Online Counseling & Video Counseling in Georgia

What is online, video or e-counseling?

Online counseling, sometimes called video counseling, teletherapy, or telemental health, is when phone, email, or video is used to provide counseling services. This type of service is conducted much like traditional face-to-face counseling, except the session is not held in an office setting.

An individual or couple can attend from home, work, or another private location as long as they have access to a phone, tablet, or computer with internet and a private place to talk. It actually can be very easy!

What Are the Benefits to Online Counseling?

Online counseling gives individuals, couples, and families more flexibility in accessing counseling services wherever they are. How would you like to be able to meet with your counselor while at home or in your office at work with just the click of a button?

With advances in technology and HIPAA-compliant software, video counseling and other online counseling methods provide a secure way to meet with your therapist without worrying about traffic, travel time, or finding your therapist’s office. Being late can also be less of a concern because you can use your phone, tablet, or computer to attend your session.

Privacy and comfort are important, and I make every effort to keep your information safe. Many of my clients have told me they feel more comfortable talking with me over video from their own home. Online counseling is easy to access and can provide a more flexible and convenient option than coming into the office for counseling.

What Methods of Online Counseling Are Available?

Advances in technology allow counseling to reach people where they are. In many cases, all you need is a phone, tablet, or computer with an internet connection. Online counseling can take place by phone, secure messaging or email, or video, depending on what is appropriate for the situation.

Email or secure messaging can sometimes be used as an ongoing way to communicate with your therapist, although it is usually slower than a live conversation. Phone counseling can be a convenient option when video is not practical.

Video counseling is usually scheduled just like an in-person appointment and gives you time to find a private place where you can talk openly. It also allows you and your therapist to see one another, which can make the experience feel more like sitting together in the counseling office.

One advantage of video counseling is that you are often meeting from your everyday environment. At times, this can give your therapist a better understanding of what life looks like for you outside of the counseling office and may make it easier to apply what you are working on to everyday life.

What Types of Counseling Can Be Provided Online?

Video counseling, phone counseling, and email or secure messaging can be used to provide many of the same counseling services that are available in an office setting. Through video counseling, couples, families, and individuals can meet with a therapist while still being able to see and interact with one another. In many ways, it can feel very similar to being together in the counseling office, even though you and your therapist are in different locations.

Email counseling or secure messaging can be helpful when an immediate response is not needed or when you have a specific question or issue you want to discuss. Depending on the situation, it may be used with individuals, couples, or families.

Phone counseling is similar to video counseling, except the therapist and client cannot see each other. This limits the therapist’s ability to notice facial expressions, body language, and other visual cues, but phone counseling can still be helpful when video is not available or practical.

How Does Video Counseling Work?

I currently use SimplePractice, my HIPAA-compliant electronic health record (EHR), to provide video counseling. I also use a HIPAA-compliant phone number and email when a client prefers phone counseling or email counseling.

Doxy.me is another video platform that I have used in the past. It is also available as a backup if, for some reason, SimplePractice is not working. I have also used Zoom through a business account configured to support HIPAA-compliant use, with a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) in place to help protect the privacy and security of our sessions.

So how does it work? Before your session, you will receive an email with a link to enter the video session. If you are using a laptop or desktop computer, you simply click the link and enter the session. How simple is that? One click! If you are using a phone or tablet, you may need to download the appropriate app first and then click the link in the email to join your session. I try to make the process as easy as possible. In many ways, it is easier than finding my office, driving there, and walking up the stairs!

What If the Technology Doesn’t Work?

One thing to remember is that online counseling does use technology, and we all know technology does not always work as well as we would like! Although it can be incredibly useful and convenient, there may occasionally be problems with the internet, audio, video, or the platform itself. Please don’t worry. We have options.

If a video session stops working, I can call you, try another secure video option, or, if necessary, continue the session by phone until the problem is resolved. Video counseling can be a great option, but sometimes a little patience with technology is needed. Many of my clients have really enjoyed the convenience of meeting by video and have even preferred it to coming into the office. You may find that you like it too.

If you are interested in online counseling, you can schedule counseling through Legacy Marriage Resources or contact us to learn more about getting started.