Therapy usually transitions through three phases. During the first phase of therapy, the client and I work together to identify the problems they want to work on and determine which approaches to use to address the problems. This phase of therapy may continue into the next phase or be revisited numerous times as the client becomes more self-aware. The second phase of therapy is where the client begins to make changes in their life to decrease or alleviate their problems. Finally, the third phase of therapy is when the client has made significant progress toward goals and is ready to end therapy, called “termination.” During this phase, the client will identify resources and coping skills to manage problems without the aid of the therapist.

There is no tried and true formula for therapy. Some resolve their presenting problems and reach their therapy goals in as few as twelve weeks while others find themselves in therapy for years as they work through complex issues or discover new concerns to address in therapy. 

Different online therapy platforms provide different types of online therapy, such as asynchronous text-based communication, real-time, or “instant,” message communication, voice communication, and video-based communication. Online therapy can take many forms. I meet some clients directly through my private practice, where I use Spruce Health to communicate with these clients, schedule appointments, and host video-based therapy sessions, and clients pay me directly for services rendered. I meet other clients through third party platforms where the client pays a separate company to receive therapy services, and that company pays me a contracted rate to provide the therapy services, and the client and I work together using the third party’s online platform and following their policies.

Although research is still ongoing, there is evidence to suggest that online therapy, also called “teletherapy” or “telemental health,” is just as effective as traditional in-person therapy. Here are a few examples of current research:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5723163/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0887618517304474?via%3Dihub

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7049904/

Online therapy is NOT appropriate for individuals in acute psychiatric or medical emergencies or for individuals experiencing active psychosis or suicidal thoughts. Online therapy also requires adequate internet, or data, which may not be available or affordable for all individuals seeking services. Additionally, some people may feel uncomfortable with technology or find online therapy to be lacking the intimacy of in-person therapy. Finally, there are risks associated with internet security as well as finding a private location within the home to conduct therapy sessions free from distractions. 

Online therapy has many of the same benefits as in-person therapy, such as the potential to decrease or alleviate problems and reach personal goals. However, there are benefits specific to online therapy, such as convenience and flexibility. Online therapy can be beneficial for people with busy lives who have to schedule therapy around work, community, and family obligations. Online therapy may also be convenient for people who live in rural areas where in-person therapy options may be limited or located far away. 

Because online therapy requires the same education, training, and level of treatment as in-person therapy, prices for online therapy are similar to prices for in-person therapy, based on market value. 

Self-pay provides the consumer with the power to choose their provider regardless of insurance network or policy coverage. I accept private pay via credit/debit card. I am currently partnered with Arise Psychiatry to see clients with the following insurance: BCBS, Aetna, UMR. Choosing to see me through Arise Psychiatry means that you become a client of Arise Psychiatry and not Janet Hardy Counseling, LLC. Click here to learn more about Arise Psychiatry.