Top 3 FAQs about Online Therapy
By Arijana Palme, BSW, RSW
Client Coordinator
Registered Social Worker
Online therapy, what’s it all about?
For better or for worse, in March 2020 a large portion of us were thrown into a world of online work, virtual socializing, food/grocery ordering, virtual medical appointments and all sorts of internet-based ways of navigating our lives. And as we grappled with the unknown and the constantly shifting recommendations, our need for support grew exponentially, but we simply couldn’t access our friends, family, coworkers and supportive professionals (doctors, therapists, etc.) like before.
The shift to online therapy needed to happen, and it did. We adjusted.
Admittedly, there were growing pains as we all learned to navigate technology (“hey, you’re on mute”) and as we all tried to figure out if online therapy could be, and would be, as successful and helpful as in-person sessions.
So, here we are, almost 2 years later and online therapy is here to stay.
And if you’re considering making an appointment but you’re still unsure, let me answer some of the most common questions that we get asked. You might find these answers helpful.
The 3 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Online Therapy
1. What is the benefit of a free consultation?
A major barrier to therapy is actually finding the right therapist. It can be daunting to contact different professionals, set up multiple calls, and then rehash your story over and over again.
At everwell, we offer a free consultation, or discovery call with the client coordinator (me). During this session, I get to know you a little bit, find out about what brings you to therapy, what your goals and preferences are as well as your availability and finances (do you have benefits and what professionals are covered, as an example). With all of this information I, along with the clinical manager, sort through our ever-growing list of team members to find just the right one for you and your needs. Then within a couple of business days we get you connected with the therapist through email and away-you-go!
The beauty of this system is that if for some reason you don’t click with the therapist, you can easily request a new one without going through the same consultation process again.
2. What are the benefits and drawbacks to online therapy?
The benefits of online therapy far outweigh any drawbacks for most people.
In online therapy you still get the tailored empathetic support of a therapist while also having the added bonus of being in a familiar setting, no travel time, and greater flexibility to fit sessions into your schedule. With online therapy, a device such as a tablet, phone or computer and a good internet connection are needed.
The other consideration is that successful therapy happens when we feel safe enough to open up and that usually means having a secure and private space to do that from. Some folks choose to have sessions in their car or while out for a walk if they cannot find a private enough space within their homes.
If you’ve never tried it before, then it might feel odd at first to have online sessions with a therapist, but rest assured that the therapist is always centering your needs and your comfort in therapy.
3. Are the sessions secure and private?
No matter the setting, all therapists are required to maintain confidentiality and privacy as per their regulatory bodies and specific laws that govern these professionals. Any limits to confidentiality will be discussed during your initial session and will be provided to you in writing within your consent form for therapy. Therapists are also required to have a private and secure space to engage in therapy.
For the virtual appointments, our platform adheres to laws that govern personal health information (PHIPA and PIPIEDA).
All of that is to say, we continue to take privacy and confidentiality seriously, and have adjusted our practices to reflect our virtual worlds.
What we have discovered over the last 2 years is that online therapy is necessary and quite successful. Being able to safely and securely access therapeutic support during these difficult times has made a significant impact on our clients. The feedback is positive and many people have expressed that they wouldn’t return to in-person therapy (once it becomes a stable option again).
So if you’re unsure about virtual therapy, whether it would work for you, there is no harm in trying it out. Actually, you might be surprised to find that it’s exactly the kind of support you’ve been yearning for.
Looking for some support?
If you’re thinking about therapy, then you’re already taking a step towards a vision of improved personal well being. Maybe now is the time, or a seed has been planted for the future. Either way, we’ll be here to support you when you’re ready - because you matter.
When you’re ready, we can help.
Book a free 30 minute consultation and let’s talk about it.