We’re living, working, and trying to relax all in the same space. So, online therapy makes sense. But maybe you’ve wondered… “Is teletherapy as effective as in-person therapy? Won’t it be awkward and impersonal?” You’re not alone there. I used to have the same questions. But research has shown that teletherapy is just as effective as in-person services in most cases. And it has benefits that traditional in-office therapy doesn’t have.
Telehealth makes therapy available to more people. I love this because, like so many other services, you don’t have to pick a therapist that you may not totally jive with just because their office is an easy commute away. It also eliminates commute times.There’s no more sitting in traffic or factoring in commute time to go to an office.
Distance doesn’t have to be a barrier to getting the support you deserve. We are physically located in San Diego, but have clients that live all over the state. With online therapy, we can do all the same things we would do in person, including trauma processing, somatic work, and EMDR!`;
It eliminates commute times! There’s no more sitting in traffic or factoring in commute time to go to an office. You can meet during your lunch hour, in between meetings, when the kids are napping, or any other hour-long window you have that may have been otherwise lost to aimlessly scrolling on your phone.
Before each session, I’ll send a link that you can access on your phone, computer, or tablet. The link is generated through the secure and HIPPA-compliant platform called SimplePractice. The first time you use it, it will ask you to connect to your device’s microphone and camera, and then you’ll be good to go!
Not all forms of online therapy are the same and the treatment approach you choose might depend on a variety of factors including the nature of your condition and your therapeutic goals. Some forms such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are more popular in online formats.
We’ll identify tangible things you can do to start to improve your life, as well as look at how past events may be contributing to your unease.
We know that things grow under pressure, like diamonds, plants, and muscles. That’s true for psychological processes, too. By that logic, psychological pressure is not only good, but necessary for discovering more about who we are and who we can be.
However, the key to this growth factor is a good therapist who can act as a guide for applying just the right amount of pressure at just the right time.
Some people may feel that online therapy is a bit impersonal compared with face-to-face treatment. In addition, therapists aren’t able to read body language in the same way (even if video chats are used).
You need an internet-connected electronic device like a computer, phone, or tablet with a microphone and video access to meet with your therapist. Some clients also prefer using headphones during their sessions. Beyond technical equipment, it’s important to find a space free from distractions, where you’ll be fully comfortable opening up about personal and challenging subjects in a live therapy session.
This is an answer you probably don’t like to hear but also don’t find surprising: it depends. Some insurance companies contract with specific, in-network therapists to subsidize costs. At this time, most insurance companies do not reimburse for online therapy services provided through the major platforms. To determine potential coverage, contact your insurance’s membership services before starting your treatment. In many situations, online therapy is cheaper than using insurance for traditional, in-person therapy.
Yes, most platforms allow you to leave messages for your therapist whenever you need to talk. Additionally, these platforms offer various communication methods for corresponding with your therapist. Typically, you may choose between:
Most online therapy is fairly intuitive and straightforward. However, you need some basic understanding of using the Internet, connecting to WiFi, and downloading apps (if using a tablet or cell phone). Live video sessions are a lot like Facetime, Zoom, Google Meet, and similar video chatting interfaces. Most providers offer support if you need technological assistance.