Modern-day therapy that is convenient, confidential and effective.
As online communication advances and becomes more accessible worldwide, the opportunity for support is more readily available too. The therapy experience is rapidly changing as technology allows us to connect in exciting new ways. As a modern practice, we want to provide simple and accessible services that align with how we live today.
In contrast to traditional office-based therapy, online therapy is a valuable way to receive timely, flexible and convenient support from the comfort of a home, office, or during travel. Although you may be located very close to your therapist, perhaps meeting remotely feels more approachable. It’s our goal to simplify the process and create easy solutions for you to connect with a personal therapist and get the support you need.
What is online therapy?
Online therapy is the delivery of mental health counseling via the internet. It may also be referred to as e-therapy, distance therapy, tele-therapy, remote therapy, internet therapy and web-based therapy. Therapists use a variety of mediums such as video chatting, voice messaging, apps for texting, and audio messaging.
What are the benefits of online therapy?
The advantages of working online with a therapist are convenience and effectiveness. It allows you to work collaboratively with your therapist in a supportive and virtual environment, where you can talk openly and work freely on your issues without having to commute or struggle to meet the therapist in person. We understand that problems with traffic, tight work schedules and family matters happen. The best part of connecting online, is that you can meet under a more flexible schedule while still getting excellent treatment.
Just as in traditional office settings, meeting online with your therapist can help to better manage many concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, relationship struggles, parenting distress, anger and many more.
Additional benefits of virtual counseling include:
- Client can be more comfortable and open while at home
- Client can gain support while at work or during travel
- People worry about the stigma of in-office therapy
- Some clients feel therapy via the Internet provides greater anonymity
- Extra benefits for clients who will encounter less “triggers” if they stay home
- It benefits people who cannot drive to a therapist’s office
- It is a convenient option for people with disabilities
- Can be used as supplemental to in-office therapy
Is receiving counseling online effective?
Various studies have proven the efficacy of therapy via the internet to the point where it has become a viable alternative and supplement to in-office therapy. There are even people who can afford and make time for in-office therapy but choose online therapy.
Although in-office therapy can work better for some, online therapy is an equally viable treatment for many and can be effective for a vast majority of clients.
Here are some resources that are useful in explaining the benefits of telemedicine.
https://ps.psychiatryonline.org/doi/abs/10.1176/appi.ps.201100206
http://www.jad-journal.com/article/S0165-0327(13)00512-0/abstract
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20183695
http://www.zurinstitute.com/telehealthresources.html
Will my privacy be protected?
Ethical rules for licensed therapists require they protect your privacy. With the exception of safety situations (such as clients being at risk of harming themselves or others), a therapist will not reveal the content of your conversations to others.
Sometimes interruptions can occur with technology, just as they go wrong in the real world (traffic jams, accidents, no parking spaces, running late, etc). There will always be a back-up plan or alternative option to re-connect for the session such as switching to telephone or email messaging.
Ready to give online counseling a try?
Experience the benefits of online therapy and start feeling better today.