WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN SEEKING AN ONLINE THERAPIST
In this article I explore the pros and cons of seeking an online therapist and share my top tips of what to look for when seeking an online therapist.
Online therapy is positive in many ways, especially as it can introduce people who do not normally seek therapy to the possibility of trying it in the comfort of their homes. However, as with most things, there can be cons.
When you can walk into a brick-and-mortar office and see the written and posted credentials of the therapist you are seeking help from, you can make safety checks. Also, the office structure and environment can be conducive to shaping the experience of therapy by someone who is somewhat wary, skeptical, or downright fearful of the process of working through very difficult situations or experiences.
Much like purchasing clothing online, even in the case of making a high-end purchase, there is nothing like putting your hands on a garment and holding it up to yourself to decide between buying something that, once you put it on your body is essentially a reflection of who you are. In the very same way, being able to look at a therapist in the eye and hold them up as a garment to the light of your emotions and everything you're feeling for some can be a more beneficial process than merely seeking therapy online.
That is not to say that online therapy is not as effective. For many who would rather address their emotional wounds in the comfort of their home or for those who have busy schedules, online therapy is very beneficial. Furthermore, online therapy is incredibly useful for situations such as the Coronavirus pandemic where we may be shielding or trying to reducing the number of face-to-face encounters we have.
How do we know if our online therapist is an actual therapist? If they are not in an office in which we can visit, how can we verify this?
When one is speaking to an online therapist, one of the ethical concerns of the trend is not being able to see if the therapist is as credible as they're making themselves out to be online. What are their credentials? Are they who they say they are? Safety and security are desired when seeking a therapist as you share very personal information.
Using the internet to obtain information on your therapist is very helpful. Most therapists have a bio on their website which gives thorough background information that you can verify. Another option that guarantees your therapist is credentialed is to find a therapist through your health insurance company as insurance companies ensure therapists are licensed.
Finding a therapist on directories such as Psychology Today or Good Therapy is also a great way to ensure that your therapist's credentials have been verified as these sites verify credentials before posting a therapist on their website.
If you’d like to explore online therapy and you are based in California, we offer Teletherapy at my practice Epiphany Counseling.
If you’d like to hire me for your talks, workshops, seminars, or talk shows, please get in touch.
Miyume McKinley LCSW is a Psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. After graduating from XULA, Miyume founded her inclusive practice Epiphany Counseling. She is also the host of Epiphany Radio and founder of The Healing & Hope Foundation.