Welcome to Online Therapy
We use technology for everything- why not therapy?
Technology has led to more and more online options during the past twenty years. We transitioned away from cable television and video rental stores and utilized online streaming services. Many colleges and universities began to offer online classes or programs. Online shopping and food/grocery delivery became more prevalent. The transition to virtual services was in full swing even before the COVID 19 pandemic, but social distancing mandates certainly accelerated the transition. Very quickly, virtual services became the only option for many people.
It’s not surprising to learn that telehealth has been around for decades. It seems like people have always been able to call the doctor’s office or a nurse line to ask for medical advice remotely in non-emergency situations. Now we’re able to see the doctor on our cell phones. So why should therapy be any different?
What is online therapy?
Online therapy has many names: telehealth, teletherapy, telemental health, virtual therapy, distance therapy, video therapy, e-therapy, and cyber therapy (to name a few). *Please note that “therapy” and “counseling” are used interchangeably in these contexts- they both mean “providing mental health services.” Likewise, there are many types of online therapy: synchronous and asynchronous text-based, voice-based, and video-based therapy. *Synchronous means “in real time,” such as instant messaging or live video chatting. *Asynchronous means “not existing or happening at the same time,” such as email messaging or leaving a voicemail that someone later responds to.
So online therapy can have many different modalities- can we use them all? The answer (like so many answers in the mental health field) is: it depends. Each state, licensing board, code of ethics, and therapist’s scope of practice has its own rules about what is allowed and what isn’t- and the rules are constantly changing as research, needs, and options change. The good news is that the therapist is responsible for keeping up with all the rules and regulations that apply to them and their specific services. The bad news is that you may have your heart set on a certain service and find out that the therapist you want to work with does not offer that service. Just ask!
I personally utilize live video therapy sessions for my therapy practice because it provides the most personal experience. The client(s) and I can see each other’s facial expressions and body language (to a certain extent) and respond accordingly. Plus, using live video therapy sessions helps to hold myself and my client(s) responsible for limiting outside distractions. It’s just like the video chats we’ve used to communicate with family members and colleagues during social distancing, except that we have to use a platform that offers more security and privacy protection than things like Zoom (free version), FaceTime, Portal, and Duo. Your online therapist will walk you through how to use their chosen platform.
Why should you choose online therapy?
Our lives are busy. We’re all juggling some combination of school, work, community commitments, social activities, and family obligations. Over the years I’ve been a full-time college student with 3 part time jobs, a single and childless college graduate working two jobs just to make ends meet, and a working, married parent with a side job. I understand what it’s like to feel like you don’t have time for therapy. It’s especially hard when the therapist’s office closes right when you get off work, when the therapist’s office is 30 minutes or more away, or when bad weather or illness keeps you from being able to make it to a physical appointment. I’ve seen some people sacrifice the act of eating lunch just to squeeze an appointment into their lunch hour (that’s IF you even get an hour for lunch!). Online therapy gives you the power to prioritize your mental health.
Online therapy is not for everyone. Many online therapists and practices are not equipped to handle crisis or emergency situations. Depending on the therapist’s schedule, it could take a few days for them to respond to messages. For this reason, online therapy should not be used for crisis situations unless your provider has a designated on-call crisis number available 24/7. As always, emergency situations should be handled immediately by calling local emergency management services or going to the nearest emergency department.
What should you look for in an online therapist?
One of the greatest factors contributing to therapy success is the relationship between the client and the therapist, also known as “therapeutic relationship.” Every therapist has their own set of conditions and types of clients they work with, their own ideas about what type of therapy works best with specific people, and their own personality traits. It is important that you find a therapist that you can have a good connection with. Online therapy provides the freedom to look outside your immediate geographical area to find the best therapist available for your specific needs.
How do you want to pay for therapy? What characteristics do you look for in a therapist? What values are important for your therapist to possess? What kind of mental health concerns do you want to address in therapy? What kind of therapy do you want to participate in? How long do you want be seeing a therapist?
You can often find these answers on a therapist’s website. Therapists make it as easy as possible for their ideal clients to find them by how they market themselves. Many will list their areas of expertise and the populations they work with, as well as clearly explain the type of therapies they offer. Most therapists offer free consultations where you can ask any additional questions that you might have to ensure you’re working with a therapist who is right for you.
Why choose Janet Hardy Counseling?
I specialize in working with individuals experiencing transitions in life, such as young adults starting college or entering the workforce; couples, children, and families navigating changes in their family structure; and individuals exploring their gender identity or sexual identity. I am currently licensed in Mississippi and can only see individuals who are physically within the state at the time of services rendered.
Ready to get started?
If teletherapy sounds like it might be right for you, please reach out to schedule your free fifteen-minute consultation by calling 662-200-4210 or clicking the “schedule an appointment” button.
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