Is Choosing Online Therapy Right for Me?

Getting therapy online has become more popular over the past few years, partly because of the social distancing measures put into place due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the cultural shift to online work, school, and access to nearly any service. People have become much more comfortable with speaking through video calls like Zoom, texting, or messaging through social media, and that comfort level has transferred into nearly every aspect of our society. Along with better access to treatment, an increased social push toward bettering our mental health, and the easy connection to professional care, choosing online therapy has become the obvious choice for many people.

If you are wondering whether online therapy is a good idea for you, you may want to consider whether you enjoy talking to others through the internet. Does it feel forced or awkward, or do you always do it? If you are struggling with a serious psychiatric illness, doctor’s care may also be required, and the scope of online care may be limited in its ability to deal with complex issues. It is important to note that online therapy is often not a good substitute for rehab for people with serious substance use disorders, as addiction treatment may require additional medical care or inpatient treatments.

To discover how mental and behavioral health care programs can help patients at You Behavioral Health via our online platform, give us a call at (855) 206-2268 to get started.

6 Factors To Consider When Choosing Online Therapy

When you are choosing online therapy, some things you may want to consider are:

1. Are the therapists and counselors accredited (and verified)? Unfortunately, because virtual therapy occurs fully remotely, some people have learned to take advantage of the emotionally vulnerable. You will want to check the credentials of those you are speaking with to ensure you are receiving evidence-based and effective treatment
2. Are your sessions secure and private? Confidentiality is extremely important when you are speaking with a therapist, so you will want to verify that your treatment sessions will be kept private, and are not recorded or provided in a room with other people, meeting HIPAA standards in your state
3. Where are the therapists located and licensed? State laws differ as to what treatments can be provided over state lines and still be covered by insurance, so it may be easier (and cheaper) to access online therapy that is provided from within your state
4. Do you have the technical capacity to meet with your therapist regularly? Do you own a computer or smartphone yourself? Do you have a secure internet connection? If not, online therapy may not work well for you
5. Is online therapy covered by your insurance? If you have health insurance, you will want to check with your insurance company to find out what types of treatments are covered before moving forward with online therapy. Some insurance plans cover 100%, while others cover certain forms of therapy and psychiatric medications or have deductible amounts you need to meet. Some may do direct billing, while others may have you pay in full and then submit paperwork for reimbursement. Whatever the case it is best to know what to expect before beginning
6. Do you like doing things online? Online therapy may not feel right for some people. Talking to somebody through a screen is very similar to talking to somebody in person, but it’s not the same. Check-in with your gut after a couple of sessions and see if your treatments are meeting your expectations

What You Can Expect During an Online Therapy Session

At You Behavioral Health, getting the therapy you need is easy. When you first contact our team, you will have a professional assessment to determine the best course of action for your individual needs, and then you will be matched with an appropriate treatment provider, scheduling appointments that work for your lifestyle.

At your appointment time, all you have to do is go online, log in to our secure website portal on any computer, tablet, or phone, and you will be connected in a private treatment session that is similar to a “Zoom meeting,” with one-on-one, professional, personalized care that may include behavioral health treatments, talk therapy, and holistic methods.

Our online therapists will help you meet your goals, solve problems, and create a happier and healthier life for yourself through regularly scheduled treatments. There are no cancellation fees if you cancel your appointment 48 hours or more before your scheduled start time, keeping treatment flexible enough to make changes as you live your life easier.

Why People Choose Online Therapy

There are many good reasons for choosing online therapy, like:

• The effectiveness – for many people, online therapy is just as effective as in-person visits. Even if you are simply struggling with a difficult life decision, are experiencing a high level of stress, or want to learn more about self-care and mental health management, talking to an online therapist can give you new coping tools and life strategies that will improve your overall quality of life
• The convenience – schedule your therapy when you want, without worrying about a commute or even leaving the house. You could get therapy on your lunch break or in the evening, or whenever works best in your busy life
• The cost (especially if your insurance covers it) – for some people, teletherapy options cost less than in-person therapy, as therapists may have less overhead (like paying to rent an office space), allowing them to offer treatments at a lower price point
• The communication style – some people like online communication more than in-person, or they feel more comfortable sharing intimate or personal details with somebody who is not physically in the room
• Accessibility – a lot of people in the world do not go to therapy because it is not available to them where they live, or because they are immunocompromised or otherwise cannot leave the house, issues that are solved by online therapy. You can get therapy from anywhere through your connective device, even if there are no therapists in your community

You Behavioral Can Help You Overcome Your Anxiety

If you are dealing with a mental health issue or mental illness like anxiety, please contact our team at You Behavioral Health to learn more about choosing online therapy. We understand that making that phone call is difficult for many people, but we can help you figure out whether you have insurance coverage, connect you to qualified and verified therapists, and work with you to build a higher quality of life for yourself through a convenient online platform.

You Behavioral Health is a discreet and cost-effective option for mental health treatment, providing the same level of accessible and effective care as an in-patient therapist would provide. You can schedule your treatments around your busy life and access care from your laptop, cellphone, or tablet from anywhere. This makes our services a good option for those who cannot leave home for therapy appointments, like parents of young children, people who are immunocompromised, and people who do not have access to therapy in their small town or rural community.

We are in-network with many major health insurance companies, but if you are not sure about your coverage when it comes to online therapy, we can help you. Call us or use the easy online form found on our website for a free insurance check. If you want to get started on your journey to better mental health or if you have any questions about virtual therapy, call (855) 206-2268. We can get you the help you need from the comfort of your own home.