While online therapy has existed for some time, we’ve seen an increase in providers offering online services over the past eighteen months. The current pandemic conditions have created an opportunity for therapists to find alternative ways to meet with clients.
With the increased use of smartphones, laptops, and tablets, more people than ever have grown used to communicating through technology. This lends itself well to online therapy. As more practitioners have opened up their practice to the online community, it has allowed therapy to be more accessible.
Why consider seeing an online therapy provider?
Whether you’ve been seeing an in-person therapist for years and want to transition to online, or you’re new to therapy in general, here are a few possible factors to consider as you decide to give it a try.
Insurance
With the recent prevalence of online therapy, insurance companies have recognized the efficacy of this convenience. Individuals can attend sessions more easily without having to worry about the added cost of driving to and from appointments, all while receiving more support from insurance companies to help with overall cost.
The recent pandemic has called for more insurance companies to cover more online therapy sessions for individuals. Now more than ever, people are in need of an outlet to express their problems to help cope with the added stress of finances, social anxieties, loneliness, familial loss, and other contributing factors sparked by COVID-19. The rapid response to help more individuals during this time has added to the need for online therapy, which insurance companies have responded to in flux.
In addition to more insurance coverage for online therapy, some states have lessened the out-of-state requirements in order to help more individuals throughout the country. The likelihood of receiving aid is better than ever, adding to the convenience and benefit of reaching out for online therapy sessions.
Effectiveness
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), research indicates that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy. Clients who have used online therapy have been able to acquire the same positive benefits as if they had driven to a clinic and met in-person with a therapist.
Another factor that may contribute to its effectiveness is that online therapy takes place in a more practical and accessible environment. Rather than sitting in an office environment, clients are able to remain in their own space. They are able to engage from a comfortable place where they already feel safe. When someone feels safe, being vulnerable, as is often required in therapy, can be far less intimidating.
Ease of contact
We’ve already mentioned how being in one’s own space can contribute to the ease of contact in online therapy. Another possible benefit is that online therapy can more easily fit into your schedule. Instead of rearranging your day for a scheduled appointment, online therapy is more readily available depending on the clinic or service. They may be available after hours and on the weekends.
Online therapy also makes it easier for those who might not be able to easily get to a clinic for an in-person session. This can include those in remote or rural areas where there might only be one option, if any, within a fifty-mile radius. It might also include those who are housebound due to physical or other limitations.
How to find an online therapist?
If you decide you want to try online therapy, make sure that you do your research to find a therapist that fits your needs. Read their bios. Check out reviews from other clients.
We would also recommend scheduling an initial consultation to meet with several providers. Many offer consultations for free as they recognize that they might not be a right fit for everyone. During the consultation, share what you hope to get out of your sessions. Ask them open-ended questions to see what they have to offer you in ways of their techniques. Try to get a sense of their style to see if it is a match for you.
In the end, pay attention to your initial reaction. It is probably right on. If something feels off, that therapist is likely not the one for you.
Here are several other factors to consider when looking for an online therapy provider.
Focus on your needs
While online therapy provides many great benefits, it does not offer a “one size fits all” approach. Online therapy might not be right for everyone, and that is okay.
As you look for an online therapist, first consider if your situation is a good fit for this type of support. For example, those with more severe mental issues would probably do better in a face-to-face setting. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What am I hoping to get out of therapy?
- Are there specific issues I want to focus on?
- Do I feel comfortable being open in a virtual setting?
- Do I need to be able to see my therapist to feel comfortable?
- Am I okay with just talking on the phone or instant messaging?
- Would I do better in an in-person setting?
If you are uncertain, try it out. After a month or two, assess if you’re getting the proper help that you need for your situation. If not, it is okay to transition to an in-person therapy environment.
Qualifications
As you research possible online therapists, look for someone who specializes in your specific area of need. For example, if you struggle with anxiety, try to find someone who specializes in anxiety. It seems obvious, but not all therapists have specialty training in the same areas. A therapist who works in marriage counseling will not be able to provide the same kind of support as someone specializing in anxiety.
Online therapy has opened the doors for practitioners to offer their services across state lines. Check to see if the therapist is licensed to practice in your state. Each state sets the standards that they require for all behavioral health professionals who practice in their state. To check, go to the state’s Board of Psychology website and look up the therapist.
Another thing to consider is whether or not you’ll need medication management. Not all online therapists are able to prescribe medications. If this is something you might need, look for one that does or find out what other options might be available.
Method of communication
As the world of online therapy continues to expand, the various methods of communication differ with each clinic or site. Look into how you’ll be able to communicate with your therapist and how often to make sure that it fits your needs.
Synchronous (real-time) communication methods may include:
- Video conference
- Chat room
- Phone calls
Asynchronous (time-delay) methods may include:
- Texting
In addition to exploring the ways that the therapist could communicate with you, find out more about the platform being used. Is it easy to navigate? More importantly, is it a safe and secure environment? It should provide security measures to protect your privacy. If possible, it should be encrypted. It should also meet HIPAA requirements.
Check out local resources
When searching for an online therapist, check with local clinics to see what online services they provide. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the pandemic has created an opportunity for many clinics to branch out in order to meet their clients’ needs. Clinics are continuing to expand their online offerings. Many clinics not only offer virtual individual sessions, they may also offer virtual group therapy.
One added benefit of working with your local clinic is that it may be easier to transition to in-person visits if the need ever arises in the future.
Alvarado Parkway Institute provides virtual group therapy to their patients if you are looking for virtual therapy services in the San Diego area (or from anywhere for that matter). Give us a call at 619-333-7050 to learn more!
