With just a click or tap, you can find the best online counseling. That is, of course, if you understand what to seek to find a great match. You can look at various things to know if you are making the right choice in a counselor or counseling service. Some of these include:
- Licensing and credentials – it’s crucial that the professional is qualified and accredited to practice;
- Data protection – the counseling site or application that you’re planning to use should guarantee privacy and safety for your information;
- Personal preference – check if the expert meets your criteria about age, gender, religion, cultural background, etc.;
- Payment – check for insurance options and whether the payment plan offered is convenient for you.
Going Back to Counseling After Stopping
You can begin and quit teletherapy counseling at any time. Many reasons might make you pause or cancel your sessions. Later on, you may feel like going back to counseling but may not be sure how to start again. The first step to returning to therapy is to reach out to your counselor to tell them you want to recommit yourself and why.
Be open about your reasons for quitting and what you’ve been undertaking. Also, speak about your new goals going forward if you’ve got them. With this information plus your previous session notes, your counselor can create a new plan.
Ending Counseling: How to Do It Properly
Can’t do video counseling anymore? There’re numerous reasons one may want to end their meetings with a professional. You may have achieved your goals, need a breather, or don’t feel connected with the counselor. So, how do you end therapy on a positive note?
- Don’t halt communication suddenly.
- Talk to your counselor directly as you would in a meeting.
- Be honest with your counselor and state your reasons clearly.
- Prepare for your counselor to disagree with you, even though they should respect your decision.
FAQs on Counseling Online
Would you like to know more about counseling over the web? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.
Can I Access Therapy on the Internet for Free?
Yes, there are counseling sessions you can attend for free on the internet. You can find a service where you can talk to a professional, privately, for free for a particular period. This period is good for assessing whether you want to continue with the sessions, after which you pay a prescribed fee.
Where Can I Find the Best Counselor Online?
There’re a variety of options for counseling on the internet. To access the best one, look at whether the provider meets your expectations and how usable it is. Check us out and reach the best therapist on the internet.
Does Internet Counseling Yield Results?
Online counseling has proven to be effective for treating various mental wellbeing matters despite concerns in the early days. People find it easier to talk about their problems when they don’t have to meet professionals face-to-face. Furthermore, its affordability and convenience have encouraged people to stick to their counseling programs.
What Does the Term “Internet Therapy/Counseling” Mean?
It’s the delivery of professional mental health services through internet-enabled tools/ channels, including email, video conferencing, or real-time messaging. Internet therapy may be conducted alone or in combination with traditional face-to-face counseling.
How Secure Is Counseling Online?
Yes, you can find an online therapist and attend sessions safely. It’s all dependent on the service you choose. A reputable counseling service will give their customers’ data protection the highest priority and, therefore, provide secure communication channels.
What Are Some Key Advantages Of E-Therapy?
Online therapy or counseling has numerous advantages. It is accessible to individuals who need counseling but who are limited by location, schedule, or physical disabilities. It is also affordable and highly-flexible.
What Are Some Cons to Teletherapy?
While e-therapy has brought about numerous benefits to people who need counseling services, it also has some cons. Insurance, for one, may not cover it. Also, non-video counseling doesn’t take into account body language and facial expressions, both of which are vital. Lastly, it may be hard to reach out to a client in a crisis due to distance.
Which are the Main Types of Counseling?
Counseling is considered as a type of therapy, and it is quite broad. However, the most common variations are:
- Rehabilitation counseling;
- Mental health counseling;
- Educational counseling;
- Substance abuse counseling;
- Career counseling;
- Family and marital therapy.
Is Internet Counseling Ethical?
There’s a significant ethical concern when it comes to internet counseling. That is mostly to do with the protection of a client’s data and confidentiality. Therapists and counselors online should, as such, follow guidelines set out by APA concerning teletherapy. They should also comply with HIPAA guidelines.
Author bio: Kate Skurat
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Washington, United States
Kate has a B.S. in Psychology and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and has worked in healthcare since 2017. She primarily treated depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, and grief, as well as the identity, relationship, and adjustment issues. Her clinical experience has focused on individual and group counseling, emergency counseling, and outreach. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-skurat-5348381b9/