How Online Therapy Works

how online therapy works - woman on laptop

Even before the pandemic began, many people had been turning to online therapy, a more convenient method of mental health treatment and awareness that continues to gain popularity in the internet age. Whether specifically sought for conditions like depression and anxiety 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. In fact, some people prefer online therapy entirely, especially for conditions like social anxiety or panic attacks.

 

Prices for Online Therapy

Here at Your Counselling, we have a goal of increasing access to mental health programs in general – and that means discounted rates on all online therapy sessions. This is not an industry-wide practice, but we are proud to stand out from the crowd.

You can easily pay after the session via credit card, debit card, or e-transfer, with prices dependent on the service requested. Remember that we can direct bill to your insurance provider, too.

 

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. 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:

  1. Book a free consultation call, so that you can get to know the person you may work with, and vice versa.
  2. Book a session with our easy-to-use online scheduling tool.
  3. 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.

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. 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 obviously we recommend video so that we can build comfort, rapport, and a real connection. 

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!

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 some other facet of your mental health – we offer a variety of scientific approaches to suit any personality and comfort level. 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!

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