Mental health care should be accessible to everyone, and part of that accessibility involves offering a variety of options for where therapy takes place. As technology has evolved, things like telehealth services and online counseling have become valuable resources for those needing the convenience of at-home therapy and ease of scheduling.
Columbia Associates provides support to individuals seeking mental health care in Virginia, Maryland, and the Washington D.C. metro area. If you’re considering online counseling, we can help.
What Is Online Counseling?
Online counseling is a form of telehealth for mental health. It allows people seeking therapeutic services, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or various other treatment modalities, to connect with therapists and psychiatric providers remotely. This means not having to travel to an office or clinic. Sessions happen virtually from the comfort of your own home, or anywhere you can find privacy. Calls are conducted through a secure connection, and clients receive the same professional care they would receive in person. Online counseling provides all the benefits of traditional therapy while eliminating commute times.
At Columbia Associates, clients can access therapy as well as medication management virtually, making it even easier to prioritize mental wellness.
When Online Counseling Is More Desirable Than In-Person Counseling
Reasons for online counseling can extend beyond just the removal of travel time. There are several other circumstances that may necessitate online counseling:
- Ideal for people living in more rural or underserved areas
- Easier scheduling for people with irregular work schedules
- The increased privacy of not being seen walking in or out of a therapy office
- Secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms ensure confidentiality
- A great resource for those who struggle with social anxiety
- Some people feel more relaxed and comfortable expressing themselves in their home setting
- Find the therapist that’s best suited to your needs without the constraints of geographic location
Prioritizing mental health has never been easier. With mental health available online, it means having access to therapists all over the country and finding someone who specializes in a variety of areas. Whether you’re looking for someone to help you process trauma, grief, or physical conditions like cancer, online counseling opens up a host of new options.
Could Online Counseling at Columbia Be Right for You?
Telehealth is a great option. You can determine whether it’s right for you by asking yourself these questions:
- Do I have a private space at home where I’ll feel comfortable speaking freely?
- Would I feel more connected to a therapist in person?
- If I work from home, might I benefit more from an in-person interaction?
- Do I have reliable internet access and the necessary devices?
- Does my insurance cover online counseling, in-person, or both?
- Are certain techniques or therapies better implemented in-person?
- Would I feel more secure discussing private concerns in a therapist’s office as opposed to at home?
- Might I benefit from group therapy that happens in person?
Asking yourself these questions can help you decide on your next step. Keep in mind that some individuals may require intensive crisis care or specialized in-person treatments. If this is the case, in-person visits would likely be recommended by your therapist.
How Columbia Associates’ Telehealth Appointments Work
Getting started with virtual counseling at Columbia Associates is easy:
- Schedule an appointment: Our clients can book a session online by visiting their therapist’s location page on our site.
- Prepare for your session: A secure link will be sent to you before your session. Make sure you have access to a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection.
- Attend your session: You can talk with your therapist or just as you would in person.
- Follow-up and continued care: You’ll work with your therapist to make any needed adjustments as you progress through sessions.
Columbia Associates offers a seamless, user-friendly telehealth experience, allowing you to focus on your mental well-being.
Start Online Counseling with Columbia Associates Today
Columbia Associates is committed to making mental health care accessible and convenient. Our online counseling service is covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, at many locations. Our team can help you understand your coverage. Give us a call today at [phone number] to learn more or schedule an appointment.
For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.