Online therapy has many benefits, and it has become increasingly popular over the years. Sometimes, people have questions about how an individual’s privacy is protected when it comes to online therapy or counseling services in addition to other questions about how online therapy works, if it is effective, and if it is a reliable way to look for care overall. Today, we will answer those questions and possibly get you a little bit closer to deciding whether or not online therapy might be a good fit for you if it’s something you’re interested in.
Overview
First, what is online therapy? Online mental health therapy is very similar to mental health therapy conducted face to face. When you see a therapist online, you may connect with one another over a secure video call, voice call, or through other methods. People sometimes refer to online therapy as remote therapy, E-therapy, E-counseling, or teletherapy.
Is Online Therapy Secure?
Online therapy is a secure and reliable way to get the support that you need. For specifics regarding security, make sure to check the website of the online therapy platform you’re considering to see how they protect your privacy or check in with the mental health provider you’re seeing if you attend remote sessions while seeing someone who works in a private practice setting or therapy center. Most often, an online therapy website will have this information listed under the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section. Should you want your information shared with another medical or mental health provider in the future, you can sign a release of information just as you would in person. Online therapists should always be licensed and should always protect your privacy just as they would in person. As long as it doesn’t impact your ability to connect with your provider for a session, any typical online security practices may also be used.
How To Know If Online Therapy Is Right For You
Now, what you’re probably wondering is, “How do I know if online therapy is right for me?” There are so many advantages to online therapy that might make it the right fit for you. These include but are not limited to:
- Affordability. Online counseling through online therapy platforms specifically is often more affordable than traditional in-person counseling. When you get therapy with the provider through an online therapy website, the cost may go down to as low as around $90 per week, whereas in person, it can cost up to around $200 or more per session.
- No commute time. Online therapy may be the right fit for you if you live in a remote area, have a busy schedule, or experience difficulty making it to in-person appointments.
- Finding the right match. When you can see anyone who is licensed in your state, you have more options. Online therapy makes it easier to find a provider who meets your specific needs, which is one of the reasons one might seek it out.
With all of that said, online therapy is not a replacement for crisis care and is not the appropriate fit for someone experiencing an immediate need for care. This is a circumstance where online therapy would not be the right fit for you. If you are in need of immediate support, go to the nearest emergency room, call 911, or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Find A Provider
There are a number of ways to find a provider to work with in person or online. You can ask your doctor for a referral, search the web, or contact your insurance company to see who they cover. You can also use a website like Mind Diagnostics that will help you find providers who are licensed to practice near you. Simply type in your zip code, and you’ll see a range of mental health professionals in your area who offer online therapy or counseling. You can click on each provider’s profile and see what their specialties are, how long they’ve been practicing, reviews, and other information. On the website, there are also blog posts on various topics: https://www.mind-diagnostics.org/blog/agoraphobia. Regardless of how you choose to see a therapist, you deserve to get the support that you need, so don’t hesitate to reach out.