Online therapy, or teletherapy, can be a wonderful and creative way to overcome barriers that may have previously kept you from receiving therapy. There are numerous common barriers that people face when looking to engage in therapy:
Travel time: Depending on the size of your city, and the location of your home or work, commuting to therapy can be an extra 15, 30, 60, or even 90 minutes to your day. In an ever-busy world, we know just how precious our time is. This added commute can sometimes lead to compromising other parts of your day, like self-care or time with family. With online therapy, there is no commute. It can be done wherever you are; in the office, in the car, at your camp, or in your living room!+
Confidentiality: Unfortunately, therapy still carries a stigma; some are fearful of being seen coming and going from a marked office door that reads something along the lines of, “Counseling Services”, or “Alicia Murray, licensed mental health therapist”. With online counseling, there is complete confidentiality; no one will see you coming and going from therapy. Therapy can be as sacred as you want it to be. We would hope you share the wonderful changes you are working on with your loved ones, but if you choose to keep this to yourself, online therapy will allow you to do so, completely.
Childcare: Some clients struggle with coordinating childcare, or having to cancel or reschedule appointments when childcare falls through last minute. With online therapy, there is flexibility in scheduling your therapy sessions around naps, bedtimes, babysitters, or other creative measures to allow yourself 30-45 minutes of alone time to engage in your session.
Missed sessions due to being out of town: With traditional therapy, you would need to be able to physically show up to your therapist’s office at your designated appointment time. But, life happens. Sometimes work, vacation, or family brings us to different areas. With online therapy, we are able to meet with you so long as you are anywhere within New York and Connecticut. More states continue to be added, and will be updated as they are. Going somewhere else and want to continue your sessions? Let’s talk! Some states will allow a ‘visitor’s pass’ for us to continue to engage in our sessions while you are away.
You can see the immense benefits of online therapy; it is flexible, there is no travel time, it is confidential, and can be done in nearly any location you find yourself in. It is truly convenient counseling.
Online Therapy Is Safe, Effective, and Secure
Although COVID-19 has brought arguably too much familiarity with Zoom, we want to be sure you are aware of and comfortable with receiving online therapy. Online therapy has been researched by entities such as the Department of Veteran Affairs for over ten years, and the efficacy of it continues to be shown time and time again.
Online therapy appeals to many due to eliminating commutes, having a session in the comfort of your own home, eliminating childcare (many schedule sessions during nap time, before the children wake up, or after they go to bed), and ensuring upmost privacy (no more walking into buildings labeled “PSYCHOTHERAPY”).
We have been providing solely online therapy since June of 2019. For all communication through our website and e-mail, we use a secure server and encryption. For video sessions, we use the HIPAA-compliant version of Zoom, similar to what your doctor’s office most likely uses. This is why a new link will be sent out for each session rather than a stand-alone link; to ensure each therapy room is secure.
All intake paperwork, and subsequent paperwork if needed, can be completed through your unique client portal, which can be accessed on any smart phone, tablet, or computer. Within your portal, you can make payments, schedule and reschedule appointments, and securely message your provider.
Looking to get started right away? Create an account and schedule online with one of our therapists here.
