With more therapists offering online therapy services in response to COVID-19, accessing mental health care is more convenient than ever. With confidential, HIPAA-compliant live video sessions and phone calls, you can improve your mental health from the comfort of your own home—all you need is a reliable Internet connection.
If you’re thinking about signing up for a virtual therapy service, it’s essential to take the time to find the right therapy service for you. Especially if you’re unsure where to begin, finding a good fit can be a time-consuming and challenging process—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re transitioning to online therapy from in-person sessions or seeking counseling for the first time, here’s how to find the right fit.
Ask yourself what you want to get out of therapy.
While most people don’t receive a mental health diagnosis during their first therapy session, it’s worth doing some research beforehand. To get started, try researching your mental health symptoms before your first appointment.
Suppose your symptoms seem like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You might want a therapist with experience treating PTSD. Meanwhile, if you’re a member of the LGBTQ community, consider searching for a licensed therapist with experience in affirming or pride counseling. Clinical social workers, professional counselors, and other mental health professionals typically list their specialty, along with their contact information, on their website or teletherapy group profile.
Researching your mental health issues beforehand can also help you choose the best type of therapy and mental health professional. Depending on your specific needs, you might choose to work with a counselor, psychologist, family therapist, psychiatrist, or social worker. It’s also worth exploring different types of therapy, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), couples counseling, individual therapy, and group therapy.
Assess your budget.
Therapy sessions tend to cost between $100 and $200. It’s important to remember that many online therapists do not accept health insurance. However, you don’t need health insurance to access quality psychotherapy. If the cost of therapy is a barrier to accessing mental health services, consider narrowing your search to mental health professionals who offer sliding-scale pricing.
Choose your desired length and frequency of sessions.
Most online therapy sessions last about an hour, but you might want less time or more depending on your schedule. In addition, some telepractice platforms offer live sessions weekly, while others might only offer them biweekly or once a month. There are also online therapy apps, like Talkspace, Amwell, and BetterHelp, which offer text therapy subscription plans instead of video conferencing sessions.
Before committing to an online therapist, be sure to research different teletherapy services to choose the best option for your specific needs. If you’ve been diagnosed with a more severe mental health condition—such as schizophrenia—or if you’re looking for immediate help, frequent online therapy sessions or in-person sessions might be the best option. When searching for a telepsychology service, it’s also important to consider whether you’d prefer live chat, video chats, or phone calls.
Consider your personal preferences and requirements.
Now that you know what you want to get out of therapy, you can start narrowing your search to find the right fit. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), the therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist can significantly influence the outcomes of your mental health treatment. Consequently, it’s important to take the time to find a psychotherapist you feel comfortable with.
To find a good fit, you might choose to search for a therapist of a certain gender, age group, or ethnicity. In addition to narrowing your search by aspects of your identity, consider asking the following questions before scheduling your first teletherapy session:
- What technology do I need for video therapy appointments? Can I attend meetings using my laptop or mobile phone?
- Is this therapist licensed to practice in my state?
- Does this therapist accept my insurance plan?
- What experience does this therapist have in treating your specific mental health issue (for example, substance abuse or attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder)?
Teletherapy in Charlotte
Whether you’re seeking mental health care for relationship issues, insomnia, or panic attacks, teletherapy provides a safe space to navigate your mental illness, overcome stigma, and start feeling better. Online therapy can help you analyze your behaviors, become a better listener, and learn different ways to cope with stress and anxiety.
Compared to in-person therapy, online therapy offers a convenient alternative to in-office therapy that you can access from the comfort of your own home. For the best results, and to get the most out of your therapy experience, find a private space to meet with your licensed therapist and treat each session like a traditional therapy office visit.
To find the right therapist, reach out to a mental health professional through the Therapy Group of Charlotte. We know that online therapy can feel intimidating at first, and we’ll connect you to an online therapist you feel comfortable with every step of the way. One of our professional therapists will help you navigate your mental health issues, regain strength, and find the emotional support you need.