Wondering if what online counseling is and if it is right for you? After helping countless individuals and couples achieve their counseling goals through online counseling, I will be sharing the benefits of online therapy. By the end of this post you will have a sense of what online therapy is and whether it is right for you.

What Is Online Video Counseling (Telehealth)

Online counseling with Freeman Counseling Solutions PLLC is secure, video driven counseling sessions between a client and their licensed professional therapist. It is a face-to-face session done over secure video in our software. Generally speaking, the video session will work very similar to an in-person session with some minor adjustments to accommodate for the online presence. In contrast to in-person therapy, online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist or counselor using any device that has an internet connection, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. All that is needed by the client for online counseling is a device connected to a strong internet signal, a camera, microphone (most are built in) and earbuds or headphones.

Now that we have outlined what online counseling is, let’s look at a few of the benefits of online counseling.

It Is Effective

Online counseling has been shown to be just as effective as in-person counseling. Using secure video connections allows the client and therapist to see each other and to participate in counseling as you would if sitting in the same office. Many have found online therapy helpful for a variety of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, and relationship counseling. You can rest assured that your counselor is professionally trained and held to the same standards by our company and the state as in-person counselors are held to. The reason online counseling is so effective is that it employs many of the same theories and techniques found when done in-person.

It Is Accessible

Accessibility is important when it comes to your relationships and mental health. Sometimes, it is too difficult for a client to take time from work, drive to an office, and sit with a counselor only to make the return trip. Other clients may live in the Richmond, Virginia area but lack transportation or the ability to leave their home. Online counseling allows therapy to come to you through our secure video software. With the help of technology, remote areas are no longer isolated from obtaining professional counseling that can help save their marriage or improve their overall mental health. Clients from all over the state of Virginia now have access to professional Christian based counseling.

It Is Affordable

Many people have avoided counseling in the past because of cost. Fortunately, online counseling provides an affordable option for those who desire to seek help. Since the pandemic, most major insurance providers will now cover or reimburse online counseling costs, just as they would for in-person sessions.

It Is Flexible

It’s not easy to make it to counseling, especially with a busy life! Prior to online counseling, clients would have to coordinate schedules, find child care, and spend a lot of energy planning the session. Going to in-person therapy was time consuming and “out of the way.” Now, online therapy has made it convenient and allows for flexibility. While clients may still desire to be seen before or after their work day, many clients choose to be seen over a lunch break at work or other convenient times. All that is needed is a strong connection, earbuds or headphones and a quiet, secure location and you can be seen for counseling. Online therapy provides great flexibility that has not been seen before. 

It Is Confidential

Just like office-based counseling, online counseling is kept confidential. Online counseling has the added benefit that you are not walking into a known counseling office. Therefore, if you are uncomfortable walking into a physical location, you can be seen securely from any location of your choice.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to secure online counseling. If you have questions about our online therapy sessions or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out to us or you may find it convenient to schedule with one of our therapists through our online portal.