Online Mental Health…

Online Mental Health Counseling

If you think getting professional mental health support from the comfort of your home and on your own schedule sounds great, you’re definitely not the only one. Online counseling—also called telehealth or e-counseling—is becoming one of the most popular ways to access mental health care. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, more and more people have been turning to virtual therapy, and it looks like this trend is here to stay. 

What Is Online Mental Health Counseling?

Online mental health counseling is a way to get professional support over the Internet instead of meeting face-to-face. You can easily connect with trained counselors through video calls, phone calls, real-time chat, email, or even mobile apps. This helps make therapy more accessible, especially for people who have packed schedules or can’t easily get to in-person sessions.

Online counseling has its perks, but it might not be the right fit for those dealing with serious mental health crises that need quick action. But it can be a great addition to regular therapy, keeping people involved in their treatment plans and providing them with continuous support.

Benefits of Online Mental Health Counseling

Getting mental health counseling online has really made it easier for people to access professional support. If you’re managing a packed schedule, staying in a remote location, or just like the coziness of your own home, virtual therapy has a lot to offer. Here’s why so many people are supplementing their treatment programs with online counseling:

• • Convenience and Flexibility:  With virtual treatment, you can skip the commute and fit a session into your day without any hassle. Feel free to set up appointments that fit your schedule—be it during your lunch break, in the evening, or even on weekends. This kind of flexibility really helps you stick to your mental health goals.
  • Access to Quality Care from Anywhere: Living in a small town or a place with few mental health resources can make it tough to find a therapist. Online counseling connects you with licensed professionals from anywhere, making it easy to get the care you need without the stress of traveling far.
  • Comfort and Privacy: Opening up about personal struggles can be tough, and for many, being in a therapist’s office might feel a bit intimidating. With online therapy, you can chat with a professional from wherever you feel most comfortable—be it your home, your car, or any cozy spot you have in mind. It can help you feel more comfortable sharing what you’re dealing with.
  • More Treatment Options: When it comes to online counseling, you have the freedom to choose from providers beyond just your local area. You’ve got a lot of options when it comes to specialists who really get what you’re dealing with, whether it’s anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, or relationship stuff. This means you’re more likely to find the therapist that’s just right for you.
  • Consistency in Treatment: Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes work, travel, or other commitments can make it hard to attend in-person therapy sessions. Online counseling helps you keep up with your treatment, making it easier to stay focused on your goals, no matter what life throws your way.

• Reduced Stigma Around Mental Health Care: Some folks hold back from getting therapy because they’re concerned about what others might say. Online counseling provides a private way to get professional support without anyone being aware, making it easier for people to overcome obstacles and focus on their mental health.

Online mental health counseling offers a really accessible and convenient way for people to get the support they need, all while staying comfortable and flexible in their daily lives.

What to Expect in an Online Therapy Session?

Our virtual treatment is led by the same skilled therapists and recovery specialists who guide your in-person sessions. These sessions could involve one-on-one therapy, group therapy, or even family sessions. Virtual treatments usually last about an hour and may occur weekly or at whatever frequency you and your counselor decide works best for you.

Jumping into online therapy might seem a bit daunting if it’s your first time, but don’t worry! The whole process is straightforward, friendly, and made to help you feel at ease. Here’s what you can expect from your sessions.

• A Warm and Supportive Environment: Your therapist will start by setting up a comfortable and friendly environment for you to share your thoughts. They might check in on how you’re doing, what’s been occupying your thoughts, and what hurdles you’re dealing with. No worries! Feel free to share whenever you’re ready.
• Goal Setting and Guidance: Your therapist may speak with you about your goals for virtual therapy and what you’re hoping to get out of it. If you need support with anxiety, stress, relationships, or personal growth, they’ll steer the conversation to fit what you’re looking for.
• Tools and Techniques to Help You: Your therapist may offer some coping strategies, mindfulness exercises, or other helpful techniques to manage your emotions during your session. They might also share worksheets, journaling prompts, or resources to use in between sessions.
• A Two-Way Conversation: Online therapy isn’t just about listening; it’s about engaging in a genuine conversation. Feel free to ask questions, share your concerns, and get feedback right away. Your therapist is there to support and guide you, just like in-person sessions.

Every online therapy session is private and secure. We make sure to use HIPAA-compliant platforms to keep your personal information safe, so you can feel confident that your conversations stay private. When your session wraps up, your therapist might go over some key points, share a few strategies for you to try out before your next appointment, and discuss a schedule for future sessions.

How to Prepare for Your First Online Therapy Session

If you’re just starting out with virtual counseling, you might be curious about what to expect and how to prepare yourself. Getting ready in advance can really help you feel at ease and enjoy your session to the fullest. Let’s dive into how to get started:

• Choose a Quiet, Private Space: Look for a cozy spot where you can chat freely and feel at ease. Just make sure that it’s clear of distractions, background noise, and interruptions. It’s a good idea to give a heads-up to anyone at home that you’ll be in a session, just to keep things quiet and avoid any interruptions.
• Check Your Internet Connection and Device: Having a strong internet connection really makes a difference for a smooth session. Test your Wi-Fi, restart your device if needed, and make sure your camera and microphone are working. If you’re using a phone, laptop, or tablet, have it fully charged or keep a charger nearby.
• Use Headphones for Better Sound and Privacy: Using headphones can really enhance the sound quality and make you feel more engaged in the conversation. It really gives you that extra bit of privacy, especially when you’re in a shared space.
• Gather Any Notes or Questions You Have: Take a moment to consider what you’d like to talk about in your session. What challenges are you looking to tackle? Got any goals in mind that you want to set? Jotting down your thoughts can help you stay on track and make the most of your time.
• Test the Therapy Platform in Advance: Most online therapy sessions take place on a secure video platform. If you get a link, go ahead and open it beforehand to check if it works. Make sure to create an account or download the app before your session kicks off.
• Set Realistic Expectations: Take your time; there’s no rush to have everything figured out immediately. Therapy is a journey, and your therapist is there to help you along the way, moving at a pace that feels right for you.

The more open you are about your thoughts and feelings, the more helpful your therapist can be. Feeling nervous or unsure is totally normal—just remember, we are there to help you, not to judge you. Before your session, try taking a few deep breaths and remind yourself why you’re here, and go in with an open mind.

By preparing ahead of time, you’ll feel more confident and ready to make the most of your time with your therapist. 

Is Online Mental Health Counseling Covered by Insurance?

One of the biggest concerns people have about starting online therapy is whether their insurance will cover it. The good news is that many insurance plans now include coverage for online mental health counseling, making it more affordable and accessible for everyone.

A lot of insurance companies get how crucial mental health care is and offer coverage for virtual counseling just like they do for in-person therapy. But, the coverage details can change based on your specific plan, like:

• Copayments and Deductibles: Some plans may require a small copay for each session, while others cover the full cost.
• Number of Sessions: Your plan may have a limit on how many therapy sessions are covered each year.
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Providers: Insurance typically covers more of the cost when you see a therapist within your network.

We are in-network with several major insurance providers, including:

• Aetna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Horizon NJ Health
• Tricare
• United Healthcare
• Wellcare

If your provider is on this list, your online therapy sessions may be covered, helping to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Who Is Not Suitable for Virtual Treatment?

Virtual treatment might not work for everyone for a bunch of different reasons. Here are a few groups or situations where virtual treatment might not be the ideal choice:

• Severe Mental Health Conditions: When it comes to issues like personality disorders, acute psychosis, severe depression with suicidal thoughts, or complex trauma, it’s really important to get immediate in-person help. These situations often need more intensive care than what virtual treatments can provide.
• Those Who Need Medical Supervision for SUD: If you’re dealing with withdrawal from drugs or alcohol, it might be a good idea to consider a medically supervised detox before starting therapy. Withdrawal can come with some pretty intense physical and mental symptoms that require in-person medical attention. Once stabilized, online therapy may be used as part of an ongoing recovery plan.
• Clients with Limited Internet Access or Privacy: For virtual treatment, you’ll need a good internet connection and a quiet spot where you can chat comfortably. If reliable internet is hard to come by or if you’re in a place where privacy is difficult to maintain, you might find that in-person therapy works better for you.
• Those Who Struggle to Engage in Virtual Therapy: Some people have a harder time connecting with their therapist when it’s all online. If you think online sessions just don’t give you that emotional connection or depth you’re looking for, maybe in-person therapy could work better for you.

At Phoenix Behavioral Health, we understand that healing doesn’t stop when you leave our treatment center. That’s why our virtual treatment program is designed to supplement the care you’re already receiving in our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), or Partial Care Day Program.

If you’re looking for some extra support between your in-person sessions or just want to stay connected to your treatment from home, our virtual treatment services are here for you. They allow you to keep making progress on your mental health goals in a way that works for your lifestyle.