Is Teletherapy Right for You?

Teletherapy is a virtual form of therapy that is convenient for both the client and the therapist. Research shows that it works as well as in-person counseling.

This type of therapy session is also called e-therapy, cyber counseling, web therapy, online therapy, and online counseling.

Teletherapy has grown in the last few years as software for videoconferencing has improved and become more popular. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly been a recent factor in the prevalence of online therapy.

What exactly is teletherapy? What are the benefits? Is online therapy the right option for you? This article addresses these topics so that you can educate yourself when making a decision about your therapy.

What is Teletherapy?

Teletherapy is any remote therapy that uses technology to enable the therapist and client to communicate. It can be having sessions over the phone, using video conferencing for individual therapy, or even having group chats for group therapy. Teletherapy offers safe and secure therapy no matter your location. 

How Does Teletherapy Work?

Online therapy uses video communication software (for example, common tools like Zoom or FaceTime) so the client and therapist can see each other in real-time as they are in session. This allows the therapist to deliver the same face-to-face therapy they would in person. The most significant difference is you are not in the same location as the therapist.

Let’s say you have an appointment for your phone call or video session with your therapist. It’s best to find a private space with few distractions and interruptions for your appointment. Be sure to test the technology beforehand that you are going to use in the session. The therapist provides a secure login link for you to use to start the session and from there it is conducted much as it would in an office setting. The therapist can use the same treatment approaches and communication to ensure the same quality of therapy session. When the appointment is over, your counselor ends the call or video session and you are disconnected. 

What Are the Benefits of Teletherapy?

Here are several benefits of using teletherapy.

Access

For people who may have access issues due to physical disabilities, geographic location, or scheduling, teletherapy is a very good option. If you travel a lot with work, this can be the answer to your accessibility problems. You can be anywhere and have an online therapy session!

Convenient

You can schedule your therapy sessions for the times that are most convenient for you. No additional driving time to get to the counselor’s office needs to be factored into your calendar.

Affordable

Most insurance providers cover online therapy the same as traditional therapy sessions. You will need to check with your own provider.

Privacy

You choose your setting for online therapy. You can be in the privacy of your own home or, if traveling, in your hotel room. This eliminates the need to sit in a busy waiting room.

Better Public Health

The public health aspect of teletherapy has been highlighted since the pandemic of COVID-19. The ability to get care at home can slow the spread of illness and offer more protection. Online therapy offers you a way to get mental health treatment at home without the exposure of infection.

Is Teletherapy Right for You?

Deciding if online therapy is the right option for you involves considering several factors. Here are our top 3 questions to ask yourself:

1. Why Are You Interested in Teletherapy?

If you are considering online therapy, look at the benefits listed above. Do you have a concern about your access to in-person sessions? Do you have a concern about privacy or convenience? If so, teletherapy could be the right solution for you.

2. Do You Have Access to the Technology?

If you have access to a computer, phone, or tablet? Do you have access to the internet, either at your home or via a free public source? If so, then teletherapy could be the right option for you. Otherwise, if you don’t have access to the technology required for online therapy, like a computer or internet, then perhaps consider more traditional, in-person options. 

3. Can You Create a Private and Safe Space to Meet?

You will need to have some privacy for your teletherapy counseling sessions. If you have that kind of space, then teletherapy may be the right choice for you. If your home is not set up in a way that you can have a quiet space and be undisturbed for your appointment, then you may consider taking calls in your car. Without a comfortable, private space, teletherapy may not be the best option for you.

Contact Natalie Stainback for Teletherapy Sessions

Learn more about teletherapy with Natalie Stainback, a licensed therapist serving the Pineville, NC area. Call  (704) 823-6009 or complete the contact form below.

Already know teletherapy is right for you? Schedule your free initial consultation to find out if working with Natalie could be a good fit for you!