Online counseling, commonly referred to as e-counseling or cyber-counseling, is a relatively new kind of psychotherapy. This is when counseling takes place over the internet, allowing patients to get remote or distance counseling from the comfort of their own homes or wherever else they like. There are numerous factors to consider, but you can attend online counseling if you locate the proper counseling program, learn how to find the right counselor, and understand what to expect.
Method 1
Getting Started with Online Counseling
Seek a diagnosis in person. Although you may benefit from online counseling, counselors cannot diagnose you over the internet. This means that any mental health condition you have must be diagnosed in person by a counselor or therapist.
You can seek online counseling for your disease once you’ve received a diagnosis.
Decide if online counseling works for your disorder
You can determine if online treatment is best for your problem once you’ve been properly diagnosed. Online counseling may be beneficial if you have a common or easily treated mental disorder. Online counseling is not for you if you have a severe mental disease that requires immediate and intensive treatment.
Online counseling is also ineffective for people suffering from severe or complex disorders that manifest in a variety of ways, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or other serious illnesses.
If your problem is severe or complicated, traditional counseling may be able to help.
Determine if it is helpful for your situation
Depending on their circumstances, many types of people may benefit from online counseling. If you reside in a rural or remote place with limited access to in-person counseling, you may benefit immensely from online counseling. It may also be simpler if you have mobility issues or other physical constraints that make traveling difficult.
This can also come in handy if you travel or are gone from home for months at a time.
Pay attention to the cost.
In many circumstances, internet counseling sessions are less expensive than in-person counseling sessions, although this is not always the case. [7] Before you choose an online counselor, be sure you know how much it will cost you up front. Make sure you have a safe means to pay for the services as well.
If you are working with a counselor you have already met in person, your sessions may be less expensive due to the cost of gas and office maintenance. Inquire with your counselor about the pricing difference.
Determine if your insurance will pay for online counseling
When it comes to internet counseling, one of your main concerns is the expense. Many insurance companies are now willing to help with the cost of online counseling sessions, however there may be certain restrictions or criteria. Other insurance plans may not cover them, although some therapists provide low-cost therapy sessions to individuals who are unable to obtain coverage.
Method 2
Looking For a Reputable Counselor
Ask your counselor to move online.
After you’ve met with a counselor in person, some will offer online counselling sessions. This could be advantageous to you or your counselor. This is especially useful if you’re going on vacation or relocating to a different state.
Whether you’ve been seeing a therapist, see if he or she is willing to switch to online sessions instead of in-person appointments.
Find an online counselor.
If you haven’t already been visiting a counselor in person, you should look for an online counselor that is credible. There are many trustworthy internet counselors, but there are also those who are not certified and are merely pretending to be counselors to make money. Look for internet counselors that are members of national mental health associations or have websites that have been confirmed as safe.
The quantity of personal and professional information provided, such as degrees held, places in which he or she is licensed, and real-world contact information, is a solid method to tell if a counselor is qualified.
You can also inquire as to whether your counselor has an in-person practice. This will also reveal whether or not your counselor can be trusted, as well as whether or not he or she is licensed.
If you’re unsure, utilize the International Society for Mental Health Web’s online location (ISMHO). They have people from all over the world that can aid with online counseling.
Make sure the counselor is licensed.
Another important factor to consider is whether or not your counselor is licensed. The counselor should be licensed in both his or her home state and your home state to provide counseling or therapy. Check with your counselor to verify where he or she is licensed.
You will have no legal rights if your counselor is not licensed in your state or in his or her home state if something goes wrong.
Ask about privacy policies.
Although your counselor is obligated to keep your information private, you have the right to inquire about her privacy practices. Inquire with your counselor about who else has access to the computer used for therapy sessions, whether or if the sessions are recorded, and how and where your records are preserved.
Ask if your counselor saves transcripts and who else might have access to them if you contact him or her via e-mail or chat.
Method 3
Having Counseling Sessions Online
Find the right format.
Online counseling can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Through video conferencing services such as Skype, you can have a counseling experience that is similar to in-person meetings. Online chats, e-mail, online phone calls, and online forums are all options for getting assistance.
If your counselor agrees or if you are interested, you can do a combination of all of these types.
Pick the best time for you.
Online counseling can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Through video conferencing services such as Skype, you can have a counseling experience that is similar to in-person meetings. Online chats, e-mail, online phone calls, and online forums are all options for getting assistance.
If your counselor agrees or if you are interested, you can do a combination of all of these types.
Make sure the right technology is in place.
Many of the methods for doing online counseling necessitate the use of specific technology. A computer with internet access is the most basic. A microphone on your computer, an application that permits online or video chats, and an e-mail address may also be required.
You should also make sure that your counselor has access to these tools so that you may communicate in a variety of ways.
Get periodic help
If you are not interested in having a personal counselor, there are websites that offer free one-time counseling sessions. Many online mental health websites offer online assistance seven days a week at specific times of the day, with others offering assistance 24 hours a day.
Many of these websites are disorder-specific, so do some research online to find the one that best meets your needs.
