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Therapy Blog for Orem, Spanish Fork & South Jordan
Getting Started in Online Counseling
Online counseling can be a great resource for your unique needs. But you might wonder to yourself, how does online counseling work? And can you still get the same benefits of counseling if you receive your services remotely via video?
Today, you will learn more about what to expect in online counseling and how to determine if online counseling is right for you. Then, you will learn how to make an appointment.
The Convenience of Online Counseling
If you are looking to begin therapy, you may be concerned about the time commitment. After all, therapy is not a once-a-year appointment like the doctor’s office. In fact, you will probably meet with your therapist weekly or bi-weekly. And that time adds up! It’s hard to find space in your schedule for therapy, but you need the help and you want to get started. Now what?
That’s where telehealth therapy comes in. Online counseling via video is convenient, accessible, and a great option for your busy schedule. Virtual counseling can be used to treat a variety of problems and concerns, just like in-person counseling. And you can receive the same benefits from in-person individual, couples, or family counseling via video. (Related Article: Teletherapy 101).
The When and Where of Teletherapy
Next, let’s talk about some things you should know about online counseling. When and where can you do online counseling? You can participate in your telehealth sessions from almost any location. As long as you have a space that is quiet, private, and you feel comfortable in, you can conveniently join from your phone or computer. And meeting via online therapy can provide you with additional availability options for sessions.
For example, you may find that it is easiest to find a private space during your lunch break to meet for therapy. Or maybe you scheduled your therapy during your kid’s nap time. Telehealth allows you the freedom to meet with your therapist without taking valuable extra time out of your already busy day. Additionally, if you live in an area outside of northern Utah, you can avoid a lengthy and expensive commute to attend in person therapy by opting for online options. Telehealth provides the flexibility and opportunity you need to have a great experience in therapy. (Related article: Accepting Help From Others in Therapy).
Online counseling makes it easier to meet consistently with your therapist. Plus, it provides you with the opportunity to have therapy that you may not have had otherwise due to your availability and circumstances. And thankfully, online therapy is the same high quality experience as in-person therapy. 
Your Safety in Virtual Therapy
By now, you might be wondering how online counseling is a secure experience. After all, in person therapy is conducted in a private office in a specially curated space intended for privacy. Thankfully, since the COVID-19 pandemic, HIPAA-compliant telehealth therapy options are safer than ever. Your therapist will also ensure that the space they use to provide therapy to you via video is private and quiet. Additionally, video platforms used to conduct virtual therapy are encrypted with additional security features that ensure that your private information is corrected. Your therapist will take time to verify your identity before beginning therapy. Your privacy and safety are prioritized, just like in traditional face-to-face therapy experiences. (Related article: Utah Telehealth Examples).
Additionally, your therapy paperwork will be slightly different when you meet with your therapist for video sessions. The documentation required to begin teletherapy will include additional information that educates you about the unique considerations that are a part of participating in online counseling. But, keep in mind that you can also ask your therapists any questions or concerns you may have about your experience in teletherapy.
Start Online Counseling
Telehealth counseling is a great option for busy people like you. Whether you are in search of individual, couples, or family counseling, virtual therapy can be a great option for your therapy needs. Ready to get begin? Start online counseling today.