Understanding Online Counseling
The counseling sector is among the many areas that have received an unimaginable boost as a result of tech advancement. Here, service delivery is highly bolstered, and those suffering from mental health issues can now access the required services in ways they never imagined before.
With the use of apps and the web, mental health patients do not need to travel for days in their search for a good therapist, as they can get everything they need from the comfort of their home. Psychologists offering therapy services through the use of telecommunication devices refer to this program as telepsychology. In other settings, the service is known as:
- Web-therapy
- Phone therapy
- Text therapy.
Unfortunately, even with the immense benefits associated with online therapy, those seeking the services should be extra careful if they want to secure a service that offers the ideal value for their money.
By this, we mean that they must consider many factors before deciding to venture into web-counseling. However, before we learn these essential factors to consider, these are the reasons why you should be prioritizing web-therapy.
· The service is highly convenient – here, you won’t be required to travel long distances to meet your therapist. Instead, you will access any assistance you need in a click of a button. Additionally, you can contact the therapist and have the session from anywhere you feel comfortable.
· The cost here is easily affordable – after the introduction of online or web-therapy, many counselors resolved to charge a fixed figure for unlimited monthly or weekly consultation. Additionally, online therapy’s cost-effectiveness makes it highly recommended to those who opt to use counseling services without an insurance cover.
· The sessions are comfy compared to conventional therapy – it makes the service helpful, particularly to youths and other frequent users of technology. Additionally, revealing deep personal secrets online can be easier than during a face-to-face session.
· The sessions accommodate everyone, regardless of their location or status. It is particularly essential for those in rural areas, where therapists are mainly miles away. Additionally, remote accessibility of web therapy suits the disabled and those who might be unable to leave their homes to seek these essential services.
Factors to Consider During Your Search for Therapy Online
Note that an online psychologist might not be the ideal remedy to everyone’s problems, and in some settings, it’s unfortunate that the service can be less productive. Therefore, keep in mind the things to consider before enrolling for the program. It will make you stand a chance of getting the best out of the service.
Does the Option Sound Right For You?
Well, research is still on its initial stages when it comes to evidence related to the success of seeking counseling online. Additionally, the process isn’t effective for everyone. Some people claim to offer online-therapy, but they intend to steal your hard-earned cash.
Besides that, people can hide behind an app, without any professional training and claim to offer the desired help. Therefore, before deciding to seek services online, be aware of these challenges and work towards eliminating them so that you get the best value for your money.
The Qualifications and Licensing of an Online Therapist
Always make sure you seek the services of qualified and state-approved therapists, as some people can claim to offer therapy without undertaking the necessary training. Looking for the service of these qualified therapists also increases your chances of getting evidence-based counseling.
To know this, you should research extensively before making your final decision. Fortunately, many states provide a database where you can check to see if your therapist falls under the licensed category.
However, to ease the process, make sure you have the therapist’s contact info, and you know their physical location. Finally, when it comes to state-approved therapists, bear in mind that rules change from one state to the other, and the psychologist’s license must be in-line with a specific country’s requirements.
The Security and Privacy of the Shared Info
Communication during online-therapy mainly happens through apps, and you must make sure the info is kept confidential and anonymous. That way, you will feel comfortable to share your inner secrets, and only reveal your details during the right time.
Fortunately, most software is made to keep your info confidential, thanks to its anonymous signup features, where you can create an account and pick a nickname. Additionally, other sessions take place in highly encrypted software, which makes identity theft or data leakage impossible. Finally, go through each therapy company’s policy to see the steps they take to ensure optimal data protection.
The Payment Method to Use
There are multiple insurance covers for those tackling emotional and mental health disorders, including therapy sessions. Insurance policies mostly cover every expense during conventional therapy, as your psychologist gives you an invoice that you submit to your company for payment processing.
However, the situation is different when it comes to web therapy. Here, everyone must be ready to pay for the services without the help of insurance companies. Luckily enough, the cost isn’t exorbitant, and, in most cases, it is easily affordable to all, as explained in the section below.
So, How Much Is Online Therapy?
Well, the cost of the best online therapy differs depending on the mode of communication and the company you choose. All in all, in most cases, therapists will charge you about $40 weekly for unlimited messaging.
When it comes to video therapy, be ready to pay for a fee not exceeding $99. However, in comparison to conventional face-to-face counseling, web-based counseling is cheaper, as one hour of face-to-face therapy can cost up to $150. Besides, note that this amount can be higher in different states.
Final Thoughts
With everyone going digital and ensuring remote access to the services they provide, the best online therapists aren’t left behind, and they are doing all they can to bring their services close to you.
Fortunately, more people are seeking counseling services online, and this comes as a boost to both parties. Additionally, thanks to research, technological tools have been seen to have immense impacts and advantages in therapy. For instance, text therapy is being considered by those seeking instant and quick reminders or check-ins.
There are also apps that people can now use to monitor their moods, and video therapy apps provide a real-time session, especially for those who aren’t able to make regular trips to a therapist. With these, it’s evident that online-therapy can be used as an alternative to conventional counseling.
