Online Therapy

What Is Online Therapy?

Online therapy, also called telepsychology, is one way to receive mental health treatment from licensed therapists and psychiatrists. Typically, you log in to a secure virtual platform for a video meeting between you and your therapist. Meeting schedules are similar to in-person therapy, usually meeting weekly for about an hour. You can even attend online support groups.

Online therapy services require a computer or smartphone that allows you to log into a web platform and join a meeting.

Is Online Therapy Different Than In-person Therapy?

Online counseling is different than in-person therapy for one main reason: location.

With online therapy, you and your therapist can be anywhere when you log on and start a session. With in-person therapy, you must be on-site at the clinician’s office to complete a therapy session.

Another difference is that you can only see a portion of the person you meet. Most video sessions have cameras on their computers that capture someone from the waist or chest up. This doesn’t matter much to the client, but it can make it more difficult for the therapist to read body language, a form of communication.

Pros Of Online Therapy

One of the best advantages of online therapy services is that they break down barriers for people who couldn’t or wouldn’t attend in-person therapy. Additional advantages include:

• Eliminating transportation barriers
• Being accessible to anyone nationwide
• Allowing clinicians to obtain licensure in multiple states
• Lowering treatment costs
• Increasing interaction and disclosure
• Maintaining effectiveness
• Resulting in high rates of satisfaction
• Avoiding workflow interruptions

Therapists and clients can benefit from online therapy or blending online counseling and in-person sessions. This can also help reduce people’s stigma about being seen at a clinic. Now, they can log on from the privacy and comfort of their homes.

Cons Of Online Therapy

One disadvantage of online therapy is that not everyone feels comfortable using a computer. Many people who need therapy may not be technologically capable of logging onto the platform. Additional cons may include:

• Some insurance providers may not cover online therapy
• Not all therapists invest in a secure platform
• Technology can be unreliable at times
• It may not be appropriate for crises

Reduced self-pay rates, safer platforms, and developing a crisis plan can often overcome these disadvantages. In a crisis, it is best to get immediate help through your local hospital, which can contact your therapist once you are stable.

The first session or two can seem impersonal because you are not sitting next to your therapist. However, this feeling will subside once you get used to the service and learn more about one another.

What Conditions Can Be Treated With Online Therapy?

The same conditions in traditional therapy can be treated online with behavioral techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and its sub-treatments. Online therapy services are effective in treating the following conditions:

• Depressive disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Eating disorders
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• Substance use disorders

The same techniques can be implemented via online counseling in one-on-one, group therapy, or family therapy sessions. The key to successful treatment is your level of engagement and willingness to learn new skills to help you overcome your mental health symptoms.

Does Insurance Cover Online Therapy?

Fortunately, the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, requires insurance companies to cover mental health and behavioral health treatment in the same way as medical conditions, including online therapy. However, the amount of coverage may vary depending on your state’s definitions of the types of online treatments covered.

So, while it is a federal law that online therapy is covered to some degree, your state has the final say on what gets covered. They can decide if you have an audio versus a video session, an hour session versus a 90-minute session, or which therapists are in your network.

You should contact your insurance provider before scheduling an online therapy session. Alternatively, depending on the platform your therapist uses, they may be able to check with your insurance company on your behalf.

How Do I Choose An Online Therapy Provider?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, certain factors must be examined when choosing the best online therapy platform. While many traits will be the same as an in-person provider, there are a few extra steps to take when finding the right online provider.

Is The Platform Secure?

Don’t be afraid to ask a provider about the safety of their platform. The safest ones do not allow recording and have ways to verify they have confidentiality and security features.

Do They Offer Free Initial Consultations?

It is beneficial to talk to a therapist for free to see if there is a connection, which can save you a lot of time in your search. Not every person will make a great connection with the first therapist they meet, and meeting with a few therapists in a free consultation can help you narrow down your list.

What Are Their Reviews?

In the digital world, anyone can leave a review on a provider’s services. Check out the reviews but try to stay objective. Don’t let one or two negative reviews be the only reason you avoid trying their platform.

How Do I Pick An Online Therapist?

Choosing an online therapist means setting standards you want them to meet, asking questions, conducting some research, and making an informed decision.

Start with the following questions to help determine if they are the best choice for your mental health needs:

• What are the therapist’s qualifications, including degrees, licensure, and work history?
• Does the therapist have experience helping others with my specific mental health issues?
• Does the therapist meet my preferences, such as gender, age, and cultural background?
• Does the therapist offer virtual therapy sessions that fit my schedule?
• What is their therapeutic style?
• What types of therapeutic techniques do they use?
• Do they take my insurance? If not, what are their fees?
• How do I honestly feel about them after talking to them for the first time?

Online and in-person therapists understand they will not click with everyone. Their goal is to get you the help you need, even if that means referring you to someone who is a better fit for you. Talk to your therapist about your preferences. With online counseling, you have access to therapists nationwide.

Getting Started With Online Therapy

You can get started today if you are ready to try online therapy services. The first step is to conduct an online search for providers. Compare at least three platforms. You must create an account once you decide on the best online therapy platform. Platforms make this an easy, step-by-step process. Then, you can choose a therapist by entering your preferences.

Once you find a therapist you’re interested in meeting with, you will make an appointment. Based on your chosen platform, they will likely ask you to enter your insurance information to help narrow the list of providers you can see for online therapy services.

In the introductory session, ask the questions you created and pay attention to how the therapist makes you feel. After the initial session, decide whether to continue with the therapist or choose another. Finally, don’t give up. If you are unsatisfied with the first online counseling session, keep searching. The right program is out there.