Online therapy. Virtual counseling. Video counseling. e Therapy. Telehealth.
Regardless of what term you use for it, online therapy has become more popular. Especially in the wake of the COVID 19 global health pandemic. There are many different telehealth companies offering online therapy. And now, many therapists, who traditionally see clients in their office, offer online services.
Online therapy can be such a blessing for people who can’t otherwise see a therapist. It allows anyone with internet to have access to mental health services from the comfort of their home. But, many people still have misconceptions about online therapy. So, today, I want to take some time to address some common concerns you might have about online therapy.
Myth: Online Therapy is not as effective as office-based counseling
Contrary to this belief, research has actually found that telehealth therapy can be just as effective as traditional in-office counseling. Several studies have found that client outcomes from online therapy were almost identical to those who received services in an office. For example, veterans who received online counseling services to treat PTSD had the same positive outcomes as those who didn’t receive online therapy. So, meeting with a therapist on the internet does not make those therapy sessions any less effective. Finding the therapist who is the right fit for you and can help you meet your specific needs is more important to the success of your mental health treatment. Learn more about choosing a therapist in New Orleans and in Oahu here:
Myth: I won’t be able to connect with my therapist During Online Therapy
Is virtual counseling a good fit for everyone? No. Could it be a good fit for you? Quite possibly. Many clients have found they are able to create a deep therapeutic relationship with their therapist through video counseling. In fact, some people find it easier to connect with their therapist on the computer, especially if they have social anxiety.
Not everyone finds technology to be easy, and for some people they would just prefer meeting face-to-face with a therapist. And, that is okay! However, if you find a therapist that offers the specific services you are looking for and they only offer online sessions, it could be beneficial to give them a try. Don’t let the idea of meeting with someone via the computer turn you away from possibly connecting to the right therapist. Give yourself permission to try one or two sessions with that therapist. If after a couple sessions you don’t think meeting with a therapist online is the right fit, now you know.
Myth: My insurance won’t cover online therapy
This is a popular myth I hear often, even from other therapists. However, overall I have found this to be untrue. Almost all 50 states require Medicaid programs to cover telehealth services. In fact, over 30 states have requirements for private insurance plans to cover these services as well. Each year more states are pushing to pass legislation to require insurance plans to cover telehealth services as they become more and more popular. There is a very good chance that your insurance company will cover online mental health services! But, every plan is different, so it is always best to call your insurance company directly and verify your specific benefits for tele-mental health counseling.
Myth: Online Therapy is not as Secure or private as in-office counseling
Counselors, social workers, and therapists are bound by ethical codes of conduct specific to their governing body like the National Association of Social Workers, American Counseling Association, etc. Each governing board holds that these professionals must maintain client confidentiality and privacy. Your therapist is responsible for determining how they will maintain their clients’ privacy during online sessions.
When I meet with clients, I ensure that I am alone in my private home office, away from others, and my white noise machine is on to help drown out sound. Your therapist should do everything they can to protect a client’s privacy. But, it is important to consider what steps you will need to take to protect your privacy as well. For example, if you decide to have your appointment while sitting in a restaurant, other people may overhear your conversation. Your therapist cannot control who may be listening to the private discussion between you and your therapist.
Online counseling provides the wonderful benefit of being able to meet with your therapist in a time and place that works for you. But, it is important to think about who may be around while you are talking to the therapist. Thinking through this ahead of time will help you have a private and confidential therapy session.
Myth: I can only see an online Therapist who Also lives Where I live
Each state and each governing body differ in the restrictions they place on therapists, social workers, and counselors regarding how they provide online mental health services to clients. However, one of the great benefits of working with an online therapist is that you are not limited to only the therapists who live and work in your area. As long as a therapist is licensed in the state where you live (even if he or she doesn’t live in your state), you can see them for online therapy. Regardless of the distance between you. This helps to broaden your options of who you can work with for counseling. For example, you may be looking for someone who specializes in working with new moms with anxiety, but you cannot find anyone near you who feels like a good fit. Telehealth allows you to see a therapist who is licensed in your state but may live hundreds of miles away. They may live in another city or even another state. E therapy can open the door to additional support, services, and therapists that you wouldn’t be able to access otherwise.
Not sure if online therapy is for you, I can answer your questions during a free 15-minute consultation call
Hopefully, I have debunked these five myths about doing mental health counseling online. But, if you have additional questions about finding an online counselor in Louisiana, Oahu, Maui, and Colorado, please contact me. I would be happy to help you find a therapist who is a good fit for you.
Begin Online Therapy in Colorado, Hawaii, and Louisiana:
If you are struggling and ready to consider online therapy, I would love to speak to you. I provide online therapy for women struggling with a variety of mental health concerns in these states. So, to begin online therapy in Colorado, Hawaii, and Louisiana, please follow these steps:
Contact me to schedule your free, 15-minute consultation phone or video call
Get more information about the ways I can help you in therapy
Begin online therapy, find relief from the things that are bothering you, and lead a happier life.
Online Therapy Services Offered By Ashley Clark-Comegys LCSW
I provide a variety of online counseling services to women in Hawaii, Colorado, and Louisiana. My mental health services include individual counseling for women, online anxiety counseling, online counseling for grief and loss, online therapy for military spouses, online therapy for moms, and online trauma treatment for women. Please contact me to learn more about the services I offer.
Please note, due to the laws that regulate my license as an LCSW, I am only able to provide online mental health services to residents of the state of Louisiana, Colorado and Hawaii.