> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.opentherapy.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Video sessions

> How to join an online session, and what to try when the room won't load.

**Online** sessions happen in a video room on Open Therapy. Nothing to install, no meeting ID to type in. **In person** and **Home visit** sessions have no room — the address is in your confirmation email.

## When the room opens

|                                       |                                                                 |
| ------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Earlier than ten minutes before       | The page says you're early and gives the time it opens          |
| Ten minutes before, until the end     | You can join                                                    |
| Up to an hour after the scheduled end | The room stays open, so running over doesn't cut you off        |
| After that                            | The room closes and everyone still in it is returned to the app |

The link never changes. It's in your confirmation email and on the booking under **Sessions** in your workspace.

If your therapist hasn't confirmed the booking yet, the room won't open and the page tells you so.

## The green room

Joining takes you to a check page first. Nobody can see or hear you here.

* A preview of your own camera
* **Camera** and **Microphone** toggles, so you can start with either off
* A level meter beside your name. If it stays flat, the browser picked the wrong microphone
* Pickers for **Camera**, **Microphone** and **Speakers**, listing every device the browser can see
* A connection line reading **Checking connection**, then **Connection strong**, **Connection patchy** or **Connection poor**

Change devices here rather than mid-session. Your toggle states carry into the session. Click **Join session** when you're ready.

## In the session

The timer counts from the scheduled start time, not from when you joined, and runs against the length you booked. Both of you see the same number.

|                       |                                                                                         |
| --------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Mute microphone**   | Mutes and unmutes you                                                                   |
| **Turn camera off**   | Turns your video off and on                                                             |
| **Share your screen** | Shares a window or a tab. Hidden on devices that can't share, such as iPhones and iPads |
| **Raise your hand**   | Flags that you want to say something, without cutting in                                |
| **Chat**              | A text panel for the two of you                                                         |
| **Notes**             | Your own private notes                                                                  |
| **Leave**             | Leaves the room                                                                         |

While you're sharing, a band across the top reminds you that your screen is visible.

Chat exists only while the session runs. It's cleared at the end and nothing is stored.

Your notes are private to you. They save as you type, stay with the session, and hold up to 8,000 characters. Your therapist never sees them, and you never see theirs.

## What is and isn't recorded

Nothing is recorded — no video, no audio, no transcript, for either of you. What's kept is that the session happened, how long you were connected, and your own notes.

## If you lose connection

Losing connection doesn't end the session. Reload and open the same link — the room is still there, as long as you're inside the time window.

Two things do end it: your therapist ending the session, and the room closing an hour after the scheduled end.

If you can't get back at all, message your therapist. See [Cancellations and refunds](/clients/cancellations-and-refunds) for how money is handled.

## If the room won't load

<Steps>
  <Step title="Reload the page">
    If the room's request to the video provider fails, you'll get a short message and a **Try again**
    button. A second attempt usually works.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check the browser has permission">
    A flat level meter and a black preview usually mean the browser blocked your camera or microphone.
    Check the permission prompt in the address bar, then reload.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Try another browser">
    An out-of-date browser, or a work laptop that blocks camera access, is a common cause.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Switch to your phone">
    The room works in a phone browser. Open the same link there.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tell your therapist">
    Message them from **Messages** so they know you're trying rather than absent.
  </Step>
</Steps>

If the page says video isn't configured, write to [support@opentherapy.app](mailto:support@opentherapy.app) with the session date and your therapist's name.