Online Therapy
Can I get therapy online?
Life is intense. You feel like you’re so busy, it’s hard to take care of yourself or think about what you need. You know that you want counseling, but how in the world are you supposed to fit it into your nonstop life?
Maybe you have kids, but there’s no way you can find childcare to watch them while you go somewhere for counseling. Or perhaps you feel like leaving work in the middle of the day leads to uncomfortable questions from your boss or colleagues. Or maybe you live far from access to counseling. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice where you live or work to move closer to a therapist.
While one-on-one contact is ideal, it’s not always a viable option.
Online therapy may be the right fit for your situation.
Although not all methods of therapy are ideal for online therapy, research studies have shown that many people can create the change they want in their lives through doing telehealth.
At Intermountain Counseling, we facilitate robust therapy for Colorado-based clients who want to meet from the comfort of their home, car, or any space they feel secure. Distance and time don’t have to be a barrier to a more vibrant and whole life.
How can online therapy help me?
Online therapy can be a helpful and convenient option for individuals struggling with mental health issues, stress, anxiety, and other challenges. If you're considering seeking therapy but are hesitant due to time constraints, geographical barriers, or other challenges, online therapy may be the perfect solution for you.
First and foremost, online therapy allows you to access mental health support from the comfort of your own home. This can be especially beneficial if you're struggling with social anxiety, are unable to leave your home due to physical or mobility issues, or if you simply prefer the privacy and convenience of receiving therapy from your own space.
Online therapy also provides greater flexibility in terms of scheduling. Rather than needing to worry about coordinating with a therapist's in-office schedule, you can typically schedule online therapy sessions at a time that works best for you, whether that's early in the morning, late at night, or during a lunch break. This can make it much easier to fit therapy into your busy schedule and ensure that you're able to prioritize your mental health.
Another advantage of online therapy is that it can provide greater access to specialized therapists and treatment approaches. Depending on where you live, it may be difficult to find a therapist who specializes in a particular area of focus, such as addiction, grief, or relationship issues. With online therapy, you can search for a therapist who has the training and experience to address your specific concerns, no matter where you are located.
Online therapy can also be a more affordable option than traditional in-person therapy. Many online therapy providers offer a sliding scale or other pricing options to make therapy more accessible, and you may also be able to use your insurance to cover the cost of online therapy sessions.
Despite the many benefits of online therapy, it's important to keep in mind that it may not be the right fit for everyone. Some individuals may feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics in person, or may prefer the structure and accountability of in-office therapy. That being said, for many people, online therapy can be a highly effective way to receive the support and guidance they need to improve their mental health and well-being.
If you're struggling with mental health issues and are considering seeking therapy, don't be afraid to explore online therapy as an option. While it may take some time to adjust to this new form of therapy, the benefits can be significant and the convenience and flexibility of online therapy can make it easier to prioritize your mental health and well-being. So don't hesitate to reach out and seek the support you need – your mental health is worth it.
Interested in talking about how online therapy can help you?
What to Expect in online therapy
Week 1:
The first week is the intake session. The initial session is focused on helping clarify the online process. Your counselor will go through your finished paperwork and make sure that you understand what you are consenting to in telehealth. Your online therapist will also gather more information about you, your social, biological, and psychological history; and anything else that may be impacting your situation. Your online therapist will make sure that we have clarified your goals for online therapy and have a plan proceeding forward.
Week 2 and the following weeks:
Your online therapist will choose treatment strategies that best fit you, work well in an online format, and help you regain stability in your life. Every session will be focused on the online therapist working with you to make sure you feel you are improving. This may require you to practice strategies during your week, between online therapy sessions.
Intermountain Counseling is committed to creating a secure, warm, and hospitable environment for you so you feel equipped to overcome the hurdles in your life.
Termination:
Termination is the agreed-upon ending of the therapeutic relationship once goals are achieved and takes 1 to 3 online sessions, depending on your specific needs. Online therapy should be a springboard into your future; your online therapist will work with you to determine that you feel your therapeutic goals have been met and that you are satisfied with what you have worked on.
FAQ
1) iS ONLINE THERAPY AS EFFECTIVE AS IN-PERSON?
Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many people. It can be particularly convenient for individuals who have difficulty leaving their home or who live in remote areas. Online therapy can also be more accessible for people who have mobility issues or who have a busy schedule and may not be able to commit to in-person therapy appointments.
Research has found that online therapy can be effective for a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and stress. It can also be helpful for people dealing with issues related to relationships, self-esteem, and life transitions.
There are a few key factors that can influence the effectiveness of online therapy. These include the therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist, the client's level of engagement with the therapy process, and the fit between the client's needs and the therapy modality being used.
It's important to keep in mind that online therapy is not suitable for everyone, and in some cases, in-person therapy may be more appropriate.
2) Online therapy vs. in-person?
Both online therapy and in-person therapy can be effective for treating mental health issues, and the best option for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances.
Here are some points to consider when deciding between online therapy and in-person therapy:
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Accessibility: Online therapy can be more convenient for people who live in remote areas or have mobility issues, as it allows them to access therapy from the comfort of their own home. In-person therapy may be more suitable for individuals who prefer face-to-face interaction or who do not have a stable internet connection.
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Schedule: Online therapy can be more flexible in terms of scheduling, as it allows you to attend sessions at a time that is convenient for you. In-person therapy may require you to take time off work or make other arrangements to attend sessions.
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Cost: Online therapy may be more affordable than in-person therapy, as it may not require you to pay for transportation or child care. However, it's important to check with your insurance provider to see if they cover online therapy.
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Therapy modality: Different therapy modalities may be more suitable for online or in-person therapy. For example, certain types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may be better suited to online delivery, while others, such as body-based therapies (e.g. somatic experiencing), may be more effective in person.
Ultimately, the most important factor in the effectiveness of therapy is the therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist, regardless of whether the therapy is conducted online or in person. It's important to choose a therapist who you feel comfortable with and who has the skills and experience to help you address your specific needs.
3) Why is online therapy important?
Online therapy is important because it can provide people with access to mental health care that they might not otherwise be able to obtain. There are a number of reasons why people might not be able to access in-person therapy, such as living in a remote area, having mobility issues, or having a busy schedule that makes it difficult to commit to regular therapy appointments.
Online therapy can also be more convenient and flexible than in-person therapy, as it allows people to attend therapy sessions at a time that is convenient for them, from the comfort of their own home. This can be particularly beneficial for people who have busy schedules or who have difficulty leaving their home.
Online therapy can also be more affordable than in-person therapy, as it may not require you to pay for transportation or child care. However, it's important to check with your insurance provider to see if they cover online therapy.
Another important aspect of online therapy is that it can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health treatment. Many people may feel more comfortable seeking therapy online, as it allows them to seek help in a private and anonymous setting.
Overall, online therapy can be a valuable resource for people who are seeking mental health support but who might otherwise be unable to access it due to logistical or other barriers.
4) How does online therapy work?
Online therapy, also known as teletherapy or e-therapy, is a type of mental health treatment that's facilitated over the internet using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. There's a few different ways that online therapy can be delivered, including:
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Video therapy: This involves having a therapy session with a therapist via video conference, using a platform such as Theranest, Zoom, or Doxy.me.
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Phone therapy: This involves having a therapy session with a therapist over the phone.
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Chat therapy: This involves having a therapy session with a therapist through text-based messaging, either in real-time or asynchronously (e.g. through email).
In most cases, online therapy is done using a secure and private platform to ensure the confidentiality of the therapy session.
To participate in online therapy, you need to have a device with a camera and internet access. You also need to schedule an appointment with a therapist who is trained in online therapy, like the therapists at Intermountain Counseling.
During an online therapy session, you will typically discuss your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with your therapist, just as you would in an in-person therapy session. Your therapist may use a variety of techniques to help you address your concerns, such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, or solution-focused therapy.
Online therapy can be an effective treatment option for a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and stress. It can also be helpful for people dealing with issues related to relationships, self-esteem, and life transitions.
5) wHAT'S THE BEST ONLINE THERAPY?
It's difficult to determine the "best" online therapy, as different therapy modalities and approaches may be more or less effective for different people. It's important to choose a therapy that is tailored to your individual needs and goals, and that is delivered by a therapist who is trained in the specific therapy modality being used.
There are a number of different therapy modalities that can be delivered online, including acceptance commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, and solution-focused therapy. Some therapy modalities, such as ACT, may be better suited to online delivery, while others, such as body-based therapies (e.g. somatic experiencing), may be more effective in person.
It's also important to consider the therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist, as the quality of this relationship can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of therapy. It's important to work with a therapist who you feel comfortable with and who has the skills to help you address your needs.
If you're considering online therapy, it's a good idea to have a consultation to see if your potential therapist is a good fit. Contact us HERE.