Online Counseling
We know it’s sometimes hard to meet with us for a therapy session at our offices. You may be too busy, live too far away, stuck at work, or have trouble finding childcare or transportation. So, to make it easier for you, we’ve added video counseling services and taken distance counseling training to meet this growing need. Now we can meet wherever it’s most convenient for you — your couch, your kitchen, your living room.
Very similar to Skype or FaceTime, SimplePractice’s telehealth platform (SimplePractice is our practice management software) is easy to use – we promise! All you need is a computer or smartphone/tablet a web camera/mic and broadband Internet access. The app is easy to install on your phone. Download Telehealth by SimplePractice (for iOS or Android) in the app store.
You will receive an e-mail reminder with a link about 10 minutes before your appointment. When it’s time for your session, click the link and the session will open up in your web browser. If you are using the app, the app should open on your phone/tablet. Your therapist will video call you when it is time for your appointment and you will have the session similarly to an in-office session.
Check out our Getting Started with Telehealth Guide (click the image).
We have found that meeting with you online is just as effective as meeting with you face-to-face, and research backs us up on this.
The effects of online psychotherapy outlasted the results of face-to-face counseling
A University of Zurich study divided a group of 62 patients in half and found that depression was eased in 53 percent of those given online therapy, compared to 50 percent who had in-person counseling. Three months after completing the study, 57 percent of online patients showed no signs of depression compared to 42 percent with conventional therapy.— Journal of Affective Disorders, 2013
SimplePractice’s telehealth platform is secure and HIPAA compliant. When having an online video session, the same fees would apply as if you were meeting with us in our office. Due to online counseling’s ease of use, you might be more likely to stick with your therapy program.
If you have any questions, please let us know. We’re happy to help you decide whether online counseling makes sense for you. You can schedule an online video counseling session via our website by clicking here or by calling/e-mailing us.
**Online Video Sessions are only available for clients residing in Illinois.
