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Online mental health therapy is growing in popularity in the United States. Unlike traditional counseling, where you must travel to a practitioner’s office, teletherapy allows you to receive treatment from your home. While online therapy is a new approach to mental health treatment, studies suggest it can be just as effective as its face-to-face counterpart. When searching for an online therapist, vetting questions can increase your chances of a good outcome.
Essential Online Therapist Vetting Questions You Should Be Asking
The client-therapist relationship is inherently personal. Opening up and being vulnerable in front of another person can feel daunting. You’re more likely to be comfortable when your chosen therapist shares similar values and has the expertise needed to treat your condition.
You should vet any potential therapists to ensure they have the relevant credentials and are trained to offer the type of treatment best suited to your needs. Here are a few questions to ask before selecting a virtual counselor:
- Training and experience. What is their professional background and training? Have they worked with clients who have similar concerns or issues? What therapeutic approach do they use? How long have they been working as a therapist?
- Administrative practices. How do they handle missed sessions or cancellations? What online platform do they use, and what equipment do you need to have before the first session? Do they offer different modes of communication, such as texting, phone, and video calls? Can they ensure privacy and security during online therapy sessions?
- Finances. What are their fees, and do they offer sliding scale options or discounts? Do they accept insurance? While telehealth therapy is generally considered less costly than traditional therapy, some providers of online therapy don’t accept insurance, which could raise your out-of-pocket costs.
- Confidentiality. What are the legal and ethical boundaries regarding confidentiality?
- Therapy outcomes. How do they measure progress, and what should you expect from the therapeutic process? How would you know when therapy is coming to an end?
What Credentials Should an Online Therapist Have?
An online therapist should possess appropriate credentials and qualifications to provide effective and ethical mental health care. You should aim to work with a therapist licensed to practice in your state. This could include a:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Psychologist (PhD or PsyD)
- Psychiatrist (MD)
Therapists should have a graduate degree in a mental health field, such as psychology, counseling, social work or psychiatry. State licensing status and the higher education required of a traditional mental health professional also apply to an online therapist. Vetting questions can help you find someone qualified to meet your therapeutic needs and reach your goals.
Additionally, you might want to look for therapists who have additional training or certifications relevant to your needs, such as trauma therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or substance abuse counseling.
As online therapy becomes more prevalent, therapists should have experience in providing therapy via telehealth platforms. This ensures they understand the unique considerations and challenges of delivering therapy via online mediums.
Online Therapy Treatment Options
Many traditional therapeutic approaches can be adapted to an online format. When choosing an internet therapist, it’s worth noting what types of therapy they offer and how suited they are for your individual needs. These are some types of mental health treatments you could receive virtually:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is an evidence-based approach that addresses negative thought patterns and behaviors.
- Dialectical behavior therapy. DBT combines cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness.
- Interpersonal therapy. Interpersonal therapy is focused on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills.
- Group therapy. Support groups and process group meetings can take place on online video platforms.
- Trauma-centered therapy. This includes options such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Medication management. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners can conduct medication management sessions through telehealth.
Benefits and Potential Drawbacks of Telehealth Therapy
As a new form of receiving mental health support, online therapy features several advantages over traditional face-to-face treatment options. Here are some of the benefits of choosing telehealth therapy:
- Accessibility. Online therapy allows people to access mental health services from the comfort of their own homes. This is particularly beneficial for those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
- Convenience. Remote therapy services eliminate the need for travel, making it easier for people with busy schedules to access the treatment they need.
- Anonymity. Online therapy provides a level of privacy that might be appealing to people worried about their friends and family members finding out they’re receiving mental health services.
- Flexibility. Telemental health services often allow for more flexible scheduling options.
- Communication options. Some platforms allow therapy sessions in various communication modes, including video calls, phone calls and chat/text. Some clients might be more comfortable expressing themselves in writing rather than speaking to their therapist.
- Comfort. Being in a familiar setting might make it easier to open up during therapy.
As beneficial as online therapy can be, this type of mental health treatment includes unique limitations. Some of the drawbacks of receiving virtual mental health treatment are:
- Technological issues. Connectivity issues, audio/video glitches or platform malfunctions can disrupt the flow of therapy and impact the quality of care you receive.
- Online privacy concerns. While reputable platforms have comprehensive security measures, there’s always a risk of data breaches.
- Emergencies. In cases of crisis or emergencies, the remote nature of online therapy may delay access to immediate support and intervention.
- Regulatory issues. Online therapy may be subject to different regulations and licensure requirements across jurisdictions, potentially complicating matters for both therapists and clients.
While online therapy is a viable option for many people, some conditions may be more challenging to address remotely. There are many aspects to consider when evaluating teletherapy providers to ensure they offer the type of care suitable for your needs. Some people may benefit from a combination of in-person and online services, which is worth discussing with your mental health provider.
Are you looking for online mental health support? At FHE Health, our compassionate team of counselors is ready to provide the support you need. Contact us today to find out how we can help you achieve your goals.
