Guides

What is the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Therapist?

When deciding to get some help from a mental health expert, you might find a variety of professionals with different titles and wonder which would be best for you. This article will break down the difference between two such professionals: psychologists and therapists.

Why an Online Psychiatrist Might Be a Good Fit for You

Online therapy can go by many names. E-therapy, teletherapy, cybercounseling…the list goes on. This is a new method or system of psychiatry that gives the patients many new benefits and opens up the possibility for many to try and get the help they need. Before now, seeing a psychiatrist was simply out of the question for them because of many setbacks.

Why You Should Feel Comfortable with Online Therapy

Feeling comfortable talking to a therapist at all can be a challenge. The ability to trust an online psychiatrist can be even more of a challenge. There are benefits to an online therapist, however, and you shouldn’t fear professional online therapy. In just might be exactly what you need to help you feel better. It’s understandable to be skeptical and weary of new mental health techniques. But, in reality, online therapy isn’t much different than regular therapy. It just is given through a different communication channel-virtually instead of face to face.

Online Therapy Jobs & Online Counseling Jobs

Are you a qualified therapist looking to expand your network? If you’ve ever thought of becoming an online therapist and you’re looking to learn more about the available opportunities then you’re in the right place! Since the advent of the internet, many businesses and services have moved online and in recent years, in-office therapy sessions have become virtual sessions.

Is Online Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Most of the time, online therapy can be covered by your insurance. However, there may be some limitations and potential reasons you may not want your insurance to cover treatment.

Does Online Therapy Really Work?

With so many services moving online, it should not come as a surprise that therapy is also available virtually. However, many people are skeptical about whether online therapy actually works the same way as in-person therapy. So, does online therapy really work? Let's find out.

What You Need to Know Before Choosing Online Therapy

Online therapy can be a great option for those looking to get mental health help and counseling services in a convenient way. However, there are many things to consider before choosing online therapy. This guide will cover everything you should know before you decide on an online therapy service and counselor.

What Online Therapy Can Help With

Research has shown that online therapy can help with numerous different mental health disorders. While more serious conditions should be treated with in-person therapy with the help of a psychiatrist a medical doctor, many of the common mental health disorders can be treated with online therapy services.

What Does an Online Therapist Do?

Online therapists are similar to in-person therapists in that they work with individuals who are struggling with mental health disorders. However, online therapists may work with a variety of different people and may even specialize in a certain area. Typically, online therapists must have at least a master's degree in order to practice and have to pass a state licensing exam.

Main Benefits of Using Online Therapy and Counseling Services

Going to a therapist can be a nerve-wracking experience but it can also be very beneficial. According to the CDC, in 2013 about 40% of insured Americans between the age of 18-64 have visited a mental health specialist in the past 12 months. There’s no question that the number of Americans that will talk to a therapist will not reduce.

There are some people, however, that may not be able to visit a therapist, or opt not to for a variety of reasons. For example, in that same year only about 17% of Americans that were uninsured went to see a therapist or counselor.

Online therapy and counseling services can help to alleviate some of these common reasons that could sway a person not to visit a therapist. Here are some of the top benefits of online therapy:

Online Therapy is available no matter where you are. The downfall of a brick and mortar therapist is that their location is permanent and immovable. In order to benefit from their services, you have to be able to go to their office. Not so with an online therapist, you can contact them no matter where you are because the session will be virtual. So long as you have access to a phone or computer with internet access, you can schedule a session with them. This can come in real handy if you live in a remote area that doesn’t have a therapist nearby. It can also be great if you have to travel a lot for business. Another good thing about this is if you don’t have a car or transportation and if you are a stay at home mom who doesn’t want to pay for a babysitter every time you need to see a therapist.
Online Therapy offers faster help when needed the most. Another barrier that many people have with a brick and mortar therapist is that they have a very limited schedule. They can’t visit a therapist because they have a full work week. Therapists have very specific working hours and if they don’t match with yours, then you are out of luck. Online therapists, however, make their hours match yours. If you need to have a session at 9 pm because you work until 8pm, you can find a therapist online who is willing to listen to you then. This benefit of having almost immediate access to therapy is also very beneficial because when we really need someone to talk to, we don’t want to wait until we call the therapist and they fit us into their schedule. We need immediate help and an online therapist can offer that. This will help us progress faster as well, since immediate counseling can help with immediate support and possibly deter any damaging behavior.
Online Therapy is available for people of all abilities and disabilities. Many people who need the help of a therapist, have disabilities, whether physical or psychological that might make traveling to an office difficult. Online therapists require no travel or facing the outside world. If you have physical or psychological limitations, online therapists can still give you support and counseling without you ever leaving your home.
Online Therapy feels more anonymous. For many people, seeing a therapist is a need but due to either embarrassment or fear, they opt not to talk to one. For example, someone who is a victim of abuse might fear retaliation from their abuser if they ever found out that they were talking to a therapist. Being able to talk to one online without having to risk being seen going to an office can be a viable option. Also, those who are embarrassed and feel like people would think less of them if they knew they were seeing a therapist, can also get the help they need with more anonymity than risk being seen walking into a therapist’s office. Another good thing about online therapists is that you can benefit from their help without having to face another human being. Some people find it extremely hard to speak about their problems. When it is just chatting with a computer, it seems less intimidating.
With online therapy you can choose the intensity of your therapy. You can choose the schedule that meets your needs. If you feel like you need daily counseling, you can set that up. If you feel like you can only afford biweekly visits, you can set that up. Online therapy is very flexible and you can make it work for you no matter what you budget or schedule.

*THE ABOVE IS NOT, AND SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED AS, A PROFESSIONAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.