Online Therapy Tips for Clients

During this time of social distancing and sheltering in place it is important that you take care of your mental health. In a time where everyone is experiencing some stress, mental health problems like eating disorders, depression or anxiety can get worse if left untreated. If you are struggling with a particular mental health concern, please consider online therapy. It’s a way to get some critical support and help so you can maintain your mental health as much as possible despite the stress. In fact, online therapy can sometimes be as effective as in-person counseling in treating for certain mental health concerns.

If you are considering online therapy, it’s important that you find high quality counseling services. Here are some tips for finding the right online therapist from Dr. Dana Harron, the founder of Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy, who is providing online therapy during the COVID-19 crisis.

Make sure your therapist is licensed in the state where you physically live

The laws that govern our license to provide therapy are odd when it comes to telehealth. But, they exist to protect the public from those who call themselves therapists but did not get the education or training needed to provide quality online therapy. Basically, the law states that a therapist can only see clients who are physical located in the state they are licensed in. For example, if you live in Richmond, VA, you must see a therapist that is licensed in Virginia. Or if you live in Annapolis, MD, you must see a therapist that is licensed in Maryland. Technically, your therapist is not supposed to offer you online therapy if you’re on vacation or away at school. However, in some cases, the ethical mandate for continuity of care may seem more important to your therapist.

Make sure your therapist is using a HIPAA-based platform to provide online therapy

In terms of protecting your privacy, not all online therapy providers are considered equal. However, your privacy when you participate in online counseling is very important. Therefore, you want to make sure that the system your online therapist uses is HIPPA-encrypted. This means that the online platform is secure and meets the standards for health care privacy. Some platforms that are not HIPPA-encrypted include FaceTime and the non-upgraded version of Zoom. Platforms that are considered safe include doxy.me, Simple Practice, and VSee. When you see a therapist who uses a secure platform, you can fully participate in your counseling sessions knowing your privacy is safe.

Choose your provider carefully when starting online therapy

The tips for finding a therapist from Dr. Harron’s earlier blog post still apply to finding a telehealth provider. Reflect on what you’re looking for in a therapist and make sure your therapist has particular expertise for the issue you are struggling with. Interview several therapists and see who you feel most comfortable with. You should feel comfortable with your online therapist. Just because you want to see someone online doesn’t mean you should give up quality. Finding a therapist who is the right fit (personality and expertise) is critical to making sure you will get maximum benefit from your counseling experience.

Make sure your internet connection is working well

It’s important to beta test your internet before sessions. Over the last several weeks, we’ve moved to providing counseling online. Since doing so, we’ve had clients’ internet cut out at the worst possible moments more than once. It is unfortunate and disrupts the therapy session.

If you’ve had problems with your internet, make sure to let your therapist know at the beginning of your counseling session. You may also want to make sure as few other devices as possible are using your internet connection at the same time. For instance, instead of streaming a video for your kids to watch during your counseling session, offer them a DVD that doesn’t require internet connection. Or if you’re a college student home for the semester because of the coronavirus, let your parents know you are starting an online counseling session and see if they can avoid using internet for the next 45 minutes.

Make sure you have privacy during online therapy sessions

woman attends an online therapy session for support coping with binge eating disorder in Washington DC with monarch wellness and psychotherapy who also provides online therapy in Virginia and online therapy in Maryland If you live with family or roommates, you may need to get creative when you meet with your therapist online. Maybe, you do this by taking the appointment in your car, a bathroom, or even an isolated outdoor space. Consider using your phone for a hot spot if you are worried about having internet. We want you to make as much progress in online therapy as possible. But, you won’t be able to speak as freely as you would if you think that someone might be listening in.

Get rid of notifications

Notifications can be distracting, especially if they deal with stressful topics such as work or news updates. So, pause notifications for the during your session. This will allow you will be able to fully concentrate on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Limit other distractions during online therapy sessions

Paying attention to yourself doesn’t stop with notifications. Make sure you aren’t multi-tasking in other ways. This includes checking your phone, doing homework, folding laundry, or focusing on anything other than yourself. Taking care of your mental health is important. So, take the time to focus on your well-being.

Choose a comfortable environment

It is important for you to have your online therapy session in a place where you are physically comfortable. If you’re uncomfortable and fidgety, you’ll have a harder time focusing on how you’re feeling. Maybe, you would have to interrupt the session to go somewhere else partway through and interrupt your progress. Try to avoid this by finding as comfortable a location as possible.

Begin online therapy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC

woman looks at her tablet during an online therapy session for anxiety and anorexia in Virginia in the park. She gets help from Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy who also provides online therapy in Maryland and online therapy in Washington DC If you are ready to begin online therapy and take care of your mental health from the comfort of your home. Then, the Therapists at Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy can help. To begin online therapy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC please follow these steps:

Contact our mental health clinic to learn more about online therapy in Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland,
Meet with an online therapist specializing in the mental health concern you are having,
Begin online therapy and take care of yourself and your well-being.

Other Services offered at Monarch Wellness & Psychotherapy

Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy offers a variety of therapy services to help you find hope for a better tomorrow. Ultimately, our goal is to create a safe online space so, you can be real and honest about the things that are bothering you. The therapists at Monarch Wellness are currently offering all their counseling services online to practice social distancing. Our mental health support services include individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy for adolescents, young adults, and adults in the D.C. area. We are also able to offer online counseling to people located anywhere in Virginia or Maryland. Our practice specializes in treating individuals with eating disorders including Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder/Compulsive Overeating. In addition to eating disorders, our therapists help clients manage and overcome their anxiety, depression, and trauma. If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page or contact our office to discuss the ways we can help you thrive via online therapy.

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