Using Teletherapy For Online Counseling
Teletherapy can be an effective online counseling option during times that you may not be able to get to an office for mental health therapy services. Using virtual programs such as Zoom or Doxy, which are at no cost to you, you can access your therapist on the go, or in the convenience of your own home. Teletherapy sessions are becoming more widely used. They can be used exclusively or in conjunction with in-office counseling. Your therapist will send you everything that you need to log in using your phone, tablet, or computer.
When you use teletherapy sessions for mental health services, you can rest assured that your therapist has received training on how to keep your counseling session confidential. You will be logging through a protected virtual program that will not be shared with any other users except yourself and your therapist. Many therapists that work within a private practice setting have already familiarized their clients with teletherapy sessions using them with clients on vacations or other times to stay connected outside of regular in-office meetings. Recent changes in healthcare have allowed more therapists to use this type of technology for mental health therapy sessions which can be reimbursed by insurance.
HOW TELETHERAPY WORKS
What to expect during your virtual session.
You will be sent a link or schedule a time to connect through a host. The therapy session will in real-time and you will be able to interact with your therapist as if you were sitting in the same room. There will be no difference in the content or techniques that your licensed mental health counselor will use with you during your session, except that you will be connecting using technology. There is often an even better opportunity for therapists and clients to connect with teletherapy because it can be used anywhere and anytime.
TELETHERAPY SERVICE BENEFITS
Teletherapy provides a level of convenience to the client that limits barriers to their on-going counseling services. There may be times that you are unable to make it into the office, such as when you are home with a sick child, or unable to leave your office at the scheduled appointment time. You can still access your mental health service through a virtual portal despite these events and thereby you continue to be able to make consistent progress towards your therapy goals.
TELETHERAPY ACROSS THE GLOBE
Teletherapy allows you to travel out of your home state or even access therapy sessions form providers that are not within your state. That might include services that are not offered in your local area. Teletherapy sessions can cross global barriers as well. For instance, if you are an American living in a foreign country trying to access online counseling, you can use someone in your home country using teletherapy.
TELETHERAPY FOR ANYONE
Teletherapy also provides clients that are reluctant or even, unable, to leave their home due to anxiety disorders, physical limitations, or other barriers. By logging into a session from home with a therapist they can receive professional help and support. You also have the option of doing a counseling session that does not include a camera or face time, if you are shy to be seen. There are a variety of high-tech options that your therapist will be able to offer you so that you can get the mental health help you need.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT THERAPIST
When you are seeking a therapist that offers teletherapy, you may want to consider one who already has an established community practice. There might be many services available to you, but you will still want to ensure that you are getting the best services. You can research “counselors in my area”, and give them a call to see if they have the ability to offer teletherapy sessions. This allows you versatility, in the event that you ever decide to also go into the office.
Even if you decide that teletherapy is the best option and you don’t ever plan to meet in person, you will still want to make sure the therapist you choose is credentialed. This can be hard to do if they do not have a bio or accessible website, practice, or google reviews.
HOW TO GET TELETHERAPY STARTED
The first step we always recommend is that you do your research and find a company that is already prepared with this technology. Phone or Teletherapy consultations are usually offered for free and can give you information about the program your therapist will use, and what you can expect. With so many services being offered online these days, it only makes sense to access counseling online too.
Orlando Thrive Therapy has a team of 7 counseling experts who are experienced in connecting with our couples and individuals through technology. Give us a call at 407-592-8997 for a free phone consult and to schedule your teletherapy sessions today.
