Therapy Online may be an option if you need help finding a therapist near you or can’t afford in-person sessions. Often, online therapists offer a lower rate than in-person options, so you can save money while still getting the same level of care. The key is to choose a therapist who will be the right fit for you and your needs. Consider the following factors when choosing an online therapist:
While the cost of online therapy varies by platform, it’s often less than in-person sessions. Services that bundle services such as self-help courses, virtual journals, and group sessions can make therapy more affordable. The cost of one-on-one sessions also varies by provider. For example, Better Help, a teletherapy platform that connects people to licensed therapists, charges anywhere from $60 to $90 per session.
There are also subscription plans that offer weekly or monthly video or phone sessions. These options average $40 to $100 a week, depending on how frequently you interact with a therapist and whether they offer texting or chat-based services. Before booking an appointment with an online therapist, check to see if you have insurance that covers telehealth services. If you do, you can save money by finding a therapist that is in-network with your plan.
Finding a therapist online can feel like dating: you may have a good feeling about a few therapists, but you’ll need to vet them and make sure they fit your needs. It can be hard to set aside the time and energy to do this research. Therapy can be a powerful tool for healing. However, it requires commitment from both therapist and client.
The first step is to decide what type of therapy you want and how long you want to do it. Identifying a period of time (maybe 3-6 months to start) that you can hold yourself accountable to will help you stay focused on your treatment goals and prevent you from ghosting your therapist or missing sessions. Once you have a shortlist of therapists, you can make an initial contact over phone or video chat for a free 15-minute consultation. This can give you a sense of the therapist’s personality and whether they are a good fit for your needs.
With therapy online, you can talk with your therapist anytime through text messages or live video sessions. The type of communication you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the therapist’s approach. Some people prefer messaging or audio therapy, while others prefer face-to-face interaction. If you prefer text-based communication, you should make sure to find a therapist who offers it as an option.
It’s important to communicate with your therapist about your needs and goals for treatment. This will help them tailor their approach and ensure that you get the most out of your online sessions. In addition to communicating with your therapist, you should also limit your distractions during sessions. Avoid loud family members, noisy neighbors, phone calls, or other activities that could interrupt your ability to focus. You should also make sure your internet connection is fast and reliable. This will ensure that you can connect with your therapist easily and without interruptions.
While online therapy offers greater privacy than in-person care, there are still limits to how it can be practiced. Therapists must adhere to laws and ethical guidelines related to confidentiality, safety, and scope of practice. The most important thing is to ensure that both parties understand the boundaries and limitations. Talk with your therapist about these issues to find out what they can do to keep your private information safe.
Creating a sense of privacy is especially important when online therapy is used in conjunction with other forms of communication. If you live with roommates or family members, encourage them to close the door and create a quiet space for your sessions. Therapists must also be aware of the technical issues that can limit therapy online, such as internet connectivity or equipment failure. This can cause delays and stress for the client and therapist. If a connection goes down, the therapist must take steps to find another solution.