What is online therapy?
Online therapy is a good option for many people seeking individual therapy or couples therapy. Sessions occur through video conferencing technology. Video conferencing is easy to learn with a few instructions. Most people find it simple and straightforward, especially after they do it a time or two.
Is online therapy effective?
During the uncertainty created by COVID-19, I moved my practice online until the outbreak was better understood and contained. Shifting to online therapy to protect my clients, my community, and myself was the best way to continue offering uninterrupted client support. During that time of transition, some of us were unsure how personal the therapy would feel once we went online. Much to my delight, my clients reported feeling a strong therapeutic connection and productive sessions took place through the screen.
A number of my clients have said that they would like to continue in this format even after feeling it is no longer necessary.
What are some of the benefits of online therapy?
There are many benefits of doing therapy through the internet. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people can receive therapy online while sheltering in place. Aside from safety and protection, there are other reasons clients opt for online therapy. Some people prefer it because it’s easier to fit it into their busy schedules. Rather than commuting to the therapist’s office, you can simply click on your computer screen in your own home. Parents with children at home often like it because, as long as their children are busily engaged, they don’t have to find childcare to come to sessions. Some people prefer the additional layer of privacy by doing therapy online; they don’t have to take the chance of running into anyone they know by coming to the office. This can be especially helpful when living in a small town.
Do we have to live in the same area?
Another benefit of doing therapy online is that you can choose to work with me if you live anywhere in California. If you like my blogposts or what you see on my website, you may want me as your therapist, even if you live in another city. I am happy to discuss this possibility with you during a free 15 minute telephone consultation.
Can we use online therapy for marriage counseling or relationship therapy?
Yes, couples can have effective therapy by working online. With the couple sitting next to each other in their private space, and the therapist on the screen directly in front of them, it is almost like being in the same room. As the therapist, I can suggest interventions with my online clients that I normally use in the office. I often email handouts and/or articles between appointments so clients have access to all of the tools that will help them work on their relationship.
What platform do you use for online therapy?
I offer online therapy through Zoom, which is a HIPAA compliant platform that you can access on your device or smartphone at no additional charge to you. To attend a session, I will send you a link that you can click on at the time of the scheduled appointment. With a HIPPA compliant software provider there are certain safeguards in place that are meant to protect data or information that’s been shared throughout the video call. There are security protocols in place that should prevent any unauthorized third parties from accessing any call information.
Is doing therapy online a good fit for everyone?
No, unfortunately, it is not always a fit. Some of the reasons I would discourage this form of therapy are as follows:
1. Online sessions may not be advised for those with a history of severe/chronic mental health issues, violence, and/or suicidal/homicidal ideations/attempts. 2. There may be potential privacy or confidentiality limitations, although we work carefully to minimize such risks. 3. Not all insurance providers reimburse for online sessions (contact your provider) 4. There is a potential for poor quality of online connecting or the connection to be disrupted or disconnected. 5. There is a possibility of miscommunication due to limited body language cues and/or misinterpretation of tone of voice/inflection. If any of the above concerns you, you may wish to abstain from this form of therapy.
An Additional Checklist for online therapy
- Client must be within the state of California at the time of the session.
- Client must have access to effective technology.
- New clients must pay previous to the time of the session.
- Client should have a quiet, comfortable, and secure place to hold the session.
- My same fees and policies apply as in-person counseling
Do you meet those requirements? If yes, that is a good start. Feel free to contact me to discuss whether this could be a good fit!
