Virtual Counseling
Meet with your counselor online
Virtual counseling, also called Telehealth, is simply getting the counseling you need from wherever you are. Many people are uncomfortable with going to an office or leaving their home to talk about difficult topics so being in an environment that brings you comfort contributes to the healing process. If you have a smart device and an internet connection then you can have a confidential encounter with a counselor to talk about developing a plan to help you grow.
When you call to set up a virtual appointment, you'll receive easy to follow instructions from your counselor.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth is counseling services provided virtually through telecommunication technologies. Either in the form of a phone session or a video session, remote sessions allow you to work with your counselor while at home or at work. The video services our counselors use are encrypted, HIPAA compliant, and meet all state and federal standards for delivery of mental health services.
How does Telehealth work?
All our counselors can offer remote services. Once you choose a counselor or are matched with one, let us know that you are interested in virtual counseling. Depending on your counselor, you may have one initial in-person session or you may be able to start right away with remote services. Some counselors may only use online counseling occasionally as the situation calls for it while relying on in-person sessions as the primary form of counseling. Please let us know if you want virtual counseling to be your primary form of counseling.
The video counseling platform used will vary based on counselor preference. Once you have your session scheduled, your counselor will reach out with instructions on how to join the virtual meeting. If there is ever a problem connecting during the session or you can't find the link your counselor sent, reach out to your counselor by email or call our office.
Is Telehealth just as good as traditional counseling?
There is a therapeutic loss when you are unable to meet with your counselor face-to-face. So much of communication is non-verbal which is easy to miss over remote counseling, especially over the phone. There are even some therapy techniques (such as EMDR) which cannot be used in virtual counseling.
Remote counseling allows anyone access to therapy services even if they can't make it to the counseling office. Maybe you're on vacation or just moved out of the city. Some days you might feel sick or can't find the motivation to get out of the house. With virtual counseling, your counselor can come to you. With its limitations there are also benefits. Your counselor will discuss the limitation of remote counseling with you while also developing a plan to make the most of it.
Is Telehealth right for me?
Virtual counseling is a useful alternative to in-office visits for anyone living in Texas. Sometimes anxiety or depression can make it hard to leave the house and it is much simpler to contact your counselor at home. Sometimes work can be too demanding or families can have an ever changing schedule which makes it difficult to drive out of your way to the counseling office. Remote counseling brings therapy to you when you're unable to get away.