Going to therapy is an excellent way to get professional support when coping with life challenges. However, it can be difficult to manage a visit to an office on a regular basis, especially if you work full time or live in a remote area. Fortunately, online therapy—also known as teletherapy—can be just as effective as in-person treatment. Below is a brief overview of how teletherapy works, as well as some of its advantages. 

How Online Therapy Works

Thanks to improvements in technology, many therapists are now able to offer secure online therapy to their clients. All you need is a computer, video camera, microphone and internet connection, in order to have a teletherapy session.

When you sit down at the computer for your session, make sure to select a private space where you will feel comfortable talking openly about life challenges and other personal matters. Some people find that headphones can also be helpful, since it may enable them to hear their therapist more clearly. 

Advantages of Online Therapy

Frequency of appointments is the same as what is available in the therapist’s office. While teletherapy is not right for everyone, it can offer many advantages for some people, including:

• Accessibility: Clients who find it difficult to travel to an office due to factors such as limited mobility or a remote location can access a therapist quickly and easily through teletherapy. In addition, this option can be very appealing during inclement weather.
• Reduced Gas Costs: When you opt for this choice, you’re reducing gas costs because you won’t have to commute to an office. In turn, you spend less time in the car and more time preparing for your session.
• Increased Flexibility: It may be easier for the therapist to accommodate your schedule, since the therapist does not have to be in their office to hold a teletherapy session. Also, therapists are sometimes willing to offer a hybrid approach, enabling a patient to choose a combination of in-person and online therapy sessions.
• Insurance Now Overs Teletherapy: For many years, teletherapy was only available as a self-pay option. However, NYS law has recently changed, and most insurances now consider teletherapy to be the same as an office visit. So, your cost would be the same as an in-office session. [Insurance companies also typically cover phone therapy sessions, so this is another option that may be offered by the therapist.]

To find out if online therapy is the right option for you, get in touch with Audrey Berger,PhD. She offers both psychotherapy and life coaching. For over 40 years, this experienced psychologist has been helping clients in the Rochester, NY, area tackle tough life challenges and improve their quality of life. She offers in-person, online, and over-the-phone sessions. Visit her website to learn more about teletherapy and call (585) 292-0095 to set up an appointment today.