How does online therapy work?
Online therapy is traditional in-person therapy but online! Instead of meeting your therapist in their office you can connect from the comfort of your own home using your phone, tablet, or computer. Here is some helpful information to help you better understand how online therapy works.
Find a therapist
Just like in-person therapy you need to find a therapist who is the right fit for you. This is one of the most important things when it comes to therapy. Look on the therapist’s website/profile to see if they offer online therapy and that they are licensed in the state you live in. Ask to set up a consultation call to see if this therapist will be the right fit for you.
Questions to ask a potential online therapist:
Do you accept my insurance?
Do you offer video or phone sessions?
How often will sessions be and what are sessions like?
Do you have any specialties?
What days of the week and hours do you work?
How soon can you schedule a new client?
Before the Appointment
The therapist will more than likely have a portal that you will need to log into and complete all necessary paperwork before your first session. The portal can be a great hub for completing and uploading documentation to the therapist, securely messaging the therapist, and scheduling future sessions. It is also helpful to reach out to your insurance to see what your cost will be for in-network (or out-of-network) outpatient mental health therapy.
What kinds of information the therapist might ask for:
A copy of your insurance card
Your address, phone number, and email
Your birthday
Emergency contact person
They will want you to complete an intake that will ask you questions about what brings you to therapy, any past experience with therapy, current and past relationships, and goals for therapy.
They will also want you to review their practice and privacy policies, their qualifications for being a therapist, and a consent for doing online therapy.
Appointment
Instead of showing up to the therapist’s office, they will email or text you a link to join the video call, or call you on the phone. Most platforms for video sessions are as simple as clicking the link provided. Sometimes you may have to download an app or program. And it’s okay to ask the therapist about how you will join sessions.
Tips for having the best online therapy experience:
It is best to find yourself a confidential and quiet space to have your therapy session. Therapy can be emotional and sometimes we don’t want others overhearing what we are saying. So it can be helpful to wear headphones and put a sound machine or fan outside your door if others are home.
Even though you may be home you still want to be dressed and present like you were in the therapist’s office.
Have your computer/phone/tablet set up in a steady place so that you can comfortably see the screen to see the therapist and so that your face is in frame so that the therapist can see your face.
Be ready to focus on what is happening in your therapy session. Walking around your house and doing chores can be distracting to you and your therapist. If you are feeling nervous or feel you need to move your hands or body, I would recommend getting some sort of fidget to play with during the session.
Make sure you have a good internet connection. A downside to online therapy is that there can be technology and internet issues. Test your connection and check with the therapist about what the plan is in case there are technology or internet issues.
Online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for treating anxiety and depression. However, online therapy isn’t the best fit for everyone. If you think it could be a good fit for you then give it a try.
Hi! I’m Kristi Cornforth - a licensed online talk therapist. I work with millennial women struggling with anxiety. If you feel you can barely keep your head above water, and you’re ready for things to change, then reach out to book your free 15-minute consultation.
Because anxiety doesn’t have to control your life.
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