Getting Started: Video Calls

Ruh Care's video call capabilities enable therapists to use HIPAA-compliant video calls, for both individual and family/couple calls.

At Ruh Care, our built-in video call feature, Ruh Care Video Calls, offers seamless integration with private charting notes during client sessions. With varying screen sizes available, you can adjust the video screen to mini, full-screen, or stacked video according to your preferences, facilitating smoother workflows while charting during video sessions.

This versatility enhances the user experience, allowing therapists to focus on delivering quality care while efficiently managing charting.

Outside of our built-in telehealth feature, Ruh Care also offers a direct integration with HIPAA-compliant Zoom for therapy sessions. A personal Zoom

Integrated into your Ruh Care's calendar, booking a Zoom appointment through Ruh generates a secure call link for clients.

By default, this integration is active for your account. You do not need a personal Zoom account or subscription, and you do not need to take any action to enable Zoom. Basic Zoom features like chat, screen sharing, and session recording are automatically available during your Zoom sessions.

To ensure a quality connection during your session, we recommend that you have:

We recommend testing your video chat before your first video call session, to confirm that you have enabled your microphone and camera.

By default, all individual client sessions use our built-in video call feature. There are no additional plug-ins or requirements to launch or join these calls.

If you scheduled an appointment within Ruh Care, a blue banner will appear at the top of your screen, and your client's screen, 10 minutes before a session begins. Simply click on the launch banner, and both of you will be taken to your secure video call.

Another way for you to enter a video call session is through the Calendar tab, clicking the details of the appointment and selecting "Click to Join".

As a therapist, you will be able to see the Private Notes on the right-hand side of your video call screen. Clients will not see this screen, they will see their recent Video Calls with you (and, be able to message with you, in real-time, during a session).

Note: If you do not see the blue banner, try refreshing your screen.

If you've set up your session as a Zoom call, then launching or joining the call follows the same steps, but you (and your client) will be prompted to download the Zoom app. You (and your client) won't need to create an account or sign in, only to have the app installed on your device.

When set up correctly, you will not be asked to log in when using Zoom links through Ruh Care.

The most common things that can cause you to be prompted to log in (or see a message Waiting for Host to Join)

During a video session (not a Zoom session), you'll see a split screen, with the option to chart and/or chat with your client during your call. Clicking any of the side menu tabs (such as Calendar) will navigate away from your video chat session. You'll see a notification asking if you're sure you want to navigate from the page.

Click "Cancel" to keep your video chat session active.

Alternatively, we suggest that you open a NEW TAB if you'd like to view your calendar, or other parts of Ruh Care while on your video call.

Therapists always have the ability to start a video call and invite a particular client, even if there were no previously scheduled appointments, as long as that client has a Ruh Care account. However, if you are trying to launch an already scheduled call, you must click the link in your calendar appointment or the blue reminder banner that displays.

There are several ways for therapists to initiate a video call:

Option 1: From the General Clients Tab

Option 2: Within a client's profile, click the video call button on their profile picture

Option 3: Launch a virtual call through chat > Click the video icon next to your client's profile picture

Note: When you launch a non-scheduled call, it will automatically create an appointment with this client in your calendar at the time of the call launch. This is so you can keep track of your calls/sessions with clients, and ultimately collect payment.

When a client (or you) book a video call appointment, they will automatically receive a confirmation email as well as an email appointment reminder.

With a Ruh Care video call session, clients do not need to download any additional apps or plugins. They can launch their video call from the web browser, as long as they are logged into their Ruh Care Portal. When logged in, clients will see their "Next Appointment" clearly displayed, along with a link to click to "Join Call."

Alternatively, if clients log into their Ruh Care portal 10 minutes before the appointment, a blue bar will appear inviting them to join the appointment directly from that link.

If clients want to join the appointment more than 10 minutes in advance, they can join from the dashboard, or they can click on the "Appointments" tab on the left-hand side menu, and click "Join Call" on the desired appointment.

For a Zoom call, your client will need to download the Zoom app before launching the call. You can let your client know this in advance.