Your anxiety and stress, or even your depression, are getting worse, and with most of the country shut down or starting to shut down, you’re not sure who to turn to for support. Or maybe you have a new loss that is triggering your grief that you want support for, or you are a new mom experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety. Regardless of the reason, you are open to counseling or therapy, but you want to limit your contact with others and stay safe by not going out into the community unless absolutely necessary. Online counseling is your answer.
Maybe you’ve heard of online counseling, but you’re not quite sure what it means. Or maybe you are cynical, wondering how effective can therapy be when you’re not in the same room as your therapist? Whatever your current thoughts are about online counseling or therapy, there are many compelling reasons to give it a try right now.
What is Online Counseling?
The term online counseling can refer to several ways of providing therapy virtually including email, video chat, phone sessions, or text messaging. For our purposes, we are referring to video chatting when we use the term online therapy or online counseling.
1) Online Counseling is Convenient
Imagine getting your mental health needs met without even leaving your home! You can sit in your bedroom, on a comfy office chair, or even in your car while doing your therapy session. There is no need to commute to a therapist’s office, or deal with traffic, or try to find a parking spot. You can do therapy from the convenience of your home.
2) Online Therapy is Flexible
Because you do not need to leave work or your home to do a therapy session, you can schedule a session anytime during your day. Perhaps during your regular “lunch hour” or even while your kids are napping. Our flexible appointments allow you to schedule during the day, in the evening, or on a weekend, whatever works best for your new schedule.
3) Online Therapy is Recommended
During the coronavirus or COVID-19 outbreak, public health is recommending that all medical providers who are able to, should convert to telehealth in order to help prevent the spread of the virus. Our therapists are also working from their homes right now using technology, so by doing an online counseling session that is two less people who are out in the community and who are supporting efforts to stop the virus spread.
4) Online Counseling is Secure
A secure, HIPAA compliant video platform is used when conducting online counseling that allows for confidentiality for your sessions. Much like FaceTime, or Zoom, you sit in front of your computer or phone and talk to your therapist who is in front of her/his computer. The video platform that connects the two of you is secure, never recorded, and confidential.
5) Online Therapy is Effective
Multiple studies have shown that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for a variety of issues and treatment types. For depression, anxiety, and stress management, online counseling is particularly effective. There are a few issues for which online counseling is not indicated, such as if you are experiencing suicidal urges or are psychotic (hearing voices, seeing things that aren’t there, etc.). However, most generalized treatment issues can be treated online.
Get Started with Online Counseling in Colorado
During this uncertain and difficult time, if you are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, stress, trauma, or postpartum mood changes, do not let fears of virus exposure keep you from seeking out counseling. Online counseling is a highly effective and useful way to get the support and treatment that you want and need.
If you are interested in how the trained therapists at Catalyss Counseling can provide you with online therapy in the Denver area. Contact us or book an appointment online with one of our experienced counselors today to start getting relief for your symptoms.
Author Biography
Shannon Heers is a psychotherapist, guest blogger, and owner of Catalyss Counseling in Englewood, CO. Shannon helps adults in professional careers manage anxiety, depression, work-life balance, and grief and loss. Follow Catalyss Counseling on LinkedIn and Facebook.