Online Therapy Can Help You Heal From The Comfort Of Your Home
Perhaps you’ve been struggling with your mental health, but you don’t think that you have room in your schedule for therapy. Or maybe you’re suffering from a condition like social anxiety, and the thought of talking to a therapist in person is nerve-wracking.
Sometimes, obstacles to attending in-person therapy can prevent people from getting the help they need. Online therapy provides a solution—and you’ll receive the same standard of care as you would in person.
I began offering online therapy services to keep my clients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. It quickly became apparent that not only was online therapy quite effective, but research has confirmed what I’ve seen in my own practice—clients who work with a therapist online typically make faster progress* and are also able to alleviate their symptoms in the long run.**
Although a lot of people initially turned to online counseling services because of the COVID-19 pandemic, other factors have also made teletherapy a preferable long-term option for many of my clients. Online therapy is accomodating for those with family obligations or transportation limitations. Furthermore, working with a therapist from home can be much more comfortable and relaxing.
ONLINE THERAPY IS ACCESSIBLE AND CONVENIENT
If you’re unsure if online therapy is right for you, you can schedule an optional free consultation with me before booking a session. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, learn more about online therapy, and determine if this option suits your needs.
Should you decide that you would like to pursue online therapy, you can book a session via email or through my website. To protect my clients’ privacy, I utilize the HIPAA-compliant video conferencing software SimplePractice. You will be able to access a document-sharing portal through SimplePractice for filling out and signing forms prior to your first session.
You don’t need any special equipment for online therapy sessions—as long as you have an Internet connection, you can sign in to video sessions on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Once you book a session, you will receive a reminder email the day before our appointment and a unique link to your video appointment on the day of your session. After clicking on the link, you will be placed in a video waiting room for security purposes until we are ready to begin your session.
To get the most out of your time in session, there are a few things you can do. For example, it’s best to find a quiet space where you can have privacy and focus without interruptions. And if you have young children who need supervision, you may need to arrange for childcare during sessions.
Attending therapy sessions online does not mean that your treatment options will be limited. I can incorporate a wide range of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy, just as I would in the office.
Online therapy has a lot of benefits. It can help you learn to regulate your emotions, let go of your anxious thoughts, cultivate inner peace, and find genuine happiness.
BUT YOU MAY STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ONLINE THERAPY…
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes. Studies indicate that online therapy is just as beneficial for clients as in-person therapy. In fact, for individuals struggling with social anxiety, online therapy services can be an especially valuable option. Moreover, while some people do benefit from connecting with a therapist in person, most find that talking to a therapist online, while relaxing at home, is just as effective.
I’m concerned that online therapy isn’t private or secure.
I understand that you want to be assured that what you share in sessions will remain confidential. In my practice, online privacy is paramount. I make every effort to protect my clients’ privacy and keep our communications secure. I use HIPAA-compliant SimplePractice software for video sessions, and you will receive a unique link for each session that only you have access to.
WITH ONLINE THERAPY, A BRIGHTER FUTURE IS POSSIBLE
Whether you’re seeking treatment for anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition, online therapy is a convenient alternative to in-person therapy. If you think that you might be a good candidate for online therapy, you can schedule a free consultation through our website or by emailing me.
If your safety is an ongoing concern, in-person care is a necessity. If immediate safety is an issue, please call 911, go to your nearest Emergency Room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Sources:
*https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0887618517304474
**https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032713005120