or cellular signal is strong enough for a stable video call. Never participate while driving.
The people matter more than the technology
What your appointment may feel like.
These appointments are personal conversations, and we want you to feel comfortable talking openly. Some families find it helpful to bring a few notes or bullet points so they remember the topics they want to discuss. You can also share relevant documents or follow up with our office outside the video appointment when needed.
Good communication matters more than a perfect video connection. If technical problems make it difficult for us to hear or understand each other, Dr. Bowers may switch to a phone call so we can stay focused on the conversation and make good use of your appointment time.
Parent and caregiver consultations
Time and space for the adults
For a parent or caregiver consultation, your child should not attend. Please arrange care or choose a time when your child is elsewhere so you can focus on the discussion without feeling divided.
An office, a quiet room at home, or a safely parked car can work well when you have privacy and a stable connection. Avoid busy public settings where others might overhear personal information.
Virtual evaluations involving children
There is room to be a child
When an evaluation includes your child, Dr. Bowers will explain when the child needs to be present. Young children may say hello, show a favorite toy, talk about their interests, or play naturally nearby while he observes.
Older children and teens may be able to speak with Dr. Bowers one-on-one. If a child is shy, anxious, or reluctant to be on camera, there is no expectation of a polished performance. We will adapt to what helps them feel comfortable.
A human conversation, not an interrogation.There is space for questions, stories, humor, and taking a breath. The goal is to understand what is happening and work together toward something useful, not to rush you through a checklist.
A quick check before you connect
Ready for your appointment?
Please check your camera, microphone, and audio settings before your scheduled appointment, especially if you are using a new device. This checklist is for your convenience only. It does not collect or send information to our office, and you do not have to complete it to join.
0 of 6 ready
How do I enable my camera and microphone?
When you open the Psychology Today waiting room, your browser may ask to use your microphone and camera. Select Allow so Dr. Bowers can see and hear you.
If you selected Block by mistake, open your browser's site permissions (often found by selecting the icon next to the website address), allow the camera and microphone, and reopen the waiting room. The prompts may look slightly different depending on your device and browser.
What should I see? Once your camera is enabled and working, you should see a live preview of yourself in the camera window. This demonstration shows a dark preview at some points, but yours should display your image when your camera is active.
Common questions
Help when you need it.
These answers address the questions families most often have about virtual appointments.
Do I need a new link for every appointment?
No. The Psychology Today waiting-room address used by our office is the same for future appointments unless we specifically tell you otherwise. Bookmark this page for easy access.
Will I enter the appointment automatically?
No. You'll check in to the virtual waiting room. Dr. Bowers can see that you've arrived and will admit you when ready. Please use a name he will recognize.
Do I need to download anything?
On a computer, you can typically use a compatible web browser. On a phone or tablet, the Psychology Today client video app may be helpful or requested by your device. Links to the official apps appear above.
Can two parents or another professional join from different locations?
Multiple invited people may be able to join the same appointment from different devices. Please coordinate additional participants with our office in advance so Dr. Bowers knows whom to expect.
What if the video is working but no one can hear me?
Before your appointment, test your microphone and speakers. If there is a problem, confirm the microphone is not muted and that the browser or app has permission to use it. Reconnect headphones if needed or try your device's built-in audio. If the problem continues when Dr. Bowers joins, he will assess the situation and may call you by telephone to complete the appointment. Please do not rely on an immediate response from office staff during your scheduled session.
What if my camera isn't working?
Before the appointment, check that the app or browser has camera permission and close other programs that may be using your camera. If needed, reopen the waiting-room link. If the camera still does not work, enter the waiting room if you can. Dr. Bowers will evaluate the issue when connecting with you and may continue by phone when appropriate. Our office may not be immediately available for live technical support.
What if I'm still waiting when my appointment time arrives?
Stay in the waiting room initially. Dr. Bowers may be completing a prior appointment. If the delay continues or you have trouble connecting, contact our office through your usual channel.
Does my child need to join a virtual consultation?
No. Parent and caregiver consultations are adult-only appointments. Please plan for your child to be elsewhere so you have privacy and can concentrate on the conversation. An appointment reminder may still display your child's name because the appointment is associated with their record.
What if my child is nervous about being on camera during an evaluation?
That is okay. Dr. Bowers may start with a brief greeting, invite a child to show a favorite item, or observe younger children playing naturally in the room. Older children may speak with him individually. He will guide you based on your child's age and comfort.
Can I join while sitting in my car?
Yes, if you are safely parked in a quiet place with reliable Wi-Fi or mobile data, privacy, and limited distractions. Stay parked for the whole appointment. Do not join or continue a video appointment while driving.
What happens if the connection keeps dropping?
Try to remain in a location with a steady signal. If video or audio problems continue, Dr. Bowers may decide to complete the appointment by telephone so your scheduled time is used well. Our office has your contact number on file, and Dr. Bowers will call you if that becomes necessary.
Do I use the video waiting room for my assessment test results appointment?
No. If you have a scheduled telephone appointment to review results from a neurodevelopmental, psychoeducational, or neuropsychological assessment, you do not need to enter the video waiting room. Dr. Bowers will call you using the contact number on file. Follow the specific instructions provided by our office for your appointment.
All set? We'll see you soon.
Use the same waiting-room link whenever you have a scheduled virtual video appointment with Dr. Bowers. If your appointment is by telephone, follow the separate instructions from our office.
Join Your Virtual Appointment β