Even before the pandemic began, many people had been turning to online therapy, a convenient and highly accessible method of mental health treatment and awareness that continues to gain popularity in the internet age. Whether specifically sought for conditions like stress, depression, anxiety, or trauma or used as a general therapeutic release for kids and teens, this form of counselling has many benefits over its traditional counterpart.
However, many people still have questions about how it works and the specific processes and details involved. Here, we’ll go over some of the most important things to know about getting online therapy in Calgary.
Is Online Therapy Effective?
We’ve written before about the effectiveness of online counselling sessions, so we can sum it all up in a single word: yes! Just like regular in-person sessions, talking to a psychologist or therapist remotely can be liberating and helpful – if a bit different in style. Research supports this, with studies indicating that online therapy is as effective as in-person sessions for treating conditions like depression and anxiety, with a success rate of up to 70-80% for many clients.
In fact, some people prefer online therapy entirely, especially for conditions like social anxiety, panic attacks, or for clients in rural areas who may not have easy access to in-person sessions.
Prices for Online Therapy
Here at Your Counselling, we are committed to increasing access to mental health programs for everyone. That’s why all our therapy rates—whether online or in-person—are 25% lower than industry standards. This approach helps make quality mental health care more accessible and affordable for busy individuals.
You can easily pay after the session via credit card, debit card, or e-transfer, with prices dependent on the service requested. Additionally, we offer direct billing to your insurance provider. Many extended health plans now fully cover online therapy sessions, further improving affordability.
Getting Online Therapy in Calgary
An important thing to keep in mind is that, even though the sessions may be remote, your privacy always remains our top priority. Your therapist will be in a secure office space, alone, with headphones, and the same regulations around notes and data storage still apply. We also adhere to Canada’s strict guidelines under PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) to ensure the confidentiality of all your information.
So, find a quiet place for yourself, breathe deep, and relax.
Steps for Online Therapy
Our process for booking online therapy sessions is simple. Here’s what our unique steps look like:
- Book a free consultation call so that you can get to know the person you may work with, and vice versa.
- Book a session with our easy-to-use online scheduling tool.
- You will soon receive an email with a secure link to complete your intake paperwork. This frees up more time in the session itself when the appointment arrives.
- Log in at your scheduled time using a device with a stable internet connection, ensuring minimal interruptions.
Online Therapy with Video or Telephone
You can tell your therapist what method you prefer – a Zoom call or a telephone chat. Zoom has end-to-end encryption, booking IDs, and locked sessions, making it a secure choice for our purpose. According to recent surveys, 65% of clients say they feel more connected to their therapist when using video therapy compared to phone-only sessions. Phone calls work too, as some people prefer not to show their face as they speak, but even on Zoom, you’re able to keep your camera off if you like.
We’ll match what makes you comfortable, but we encourage video sessions when possible to help build rapport, interpret non-verbal cues, and enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Finding a Good Online Therapist
Online therapy in Canada has much of the same regulations as in-person sessions. When you look for a therapist that will be a good fit for you, don’t be afraid to ask about education, training, and certifications, or to find out which governing bodies and colleges they belong to. Any proper therapist will not hesitate to provide this information – so if you’re having a hard time finding out, that is most likely a red flag!
For example, you can verify that your therapist is registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) or another relevant professional body. Tools like Psychology Today’s “Find a Therapist” directory also make it easy to narrow your search.
Always look for accreditations from major institutions and relevant organizations because whether you access therapy online or in-person should not affect your quality of service. Professional psychologists, bound by the guidelines of laws and regulations, will make sure this is the case.
This is also why the initial consultation and meeting is so important: it lets you discover more about the person you’ll be connecting with, and that foundation of trust and respect is crucial to a real, proper counselling relationship.
So, whatever you or your loved ones may need—online therapy for anxiety, depressive disorders, struggling teenagers, or another facet of mental health—our flexible approach and evidence-based methods ensure that everyone can find the right fit. Even the simple experience of talking to someone remotely can make you feel rejuvenated and calm, so why not give it a try?
At Your Counselling, it’s all about helping you get what you need to thrive and live your most meaningful, fulfilling life. So, start with a free consultation today, and we’ll see you online!