What Is Online Counseling?
Online counseling, also called telehealth counseling, is when a therapist provides counseling and support over the internet through secure video conferencing or by phone. Telehealth allows you to attend therapy from the comfort of your home or another private location, making counseling more accessible and convenient for many people.
How Does Telehealth Counseling Work?
Telehealth sessions work very similarly to in-person sessions. You and your therapist will schedule an appointment in advance. At the time of your session, you will click on a secure email link that connects you and your therapist through a private video platform. You can use a phone, tablet, or computer, and you will need a stable internet connection.
You and your therapist will also talk about the best location for you to be during sessions so you can have privacy and feel comfortable. Many clients have sessions while others are home and use headphones or white noise machines to increase privacy. Other options include sitting in your car, scheduling sessions when others are out of the house, or finding a quiet, private space where you feel safe to talk. Your therapist can help you create an individualized plan to ensure your privacy and comfort.
We are able to provide telehealth counseling to clients located in Illinois, Wisconsin, Tennessee, and Georgia, allowing clients in multiple locations to access our services.
Can We Still Use Meditation, Somatic Therapy, or Art Therapy During Telehealth?
Yes. Within Holistic Counseling specializes in traditional counseling, but we also incorporate meditation, somatic therapy, and creative therapies such as art therapy. These approaches can be adapted very effectively to telehealth.
For example:
- During meditation, you will close your eyes and it will be similar to in person meditative work.
- For somatic therapy, your therapist can guide you through body awareness and nervous system regulation exercises virtually.
- For art therapy, you can create art during the session or between sessions. Your therapist can help you identify materials you already have at home.
Art materials can include traditional supplies like markers, pens, and watercolors, but also everyday items like magazines, fabric, makeup, foil, or found objects. Many clients find that doing this work from home actually increases comfort and creativity.
Is Telehealth Counseling Effective?
Although telehealth may feel new to some people, telehealth counseling has been used since the 1990s and is considered a highly effective form of therapy for many mental health concerns. Many clients find telehealth to be just as effective as in-person therapy, and sometimes even more comfortable because they are in their own environment.
Clinicians at Within Holistic Counseling have been providing telehealth counseling for years and have received very positive feedback from clients who appreciate the flexibility, comfort, and accessibility of online therapy.
Will Insurance Cover Telehealth Counseling?
Many insurance companies now cover telehealth counseling services. To find out if your specific plan covers telehealth, you can call the number on the back of your insurance card. We are also happy to help you verify your insurance benefits.