Online Therapy: A New Rising Star In the Mental Health Community

Jeremy M • Jan 19, 2024

Online Therapy: A New Rising Star In the Mental Health Community

Like many of you, I was scouring YouTube one day when I came across a speech by Simon Sinek – the one where he talked about his ‘five little rules’ everyone should follow when finding their spark in life.

I could write an essay on all five of his rules, but one rule in particular got me thinking.

It was rule No. 3 – take care of each other.

He called it the ‘single most valuable thing you ever learn in your entire life’ – learning to accept help when offered and learning to ask for help when needed. It’s a skill we could all benefit from, yet it’s a skill most of us never practice.

And because most of us don’t practice it, we’re often blind to just how much help and support is out there.

So, what does this have to do with online therapy?

As I was listening to Simon Sinek’s speech, I couldn’t help but think of the millions of people out there struggling with mental health conditions – which, according to NAMI, is 20% of the adult population.

More specifically, I thought of the 60% of Americans with a mental illness who aren’t receiving regular treatment for their condition – many of whom are either too scared of therapy to even consider it or don’t have the means to sign up.

Those people have been ‘left on read’ for far too long.

They don’t feel comfortable in traditional therapy settings, they don’t have the transportation to get to and from sessions, and they don’t have the time to dedicate to regular sessions – they need help, but the type of help they need hasn’t been available.

That’s where online therapy comes into play. It’s not only making it easier for those with a mental illness to ask for help when needed, but it’s also making it easier for mental health professionals to offer help when applicable.

Online Therapy vs. Traditional Therapy: Is There a Difference?

Online therapy, also known as teletherapy and online counseling, follows the same principles and standards of traditional, in-person therapy. The primary difference between the two is that online therapy takes place on the Internet – not in a therapist’s office.

It might be a slight difference to some, but it’s life-changing for others.

It’s more convenient. Online therapy removes the transportation barrier, allows for flexible scheduling, and is more accessible to those with mobility issues.

It’s more approachable. Speaking with your online therapist in the comfort of your home is empowering and allows the patient to feel safe and secure.

It can be as effective. Studies indicate that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy, especially if the patient seeks more clinical modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

It can’t replace the experience of seeing a therapist in-person and isn’t always suitable for clients who benefit from more personalized therapy, but online therapy has become a preferred therapy option for many people in the world today.

How to Get Started With Online Therapy Sessions

Getting started with online therapy is easier than most people think, but there are a few things you’ll need before meeting with an online therapy provider.

For starters, you’ll need access to high-quality internet and a means of communication – otherwise, virtual therapy is impossible. You’ll also need a private setting, a quiet environment, and quality lighting to ensure your therapist can read your body language properly.

Now comes the hard part – choosing an online therapist.

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you consider your options:

Question 1: What type of online therapy services do you need?

Studies show that the best online therapy services are those that focus on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, but they can also be effective for talk therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), family therapy, and more.

Most therapists offer a free consultation to see if online therapy is right for you. This is especially useful for those who are unsure what type of therapy they need or unsure about whether the type of therapy they want is offered through virtual therapy.

At the end of the day, do what’s best for you when strengthening your mental health support team.

Question 2: How do you prefer to communicate?

When you picture yourself talking to your online therapist, do you see yourself chatting over the phone or via a live video? Don’t worry – you have plenty of options when it comes to online therapy.

Most online therapists offer a combination of video chat, phone calls, text messaging, and even email – whichever makes you feel most comfortable, online therapists will make it work.

Aside from communication, don’t forget to consider scheduling and availability. Your online therapist should be flexible enough to maintain regular sessions at a time that’s convenient for you.

Question 3: Are you covered by health insurance?

I know what you're thinking -- does insurance cover online therapy? While most in-person therapy sessions are covered by Insurance, that’s not always the case with online therapy.

Before you schedule a consultation or session with an online therapist, check with your insurance provider to see if they’re in your network. If not, make sure you can cover the out-of-pocket cost.

Most licensed therapists charge a per-session fee, but online therapy cost varies by patient.

Question 4: Is your online therapist the right fit?

Of these four questions, this is the most important. If you don’t feel comfortable with your online therapist or don’t feel like you can open up to them about your problems, they’re not the right therapist for you.

But that’s okay – don’t give up yet!

Finding the right therapist takes time and patience. It might not happen on the first try, but that doesn’t mean therapy won’t work – it just means you need to try again!

The good news is you have a lot of people out there ready to help you overcome life’s biggest struggles. You don’t have to go through that fight alone – not anymore.

If you find yourself in a dark place or want to talk about how therapy can help you thrive in life, don’t hesitate to contact Jeremy Magin for your free 30-minute teletherapy consultation. We can’t wait to speak with you!

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Finding Your Therapeutic Fit: How To Choose The Right Therapist

By Jeremy Magin • 15 Nov, 2023

Finding Your Therapeutic Fit: How To Choose The Right Therapist Therapy can be a life-changing experience, whether you’re living with a mental illness or not. It can give you the confidence, motivation, and/or encouragement you need to get yourself back on your feet, back on track, and back to living a happy, healthy, and rewarding life. With therapy , you can feel like you again. The problem is most people either aren’t seeking the help of a therapist or don’t fully understand how a therapist can help them. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), of the nearly 60 million people living with a mental illness, only 47% of them receive mental health treatment every year. Even those who seek the help of a mental health professional often struggle to find a therapist they feel comfortable around – which can get in the way of treatment and make matters worse. If this sounds like you, don’t worry – we’re going to break down everything you need to know to help you find a therapist you can thrive with. Qualities to Look for In a Therapist With dozens of therapists in the Denver area – and thousands more available online – finding the right therapist often takes time. All patients have unique goals and expectations, and all therapists have their own unique style and specialty, but the right match is out there – so long as you’re willing to search for it. To help you in your search for a therapist, here are some of the most prominent qualities to look for: A general passion for helping others through life’s problems A great listener and observer – someone who will take the time to understand YOU Easy to talk to, very relatable, and authentic Reliable, consistent, and always there when you need a helping hand Promotes a safe space that’s free of judgment and/or ridicule Specailizes in the type of therapy you’re interested in (CBT, ACT, DBT, psychotherapy, talk therapy, etc.) Has worked with patients that have similar symptoms or conditions as you Sensitive to the emotions you’re experiencing, but helping you face your fears Understanding what you’re looking for out of a good therapist can help you narrow down your options – instead of looking at dozens or even hundreds of therapists, your list will be down to a select few. From there, you can schedule an appointment with your top choice to see if they’re a good fit – if not, try someone else!

What Are Different Types Of Therapy?

By Amanda Steele • 02 Oct, 2023

Looking for therapy? There are many different kinds of therapy. Learn about some of the most common approaches in this guide.