What is online therapy and is online counseling an option for me?
Online therapy takes place between a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist or in short, a psychotherapist, and client online rather than in-person at an office. The therapeutic work is the same but you can have sessions from the convenience of your location without traveling to an office.
How does online therapy work?
All you need is a laptop or tablet or PC with audio and video. Most modern laptops such as Apple MacBooks, or Apple iPads, have this built-in. So there is no hardware or software for you to purchase. We use a HIPAA secure video software and before your session your online therapist will send you a Pre-Intake and Preparation for Clients document and on how to join the session. Before your therapy session, it is important that you identify a private room that is equipped with internet access and a computer with a webcam.
The convenience and availability of professional online therapy is here right now. Seeking Therapy Counseling Services has offered online therapy and has been astounded at the results clients have achieved. You will soon be a true believer in the benefits of online counseling. Now, positive changes in your life and relationships are at your finger-tips form the comfort of your home!
Therapy online saves time!
Online therapy will save you time. You donât have to worry about whether there is traffic or not, if you will be late for your session, or if you will miss time working with your therapist. Instead, you can logon to our secure video platform on your phone, computer, or tablet, and have a counseling session where you are comfortable. You can see an online therapist in your home, office, or anywhere you feel comfortable! Therapy appointments can fit into your busy day because you only need a few minutes to log in to your computer. No more commutes to an office or waiting in a waiting room.
Does online therapy work?
Perhaps you are pondering, âOnline counseling sounds pretty modern but, does it actually work?â Maybe youâve never considered online therapy before. It makes sense that you would want to do your research before starting online counseling. But, online therapy works! Research has shown that online therapy can be just as effective in treating many mental health concerns as in-person counseling. Through video chat technology, you can form a connection with your online therapist.
Do you offer other forms of online counseling besides video sessions?
We highly recommend online psychotherapy video calls because non-verbal expressions, like facial cues, can be very important in helping your online therapist relate to you and be attuned to your needs. Additionally, the sessions feel more personal when you can see your online therapist’s face.
However for some people, whether itâs for variety of reasons or personal comfort, prefer other types of online therapy. This could include psychotherapy over the phone. If you are interested in these options please let your potential therapist know during your consultation and a customized plan can be created to meet your needs.
Do you offer a free consultation for online counseling?
Yes, we do. When you contact us about online therapy we will help you to determine if online counseling is the right choice for you. Then you can have a free 10-minute phone consultation to see if we’re a good fit and to see if online therapy meets your goals. Call (619)646-8283 to setup your free consultation.
Benefits of Online Therapy or Online Counseling
- Online psychotherapy shortens the time between appointment setting and receiving service.
- Same-day appointments available
- Convenience of your schedule
- Flexible location: from the comfort of your home or anywhere else you feel safe and secure
- Save travel-time and expenses
- Private, safe and secure facilitated through Zoom technology
We are a Private Pay Practice
We accept all major credit cards securely online via Ivy Pay Credit Card Processing: Credit card processing made just for therapists and designed to be HIPAA-secure. Mainly we are a private pay practice, this means that we accept direct payments online via Ivy Pay
Does insurance cover online therapy?
Each individual insurance policy is unique and the field of Telehealth is still evolving, so this is a challenging question to answer. Insurance does not cover phone sessions, but it might cover video appointments, depending on your policy. If your insurer states that they will cover/reimburse you for online therapy, it is beneficial to get this authorization in writing. Still, coverage/reimbursement is not guaranteed until a claim is submitted and an explanation of benefits (EOB) is received. We are in-network with Aetna, Cigna and ComPsych. See our therapy fees page for details.
Building Self-Care Habits Between Online Sessions
One advantage of online therapy is that it fits naturally into your everyday environment, which makes it easier to practice self-care between sessions rather than treating it as a separate task. Your therapist can help you build small, sustainable habits â short breathing exercises before a stressful meeting, a consistent wind-down routine, or simply naming and tracking your mood day to day â and check in on how they are working in your very next video session.
Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person Therapy?
Research on telehealth counseling has generally found that online therapy produces outcomes comparable to in-person sessions for most concerns, including anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. What matters most is consistency and a strong working relationship with your therapist, both of which are fully possible over secure video.
Online therapy works well whether youâre seeking individual counseling or couples therapy â many clients complete their entire course of treatment from home. Call (619) 646-8283 or contact us to get started.
Online Therapy for San Diego Residents
Online therapy lets you meet with a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from home, work or anywhere private. Seeking Therapy Counseling Services provides online counseling to clients across San Diego County, including Chula Vista, in English or Spanish. If you are searching for an online therapist in San Diego, video sessions offer one-on-one support without the drive.
Online Anxiety Treatment and Mental Health Support in San Diego
Many clients use online therapy for anxiety, depression, stress, trauma and ADHD. Your therapist will work with you on a treatment plan based on your goals, using approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. If medication may be helpful, we work with experienced psychiatrists. We do not prescribe medication ourselves.
Online Therapy San Diego for Families, Teens and Couples
Online sessions can include more than one person. Families can join from the same room, teens can talk from a private space, and couples can use online marriage counseling when schedules make it hard to come in. Learn more about couples counseling and family counseling.
How to Get Started With Online Counseling in San Diego
- Call 619-646-8283 or request a free consultation
- Share your goals and ask any questions you have
- Receive your preparation guide and secure video link
- Find a private spot and begin your first session
Your therapist will check in on your progress and adjust your care as your needs change. Read more about our therapy fees.
Mental Health Services and Treatment Plans in San Diego
Our mental health services are built around you. In your first sessions, your therapist learns about your history, your goals and your daily life in San Diego, then creates clear treatment plans you can follow together. Treatment is reviewed as you go, so your mental health care can change as your needs change. Because this is clinical care with a licensed professional, your privacy and safety always come first.
Mental Health Treatment for Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety treatment online can be just as practical as treatment in an office, because you learn skills in the same place where stress shows up. Mental health support may include step by step coping tools, thought work from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and small changes to sleep and routines. Many San Diego clients find that treatment fits more easily into a busy week when there is no commute.
Medication Management Questions
We do not provide medication management, but medication questions are welcome in therapy. If medication may help your mental health, we can talk about what to ask your doctor and work with an experienced psychiatrist when appropriate. Many people in San Diego use therapy and medication together as part of their overall health care.
Mental Health Support for Teens and Family Members
Teens are often comfortable with video, which can make it easier to open up. Online therapy for teens can address anxiety, school stress and family conflict, and family members can join when it helps. Family therapy online lets a family in San Diego meet without arranging travel, and it gives every family member a chance to be heard. This support for teens and family relationships can make a real difference in mental health at home.
Health Services Without the Commute
Health services should be easy to reach. All of our services are online, so San Diego residents can get mental health support from home, a parked car or a private room at work. These health services are available in English and Spanish. Our services are also open to residents across California, so you can continue care if you move or travel within the state.
Learn More About Online Treatment
Want to learn more? You can learn about our approach on the about page, learn what your plan covers on our fees page, or call to learn whether online services are right for you. Taking this step takes courage, and we are glad to support you.