Online Therapy FAQs
Technology is racing forward at an unprecedented pace. This is great for you because it makes your access to therapy so much easier nowadays than just 3 years ago. With secure videoconferencing, email, and even texting options, your information is more secure than ever.
Q. What exactly is Online therapy?
A. The terms “Online therapy”, “teletherapy” and “video” or “Internet counseling” are used interchangeably. These terms describe any therapy that consists of communicating via email, text, phone, or videoconferencing. You can explore different therapy and coaching packages HERE. There are several options to choose from ranging from a certain number of correspondences via email access to the Concierge package which includes a mixture of videoconferencing, texting, and emails.
Q. Is Online therapy right for me?
A. This might be the most important question in this list. Though the efficacy of online therapy is incontrovertible, it is not right for everyone. Some issues you may be dealing with which are not ideal for teletherapy are:
Self-harm or danger-to-others issues: If you are contemplating hurting yourself or someone else, please seek the help of a qualified therapist in person so that they can provide you with services local to you. You can also visit The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or give them a call at 1-800-273-8255. If you are afraid you might be a danger to someone else, please visit your local emergency department or call 911.
Domestic violence: If you are actively living in a violent relationship, it may be difficult for you to ensure the safety and privacy necessary for your therapy sessions. Connecting with a local therapist's can provide you with a safe touchpoint and he or she can link you to local resources. Alternatively, please visit The National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233.
Q. Is Online therapy as effective as regular in-person therapy?
The short answer is: YES!
Studies show that the effectiveness of teletherapy is equivalent to that of conventional therapy. Traveling to a different location and experiencing healing can be transforming. Often though, once you return home, it's the same old, same old. If you experience that same change in your everyday environment though, the change seems to stick more. So if you're sitting on the same sofa you sit on everyday when you have that therapy breakthrough, it changes your entire outlook in your actual environment.
Q. What do I need on my end?
A. The most important thing you need is a smart phone or computer with enough RAM to run a video platform. After that you need strong internet connection. Call drops do happen from time to time but the weaker your connection, the frequently they happen. Other than that, you need a quiet place so that you are free to discuss anything that might come up in your session.
Q. How secure is our session?
A. Your privacy is number one on my priority list. That's why all of the platforms I use are designed specifically for the medical industry to be private, secure, and HIPAA-compliant. These tools allow you to safely and confidentially share yourself without fear of the session being recorded or stored. More specific information is included on your Electronic Service Delivery Consent Form.
Q. Will my insurance cover Online therapy?
A. Possibly. You will have to check with them since I am an out-of-network (aka non-contracted) provider. This is as easy as logging into your insurance’s website and clicking on the Mental Health Benefits section. If you have any questions, I can see what I can do to help.
Q. What do I do if you didn't address my question here?
A. That one is easy! Click HERE and shoot me a quick email. I’ll get back to you that way or we can chat on the phone - whichever you prefer. I also suggest you take a look around my site as I may have answered it elsewhere.