Online Therapy Success: Essential Tips for a Secure and Effective Telehealth Experience
February 21, 2025 | Dana Harron
This is a repost of our blog originally posted in 2020.
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Using Online Therapy/Telehealth: Tips for Clients
Telehealth therapy, also known as virtual or online therapy, has made mental health support more accessible than ever. Whether you're new to telehealth or looking to enhance your experience, taking a few simple steps can help you get the most out of your sessions. Ensuring a secure and distraction-free environment allows you to engage fully and receive the support you need.
Below are essential tips to make your telehealth experience as effective and comfortable as possible.
Ensure Your Therapist Is Licensed in the State Where You Physically Live
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Licensure laws can be odd and complex when it comes to telehealth. But these laws exist in order to protect the public by ensuring therapists have the necessary education and training. It is still vitally important when you are doing telehealth to ensure that the therapist you are working with is licensed in the state where you physically reside. This requirement typically applies when you are on vacation, traveling for work or home from school. However, in some particular cases such as brief travel or college stays, the ethical mandate for continuity of care may take precedence to your therapist.
Use a HIPAA-Compliant Platform
Not all online therapy platforms offer the same level of privacy. Your therapist should use a HIPAA-compliant platform to ensure your sessions remain confidential. Non-compliant platforms, such as FaceTime and the free version of Zoom, lack necessary encryption measures. If you are using a large company for therapy, there may be additional concerns such as having your information sold. HIPAA-compliant platforms must include:
Encryption
Access control
Audit controls
Data integrity
Business Associate Agreements (BAAs)
Privacy protections
Breach notification agreements
As of January 2025, some of the popular secure platforms include:
Choose a Therapist with the Right Expertise
Take the time to reflect on what you need from therapy and ensure your chosen therapist specializes in your specific concerns. It can be beneficial to interview multiple therapists before deciding on the one with whom you feel the most comfortable. Note that you may have difficulty actually getting a specialist if you choose to use a big tech company for mental health. You may get lucky, or you may get a relatively green therapist who’s expertise is overhyped.
Check Your Internet Connection
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A stable internet connection is crucial for uninterrupted therapy sessions. Test your internet beforehand to prevent disruptions. Technical difficulties, such as a weak connection or unexpected outages, can interfere with your session at critical moments.
Make Sure You Have Privacy
If you live with family members or roommates, finding a private space for your sessions is essential. You may need to get creative by using a car, a bathroom, or an isolated outdoor location. If available, use a mobile hotspot for added privacy. Feeling like someone might be listening can prevent you from speaking openly and honestly with your therapist.
Turn Off Your Notifications
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Notifications can be distracting, particularly those related to work or news updates. Before your session, mute or pause notifications on your devices to maintain focus on your therapy session without unnecessary interruptions. You are using this time to focus on yourself and self healing so prioritize yourself.
Limit Other Distractions
Focusing on yourself doesn’t stop with silenced notifications. To get the most out of your session, avoid multitasking. Refrain from checking your phone, folding laundry, or engaging in other activities. Therapy requires your full attention and presence.
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Get in a Comfortable Position
Your physical comfort can impact your ability to engage in therapy effectively. Since therapy sessions can be lengthy, choose a seating arrangement that allows you to focus without discomfort. Being fidgety or needing to move mid-session can disrupt your experience. Select a comfortable spot that also ensures privacy for an uninterrupted session.
Follow These Tips
By following these tips, you can enhance the effectiveness of your online therapy experience, ensuring a private, secure, and distraction-free environment for meaningful sessions.
Reach Out
If you’re considering professional support, we’re here to help. Please reach out to schedule a free, no-commitment consultation. There’s no fee and no obligation—just click the button below to get started.
You can also call or text us at 202-656-3681, or email us directly. Give yourself the opportunity for the support you deserve.