Is Online Therapy Right for Me?

When most people think of working with a mental health therapist, they imagine working face to face in an office setting. This is still a great way of participating in counseling! For many, however, this traditional method of interaction just isn’t sustainable. Online therapy seekers tend to really value the convenience of meeting remotely. (Think no commute, no waiting room. Just log on and get started.) Here are some things to consider as you decide if virtual sessions are right for you.

• What are your mental health needs?

  One of your clinician’s main priorities is to establish safety and manage risk during session as much as possible. Individuals with certain mental health diagnoses and their associated symptoms may not be a good fit for online therapy. For instance, if you have a tendency to dissociate or are dealing with high-risk behavior, it is likely that in-person sessions will be better suited for your needs.

• Where do you plan to be during your session?

  Clients often schedule their session on a work break. In those instances they connect from their office, their vehicles, and sometimes even outside. Another common scenario is having session from the convenience of your own home. You could be anywhere that is comfortable from your couch or your bed to your home office or patio. Moms of littles often connect for session during a baby’s naptime, while their kiddo is at school or an activity, or from a different room while someone else watches the kids. Cars, closets, bedrooms, and office spaces are all very common and reasonable places to have an online session.

• Can you be vulnerable and fully engaged?

  Lots of people have little issue engaging in session on work property, while others struggle to relax. Lots of people enjoy the added privacy and comfort of meeting for session in their own home, while others like the opportunity to get out of the house. Being in a car or closet or office or bedroom isn’t really the issue of focus. Instead consider, can you secure the privacy you need to achieve the benefit of therapeutic mental and emotional support through therapy?

• Can you ensure confidentiality?

  On your clinician’s end, confidentiality is another utmost priority. You can count on a HIPAA compliant platform and total privacy during session. There is no situation in which someone else will be watching or listening in on your conversation from your therapist’s end. (If you can’t rely on this basic courtesy, find a new therapist immediately.) Who interrupts or overhears the session from your end is out of the therapist’s control. For instance, if you are engaging in session at home and your child walks in or your neighbor overhears through an open window, those are things that will be up to you to manage. Can you ensure enough privacy wherever you are to be comfortable sharing your truths and vulnerabilities?

• Do you have reliable technology and internet?

  As convenient as online therapy is, technological difficulties do happen. In some circumstances you may need to simply disconnect and reconnect in order to solve the problem. In some instances and where appropriate it may be necessary to continue your session via phone call. Consider questions like these in terms of setting yourself up for success regarding technology: Will you meet for session in a space that generally has a strong internet connection? Do you have a charger with you? Do you intend to use earphones, and are they ready? Is your phone software up to date?

For more information on virtual therapy, you may be interested in this article from the American Psychological Association (APA).