The 4 W’s of online counseling:

what exactly is online counseling?

Online counseling has many names. It’s also called e-therapy, e-counseling, teleMental Health counseling, distance therapy and teletherapy. It’s relatively new in the mental health field. It can be defined as the delivery of mental health services using technology (internet and another device) and from a distance. Online counseling helps clients who are unable to attend in office sessions the ability to access quality mental health care from anywhere.

E-therapy has some limitations, but the many benefits have made this type of counseling rapidly more available to many people across the nation.

WHO utilizes ONLINE COUNSELING?

Online counseling can be beneficial for almost anyone needing counseling services. It’s great for busy professionals, busy parents who only find time to focus after bedtimes, and people who can’t find the time/or are unable to access a physical clinical site.

There are some individuals where this type of counseling may lead to less successful outcomes. Those individuals include, but are not limited to:

• individuals who are experiencing hallucinations

• are actively suicidal

• individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder

• individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder,

• individuals with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia

• at times individual who is experiencing severe depression

If you are concerned about whether or not you would benefit from this service, please contact me and I’m happy to discuss if this type of therapy is right for you to experience the most successful counseling outcome.

where do we meet online?

I use an online HIPAA secure video conferencing platform called TheraPlatform. I chose this because it is easy to access using your preferred device (desktop computer, laptop, iPad, iPhone, Android, etc.) and an internet connection. You do not need to download anything to participate in these services.

when should I start counseling?

You should start when you are ready. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, worries or even grief and you desire to make a change, then you are ready to start. If you have a lot going on and things are very overwhelming, then it might be time to consider counseling. If you are experiencing intense emotional responses to everyday life, then it might be time to start counseling. Do you find it hard to talk with your friends, or are worried they won’t understand? Then it might be time to start counseling.

If you are motivated to invest time and energy into improving your overall life, then you are ready. If you are excited and ready to start, simply contact me to get scheduled quickly. I’m here to help.