Thank you for reaching out! Sometimes this first step can feel like the hardest. Here are some things to consider if you are new to therapy or curious about what to expect.
How does psychotherapy work?
Psychotherapy is also known as “talk therapy” and is a collaboration between client and therapist that is based on dialogue. There are many approaches to psychotherapy, including Narrative, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), SFT (Solution Focused Therapy), MI (Motivational Interviewing), just to name a few. I incorporate a variety of approaches depending on your needs and preferences.
Is online therapy right for me?
Telehealth/online therapy might be right for you if…
- You feel comfortable meeting with a provider in your location of choice. For some people this can provide added comfort and access to coping skills, such as stress balls.
- You have a busy schedule and need to save transportation time.
- You have geographical barriers, such as lack of access to reliable transportation or do not live close to a provider that meets your specific needs.
- You have a quiet, private place to take calls. This is essential to maintain privacy and confidentiality.
- You have reliable internet access and/or a computer to login to our sessions.
In-person care might be a better option for you if …
- You rely largely on nonverbal cues when interacting with others, especially body language. Although video sessions allow us to meet face-to-face, my arms and legs are not within view which can be distracting for some individuals, especially when I am taking notes.
- You prefer an office setting. Some people like the separation of being in a different enviornment.
- Your living situation is such that you don’t have a quiet, private place to take calls.
- You lack reliable internet access and/or phone service in your area.
- Your insurance does not cover telehealth services.
- You are seeking art therpy, music therapy, or animal assisted therapeutic approaches. These are more effective in-person.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes, telehealth/online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for mental health treatment.
Online Talk Therapy Works as Well as In-person, New Study Shows
Is Online Therapy as Effective as In Person Sessions
The effectivenesss of any therapeutic intervention depends largely on the therpeutic relationship between client and therapist, regardless of whether it is online or in-person.
Why a Therapeutic Alliance is Important in Therapy
Alliance in Adult Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy and the Therapeutic Relationship
The Interplay between Theraspeutic Relationship and Therapeutic Technique
Is telehealth or online therapy secure?
Yes, I ensure client confidentiality by using a HIPAA-compliant platform (PT Sessions) and maintain all client chart information using TherapyNotes.
You can also find verify my idenity as a licensed social worker and my credentials online (please refer to home page for referral networks or to about me page for links to each state board in which I am licensed).
How often would we meet?
At this time, I am only meeting clients via telehealth or online. You can expect to receive a response to any email inquiries within 24-48hrs.
First, we would schedule an initial consultation to see if this is a good fit. I recommend that you find a quiet place to meet and use headphones. I do the same on my end to ensure privacy. Initially, we would meet once a week until we establish a therapeutic rapport. Then we could meet 2-3 times a month depending on your needs and what is deemed clinically appropriate. Generally, I do not meet less often than once a month as it would be difficult to do any meaningful therapeutic work, but there can be exceptions.
Does a therapist prescribe psychotropic medications?
No, only providers who are licensed to prescribe medicine can do so (psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners (NP), clinical nurse specialists, primary care physicians, and physician assistants). Depending on which state you live in, different providers may be allowed to prescribe. These providers may also offer psychotherapy if they have the specialized training.
Psychotropioc medications can play a role in a person’s treatment, but you should feel empowered and involved in that decision. Often times, psychotropic medications are most effective when provided alongside psychotherapy. As your therapist, I can help support you in exploring this further if you so choose.
What are the ways I would communicate with an online therapist?
I am always accessible by text/phone/email, but email and text are my preferred ways of contact. If you need to cancel or change a meeting, please email me unless it is less than 24hrs notice then please text. If it is a time sensitive matter, please text me because I can reply more quickly. If it is something that can wait 24hrs for a response, please email me. If you would like to give me a phone call, you may need to leave a voice message if I am in session and unable to pick up.