Online Counseling Questions & Answers For The Skeptical
If you are like most people, you may feel skeptical of online therapy and whether it works as well as in person therapy. Telehealth often brings up some very understandable hesitations and questions. Below you will find some information to help put your mind at ease and let you know what to expect if you decide to do online counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Telehealth
What Is Helpful About Online Therapy and Why Would I Choose this Over In Person Therapy?
Online counseling is helpful when you have a busy life that makes scheduling difficult, if the therapist you want to see is not local, you are following stay at home orders or prefer to do therapy from home, need to reduce transportation time, have caregiving responsibilities that make attending therapy difficult, or have social anxiety and are more comfortable doing counseling from home.
But Isn’t It Hard to Set Up?
No, it actually pretty easy to set up. You can use your phone, tablet, or computer to do video therapy. You can then talk to your counselor as you usually would. It’s that easy!
Is It Really Confidential Though?
It absolutely is confidential. We maintain strict confidentiality standards for your protection, meaning your therapist will not share your information. This means sessions cannot be recorded. Sessions are either provided from the office or a therapist’s home in a way that ensures privacy.
But Will My Insurance Cover This?
Most insurance plans provide coverage for telehealth just like in person therapy. While this may be at your regular copay, coinsurance and/or deductible, there are often variations based on your plan or policy. I encourage you to call and find out your exact benefits. Many insurance plans are currently waiving copays and coinsurance costs during COVID-19.
But I Am At Home With Limited Privacy, What Can I Do?
This can be very tricky to figure out with families being together at home now more than ever before and parents home schooling. Some people like to meet for virtual sessions while on a walk, sitting in their car, in a particular room or place in the house that is quieter, or from their backyard. Often a therapist will adjust their schedule to try to find a time that is less busy for you, maybe by having sessions on different days or at different times than they usually would. You can also try using headphones which can help to limit distractions.
I’m Still Not Sure It’s Right For Me, Should I Wait Until I Can See A Therapist In Person?
Unfortunately, it is hard to say when Covid-19 and social distancing will end. While many therapist may be offering both online and in person with safety precautions with masks and social distancing, many also prefer online therapy at this time. Connecting with a counselor via telehealth is a good way to get started on your healing journey. This is even more important during these stressful times.
But Does Online Counseling Work With Children? Couples? Family Therapy? Trauma Work?
Telehealth is effective with children, but it may require some extra preparation by the therapist and the parent to make sure they have the supplies to do play and art activities. It also can often be helpful to have the parent participate in the session. Couples Therapy and Family Therapy can work very well with online counseling provided you can set up a private place in the home or elsewhere to do this that will minimize interruptions. Trauma work can also be done very effectively online. Both EMDR and TFCBT can be done this way to help both the client and the family heal by learning coping skills and by working on desensitizing traumas so they no longer bother you.
I hope this helps to answer your questions about telehealth and online therapy in Oregon and California. If you are still feeling stuck or have questions about whether it is right for you, feel free to call me at (707) 954- 7060 for a free 15 minute consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety counseling, depression counseling, or trauma counseling, you can read more about how I can help here.