A licensed clinical psychologist and counselor since 2015, Dr. Sonya Bruner says online therapy is increasingly popular among people looking for a better quality of life. People seeking online treatment can find therapists for various issues, from the phase of life issues to generalized anxiety and depression. Different comparable businesses have also emerged in the health and wellbeing space, including online therapy nyc.
Phone sessions
Among the new trends in online therapy services, phone sessions are a great way to see a therapist in real-time. Therapists plan for these sessions by using common video-calling apps. These include Skype, Google Meet, Zoom, and Sessions by Psychology Today. In addition, phone sessions can intersperse in-person appointments. The benefits of phone sessions are several. They’re easy to set up, convenient for clients, and are HIPAA-compliant, Children Psychologists Calgary.
Because of the high number of users who use these services, they can eliminate geographic barriers and have access to qualified therapists. But to be eligible for online therapy, a therapist must be licensed in your state. That means phone sessions have several limitations, though. For example, a platform should have more than one therapist in its network, or your results may be mediocre. But if you’re willing to live in another state, phone sessions are a great option.
Video therapy
With the increasing availability of online services, video therapy is becoming more common. The video format allows for greater accessibility and organic feeling to sessions and maybe a better way to access triggers and transference reactions than in an in-person setting. Additionally, the neutral, online environment may help facilitate more profound transference reactions. But how can video therapy improve online therapy? Here are some vital things to keep in mind.
Before you sign up for video therapy, you will first fill out a brief questionnaire about your needs. Next, you can choose a therapist who suits your needs. You can switch therapists as often as you like – the process is completely confidential and doesn’t cost you anything extra. You can also communicate with your therapist via video, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some plans even provide live video sessions.
Peer-to-peer chat platforms
There are some pitfalls to using these services, however. While they may be convenient, they may also raise concerns about privacy and ethics. Because these platforms allow patients to communicate anonymously, the therapists may not be bound by the same code of conduct and commitment not to harm. In addition, therapists who use these services may be unaware of the field’s state laws.
Another disadvantage to using these services is the lack of clear guidelines for handling potentially risky situations. For example, some apps use the member’s IP address to determine their location and will send the police if they have concerns. On the other hand, using video-based therapy is more like an in-person session. This feature is particularly convenient for people in rural and remote areas, where traditional treatment may be difficult or impossible to access.
Connected Care
While connected care has been growing in popularity, some professionals question its ethical and legal implications. The privacy of patients and their information, for example, is at risk when therapy is conducted via an online platform. It is also important to note that not all online therapy companies adhere to the same ethical code or commitment not to harm. In addition, many online therapy companies are not run by psychologists, which raises concerns about the ethics of using these services.
Some online therapy platforms also offer consultations with medical doctors and therapists. The latter can provide referrals to specialists if necessary. While most online therapy platforms charge for 45-minute video sessions, some may charge as much as $80 for a doctorate-level therapist. These online therapy services provide access to therapists on a sliding-scale basis.
