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The Basics of Online Therapy

The Basics of Online Therapy

scheduling an appointment onlineOnline therapy (also referred to as tele-therapy, virtual therapy, telemedicine therapy, and E-Therapy) is readily available.

Colorado online therapy is the delivery of online services – from a licensed therapist to a client located anywhere in Colorado. This type of therapy is delivered through a live and secure video connection over the internet.

Through the use of two-way video conferencing technology, similar to Skype or FaceTime, online therapy is designed to provide the same benefits as traditional therapy – it’s simply conducted screen-to-screen rather than face-to-face. Although it is a relatively new way of offering mental health services, the accessibility and convenience of working with online therapists continues to grow in popularity.

 

How does our Colorado online therapy work?

For a regular session, all you need is access to a computer, a high-speed Internet connection and a quiet, private location for the amount of time you’ve agreed to meet.

 

Why should I choose online therapy over traditional therapy?

There may be several good reasons for choosing online therapy. Eliminating the commute to and from a therapist’s office is one of the most common reasons people choose to seek online help. They save time and money by doing so, and it’s more convenient for those who can’t drive or don’t have transportation readily available.

Tele-therapy also grants access to patients in rural areas, who may have few or no options for quality mental health care professionals. Additionally, in our tech-friendly universe, many patients are simply more comfortable connecting in a digital atmosphere than they are in an in-person setting.

 

woman sitting with laptop during teletherapyIs online therapy safe?

From buying shoes online to reserving plane tickets, we always want to know: am I safe? Is my personal information being protected? The answer is, yes, but it’s important to do your research. While it can be easier for people to misrepresent themselves over the Internet, finding a professional clinician online is very similar to seeking a traditional therapist (and most online therapists do both.) Don’t be afraid to take extra steps to verify their credentials. One of the easiest ways to discover if a therapist is legitimate is to ask for their license number – most online therapy networks already have them displayed or they are made available upon request.

 

Getting Ready for Your Session

While online therapy has many benefits (such as saving the time and money it takes to commute back and forth) you still want to be able to get the most out of your session. Some things to keep in mind before you meet with your therapist online:

  1. Find a location that offers as clear a connection as possible, something close to a strong Wi-Fi or satellite signal. If you cannot find such a location, your therapy session may be fine anyway due to the quality of our tele-health platforms.
  2. Find a quiet place that will make it easier to hear your therapist (and for your therapist to hear you) as well as stay focused. This may mean letting your dog into the yard a few minutes ahead of time, silencing your phone or simply locating a room in your home/building with the least amount of noise and the most amount of privacy.
  3. Don’t forget to ensure that your computer or phone is charged or plugged into a power source—otherwise, you may experience an abrupt end to your session!

 

Interested in giving online therapy a try? You can easily schedule an appointment with one of our therapists who provide online therapy.

More information on tele-therapy may be found at the American Psychological Association.