Williamsburg Therapy Group
How Postpartum Depression is Treated
Pregnancy, birth, and the immediate aftermath of parenting are times of enormous change and upheaval in a person's life. Pregnant and postpartum...
If you've considered seeking therapy, there's a good chance you've heard about online counseling. While still a comparatively new innovation, online therapy sessions have exploded onto the scene in the last few years, becoming one of the more popular avenues for receiving mental health care.
But how exactly do online therapy services work? What are the pros and cons of Texas online counseling as compared to in-person sessions? In this article, we'll take a look at virtual counseling and explain how it works and why it might be the right option for you.
On this page:
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
What do I need to be able to do online therapy in Texas?
Telehealth Therapy and Online Therapy in Austin, TX
Key Takeaways:
- Online therapy is about as effective as in-person therapy for most conditions.
- Online therapy is perfect for those in rural areas, or who have mobility issues. It’s also great for anyone who doesn’t like traffic or have time to drive to therapy.
- Online therapists possess the same licenses and certifications as in-person therapists.
How does online therapy work?
Online therapy has been around for a couple of decades in a minor way, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth and online therapy have expanded exponentially. An online counseling session works in the same way as traditional therapy methods.
A licensed mental health professional meets with their client, offering the same support and methods, only instead of meeting in an office, you meet over video conferencing or even over the phone.
Many schools of psychology have added classes and whole departments to address the changing needs of therapy, offering education specifically tailored to online counseling. Many traditional licensed mental health professionals are shifting their offices to online counseling part-time, or even going entirely online.
Why choose online therapy?
While online counseling may not be for everyone, there are several benefits to consider.
Online therapy in Texas is a safe, effective and convenient option
Online counseling has been around for a couple of decades now, which means that it's not some brand-new experiment that hasn't been tried and tested. Online counseling meetings are safe, secure, and online therapists offer the same level of care as any other licensed therapist.
Online Counseling means you don't have to leave your house or find a sitter
Perhaps you live in a bustling city like Houston and don't have time for commuting to and from counseling appointments. Your licensed therapist can meet with you from the comfort of your own home, so you don't have to make an extra trip.
Or if you have children, you may find yourself unable to get a babysitter or just simply tired of running from place to place. Online counseling services can be incredibly convenient for a lot of people, as you can participate in a therapy appointment on your lunch break.
Many Are More Motivated To Attend Online Counseling Sessions
One of the biggest challenges to the efficacy of therapy for nearly any mental health issue is patient drop off. For many people it can be difficult to reach out for help, and adding in person sessions can add to the difficulty. Online sessions can take the awkwardness out of therapy for some who are more comfortable interacting with video sessions...reaching out to those who might otherwise not reach out for help, or drop out of therapy early.
What if I live in a rural area of Texas where there are few choices for mental health services?
Another huge benefit of online therapy is allowing many more people to access therapy than ever before. People who live in rural areas may not have a licensed counselor near them at all, much less one who specializes in what they need. Specialties like sexual orientation, eating disorders, anger management, and other things that are important to the individual may not be available in their area with a licensed professional.
Online Therapy Cost
In some cases, online counseling sessions can be cost effective. Many online therapy offices or platforms will accept insurance, and those that don't may be more able to work on a sliding scale if they don't have to pay overhead on an office.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
The most important thing to know about online counseling is that online therapy sessions have been found to be as effective as in person counseling. In recent years, several studies have been conducted on the efficacy of online therapy, and researchers have found that video counseling and other forms of online therapy offer the same level of care.
After all, the online counseling sessions are conducted by the same licensed professional counselors that you'd attend therapy sessions with in person.
Who Should Not Get Online Counseling?
While online therapy is an excellent option for many, there are some people for whom it may not be the best option available. Some severe mental health issues require in person sessions for at least some of the time. This may include someone with an eating disorder or someone who is experiencing intense symptoms that require crisis care.
Others may just feel more comfortable working through treatment goals in person. Mental health services aren't meant to be one size fits all.
Finally, if you don't have a stable internet connection at home, online counseling may be more difficult. An online counseling session can take place anywhere, but it may not be convenient to do in a library or other public place.
What do I need to be able to do online therapy in Texas?
Online therapy in Texas can be accessed with no more than a reliable internet connection. Video counseling is conducted through a safe and secure video platform that allows you to meet face-to-face with a mental health provider over your computer, tablet, or phone.
Whether you're looking for a licensed marriage counselor, seeking coping skills for bipolar disorder, or are just interested in seeing if online counseling can help with stress management, there is no better time to get started.
Online therapy is more refined and available than at any other point since its inception, and focusing on your mental health should be a strong priority to improve overall wellbeing.
Telehealth Therapy and Online Therapy in Austin, TX
To set up your first virtual counseling appointment in Austin, TX, simply Google online counseling in your area. Keep in mind that online therapy may be available on an individual basis from certain counseling services that work in-office. If you have a professional counselor in mind, you can always check their website to see if they offer the option of an online counseling session. Or simply call and ask if they provide online therapy.
Williamsburg Therapy Group offers unprecedented access to online doctoral-level therapy. Call us or book online to find the online Texas therapist for you.
Effective Therapy Activities for Teens
Most of us understand that there is some difference to how therapy sessions are structured for teens and adults. However, many parents may be...
What Should I Do If I'm Attracted to My Therapist?
A strong therapeutic relationship can be essential to success in therapy, but when the professional relationship begins to take on romantic feelings...