Though online counseling goes by many names (including: virtual counseling, telehealth, virtual therapy, remote therapy, distance counseling, telebehavioral health, telemental health… and so on), online counseling is just like any other mental health service, except you’re using a technology platform (video, phone, etc.) to talk with your therapist. Many clients often forget that they are not in the same room within minutes of a session.

5 Advantages Unique to Remote Therapy

• Convenient: When meeting virtually you’re free from the bounds of location. You don’t have to wait for your day or arrange transportation, you have the ability to do it anywhere, from your car, your office, or your couch… you name it.

• Confidential: Get help from a distance in the privacy of your own space. No need to tell anyone where you’re going. No waiting room. No problem.

• Comfortable: Leave the hassle behind and your PJs on. Doing counseling virtually avoids the headaches from the comfort of your own home.

• Time Saving: One of the largest hinderances to seeking help is not having the time. The hour appointment isn’t the problem but the commute can; if you are having to getting ready, drive, park, walk to the office and do it again on the way back you may have to block 3 hours on your calendar for a 50 minute appointment.

• Access to Care: Working with a therapist is all about finding the right fit but if you are not fortunate enough to live in the the same city then you’re out of luck. Distance counseling bridges that gap in an easy and economical way.

Is remote counseling as effective as face to face? The research * suggests virtual mental health services are on par with in-person services.

We seem to do everything online; and as technology improves and our comfort using video platforms increases, many people are finding great value in teletherapy services. This seems to be especially true for young people and busy working professionals.

As one article ** summarizes: “Telehealth is effective across the continuum of care for Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and Substance Use Disorders (SUD), including screening and assessment, treatments, including pharmacotherapy, medication management, and behavioral therapies, case management, recovery supports, and crisis services”

In addition, the governing bodies such as American Psychological Association (APA) and American Counseling Association (ACA), and Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agency (DORA) provide guidance for teletherapy and telebehavioral health best practices.

SOURCES

* https://www.forbes.com/sites/stephaniesarkis/2021/02/14/online-therapy-just-as-effective-as-in-person-sessions/?sh=6bc394da4659

* https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/SAMHSA_Digital_Download/PEP21-06-02-001.pdf

Video counseling and phone therapy is private and confidential.

Because virtual counseling is considered telehealth (telemedicine), here at LifeSketch, we use Doxy.me, a HIPPA compliant secure site for our distance counseling and therapy appointments.

In short, yes. For therapeutic services, including mental health treatment, clients have to be residents of Colorado or residing in somewhere within the state.

Example: If you’re an out of state college student going to school in Colorado, we can still work with you.

Why must I be a resident? Counseling services are regulated by individual States. So laws around providing therapeutic services across state lines are blurry, confusing and determined on a case-by-case basis.

What if I’m out of town or in school in another state? It depends, contact us. 720-504-9933.

If you’re looking for non-therapeutic life and career planning we can still help.

We provide life coaching and career coaching programs across the nation.