How Does Online Therapy Work? Your Questions Answered
There are many terms for online therapy you may have heard of — virtual therapy, telemedicine, telehealth. Online therapy is counseling provided to you remotely, usually via video conferencing or by phone. In this blog I cover common questions about online therapy so that you feel prepared for starting our work together, no matter your prior experience level with telehealth therapy.
Why do you choose to provide telehealth therapy? Are there any benefits?
Like many of my colleagues, my first experience with consistent telehealth therapy was in 2020 after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Over several months I learned that not only did I effectively adapt to providing telehealth therapy, but that I actually preferred it as a clinician. The benefits of telehealth therapy include:
Convenience. You are able to do your sessions from anywhere, particularly from the comfort of your own home.
Time efficiency. You do not have to spend extra time driving to an office, finding parking, and sitting in a waiting room.
Greater access to services. Because you are not limited by distance, you can attain services from anywhere in the state of Michigan.
Contributes to consistent attendance. Telehealth therapy decreases the possibility of cancelling due to traffic delays, bad weather, and in some instances, sickness.
Telehealth is effective for treating anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders [1] at similar rates as in-person counseling.
What technology do I need for telehealth therapy?
Different clinicians use different programs when providing telehealth therapy to their clients. To participate in telehealth sessions at McBain Counseling & Relationship Services, PLLC, you will need:
(i) A smart phone or computer
(ii) Access to the Internet
Before every telehealth session with me, you will receive an email with a link to the session room. You can access the link from your phone or laptop and can attend the session from either device.
How do I know if I am a good fit for online therapy?
Telehealth may be a good choice if you:
Have a busy life that makes in-person sessions difficult or inconvenient
Have access to a laptop, desktop, or smart phone
Have reliable Internet or WiFi connection
Have a consistent, private space for your sessions
Are not suicidal or in need of crisis counseling
Does online therapy work for couples?
Yes. There is evidence emerging that couples find online therapy beneficial and positive, and even enhancing to the therapeutic relationship [2]. I have personally worked with many couples who reported and demonstrated excellent progress with telehealth therapy and completed their treatment plans. From all of my experience working with couples, the bigger predictors of success tend to be attendance, consistency, and effort rather than whether the therapy was provided in-person or online. If you would like to read more about my approach to couples therapy, please visit my blog, Is Couples Therapy Right For Us?
What are the qualifications a counselor must possess to do telehealth therapy? Have you taken additional training courses?
In order to provide telehealth therapy in Michigan, a clinician is required to only hold the appropriate license that allows them to practice therapy in that state. There are currently no laws or regulations that require a clinician to have any specific training on telehealth therapy before providing that service.
My qualifications for providing telehealth therapy are:
Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider, Evergreen Certifications, #428627, 2022-2023
Mastering Telehealth & Anxiety Treatment in the Age of Social Distancing: Your Guide to Documentation, Ethics, and Insurance, 2022
2-Day Telehealth Certification Training for Mental Health Professionals, 2020
Is telehealth confidential? Will my privacy be protected?
The platform I use for online therapy sessions is HIPAA-compliant and HITRUST certified. I take deliberate steps on my end to ensure your confidentiality and privacy on multiple levels. There are also a few things you can do on your end to protect your confidentiality and privacy:
Avoid using public Wi-Fi for telehealth sessions
Do not use shared devices for your telehealth sessions
Choose a location that is secure. Non-ideal locations for therapy sessions include places such as public parks, coffee shops, or in any room of your home with another person present.
Are there any disadvantages or limitations I should be aware of?
While telehealth therapy is beneficial in many ways, it is not the right choice for everyone. Some of the disadvantages to telehealth therapy are:
Limited privacy. It can be tricky to find a private space in your home if there are other people around, such as your partner or small children. I’ve had more than one client conduct their sessions from their vehicle or work office because it was the best place for privacy. This is a fine solution for some but others may find it distracting.
Potential technological or Internet difficulties. We will always address any technical problems together and readily evaluate the situation. How we handle one situation may look a bit different than how we handle another, based on factors such as what is the problem and how much time is left in the session. In my experience with telehealth therapy, technological problems are the exception, not the rule, and flexibility and a sense of humor come in handy during the times they do arise.
Some people prefer face-to-face connection. The dynamics between the clinician and client(s) are different for telehealth than in-person therapy. There will always be people who prefer the face-to-face interaction from in-person therapy and perhaps you are one of them. That’s great! What is important is that you feel comfortable with your therapist and with the approach you’ve chosen for your counseling.
How can I best prepare for my first virtual session?
Make sure all of your onboarding paperwork is complete
Secure a private space, free from distractions
Enable the video and microphone on your device - you will usually be prompted to do this the first time you use the system
Have a photo ID nearby for identity verification
Read my blog My First Appointment is Approaching…What Should I Expect? for more general information about our first meeting
Bring any questions or concerns to my attention before or during your appointment
Telehealth is an effective, convenient method of counseling that I am excited to share with you, and you get to decide if all this seems like a good fit. If you are ready to schedule your free 20-minute consultation, contact me directly or send an email to tmcbain@mcbaincounseling.com.
1. Varker, T., et al., Psychological Services, Vol. 16, No. 4, 2019
2. Kysely, A., et al., Frontiers in Psychology, Vol. 10, No. 2992, 2020
