How to Choose the Best Online Therapy Platform
Therapy is a form of treatment aimed at assisting people in resolving problems surrounding their behavior, relationships, beliefs, trauma, and almost all other aspects of life. It involves counseling and sessions of sharing feelings and experiences. Therapists guide their clients by listening and giving advice on healthy models of behavior and relationships. Now more than ever, the need for therapists has significantly gone up. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected people’s personal, financial and professional lives in unprecedented ways. Reports indicate that people are constantly grappling with fear, worry, and stress due to the pandemic. Restrictions on movement and socialization worsen it. These restrictions, however, make it challenging to see therapists physically as was done previously, which has necessitated the shift to online therapy.
Online therapy platforms offer mental health support over the internet and have been quite resourceful in reaching those in need of the services during the pandemic. They provide numerous benefits, such as they are easily accessible, and some offer services 24/7, which are easier to access for those in remote areas and those with physical limitations. These platforms are also more affordable and highly convenient. They use various media such as email, video and voice calls, text messages, and online chats. Studies show that online therapies are just as effective at helping patients as face-to-face sessions to manage anxiety and depression. With tons of therapists online, here are a few pointers to help you choose the best platform for you.
1. Qualifications and practice license
One of the main things to look into when choosing a therapist is to ensure that they are fully qualified and licensed to practice. This allows you to seek recourse in case any challenges arise, such as problems with your treatment. There are many scammers on the internet passing off as qualified therapists. Others may be self-taught without any form of formal education on mental health and can easily be mistaken for professionals. Information regarding licensing can easily be found online and you should be careful to note details such as the state in which they are registered and the license number. It is also important to know your therapist’s identity and whether they are licensed to work in the specific state in which you reside. Unlike driver’s licenses which can be used across all states, health care providers are only permitted to provide service in the states under which they are licensed.
2. Security of the platform
Online platforms use different media to reach out to patients. One of the factors to look into while choosing an online therapy platform is how secure the platform is. Therapy sessions include sharing personal information, and confidentiality is of utmost importance. One way of checking for this is by confirming that your therapist and platform are HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant. This law protects sensitive information from being shared without consent.
3. Area of Specialization
While there are general therapists, find one who has specialized in your specific area of need as they will better understand and assist. Some common categories include family therapy, marriage counseling, and group and individual therapy. You can also opt for more than one online platform for therapy and counseling since every therapist uses a different approach. It’s also worth noting that you don’t always need a dedicated platform — many individual practices now offer online counseling directly through their own websites.
4. Recommendations and reviews
Recommendations and reviews from people’s experiences can help you choose the best therapy platform for you. They can provide an insight into the therapist’s methods and techniques and their character, and the ease of use of the platform, which will help you determine if it’s a fit for you. Reviews and success stories can also show areas of expertise and success rates. Professionals in the industry can also help guide your selection by sharing their experiences on the platforms.
5. Connection to the Therapist
Therapy is a highly personal experience that requires vulnerability and high levels of trust between both parties. After selecting an online therapy platform, it’s okay to opt-out of it if the connection is missing. You are not obligated to stay in an uncomfortable situation. Some ways to determine connection early on is by assessing how you feel during the therapy session, understanding the therapist’s philosophy and approach, and whether you agree with their plan for your treatment.
Online therapy platforms have numerous benefits and can help improve your quality of life. However, due diligence is required to help yourself stay safe and healthy.