Teletherapy/ Online Counseling in Texas
Get the help and results you need, on YOUR time. Therapy delivered where you are.
When I was deciding how best to offer exceptional care to my clients I decided that online counseling would be a convenient way to do so. When I say I want to meet you where you are at, this includes on your schedule, in your environment.
It can be difficult to schedule therapy when your life is so busy! When you miss sessions, your progress might not be as quick as you had hoped. Online counseling helps to bridge the gap so that sessions don’t have to be missed due to work, school, or transportation issues.
Your time is extremely valuable.
Therapy should never feel like just another weekly obligation, so I have made it easier than ever to get help. I wanted to offer online therapy as a way to help ease some of the burden that may come from having to rush from appointment to appointment, especially after school or a full work day. I have appointments available in the morning, afternoon, evening, and some Saturday availability.
Here is some information about online therapy and why it might be a great choice for you!
Internet therapy can also be known as telehealth, teletherapy, or online counseling. Teletherapy takes place wherever you are comfortable: your home, on your couch, at your kitchen table, and yes maybe even at your office on your lunch break. Online counseling is conducted on a HIPAA compliant platform and it is similar to Skype or FaceTime in that we can both see each other.
The therapy portal where you meet me is accessible, comfortable, and confidential. The benefits of online therapy often outweigh any burdens, as accessibility to care increases and cancellations decrease. Online counseling is available when you need it, on your time. Internet therapy has been shown to be just as effective as in-person therapy when the right approach is used.
Some people have some hesitation about internet therapy, and it isn’t for everyone.
Here are some reasons that online therapy might be a good fit for you:
- Ease of transportation-you don’t have to drive anywhere, worry about parking or public transit, or be stuck in rush hour.
- Caregiver responsibilities-sometimes it may seem impossible to leave the house if you have kids at home, or a partner. Maybe you can’t leave due to caring for an elderly parent? Now you don’t have to leave your home.
- Comfort-Let’s be honest, sometimes when we are stressed, anxious, or feeling vulnerable we don’t want to leave the comfort of our homes. Now you don’t have to leave. You can snuggle under your favorite blanket, maybe with a beloved pet nearby, and a lovely cup of tea or coffee.
- Accessibility– If you have any physical or mental limitations that may cause undue stress when going to appointments, online therapy may be perfect for you!
- Convenience-I am available when you are! Maybe you have been seeing a therapist after your long school or work day, not getting home until 8 or 9 at night. What if you could see a therapist on your lunch hour? That would save you driving time in rush hour after work, and you would be home much earlier!
- Weather-Thankfully in Texas, it isn’t too often we have weather emergencies, but every once in awhile we get some pretty substantial thunderstorms, flooding, or even ice. How nice would it be to know you don’t have to go out and drive to your appointment in that awful weather! You can just connect online and stay safe where you are.
- Work/life balance-Have you been asking for time off of work to attend appointments? Maybe you are scheduling school sessions around your therapy appointments? Do you dread seeing the face of your boss or their response when you ask for yet another few hours off? Now you don’t have to! With my open availability we could meet during your lunch hour, or maybe right at 5 so you don’t have to drive home in rush hour.
- Privacy- No strange encounters in waiting rooms, no unwanted questions about your therapy by other people who know you are seeing a therapist. Just you and me, on our computers.
- Safety– For anyone with any safety concerns, we can schedule when is best for you
When is online counseling NOT appropriate?
Despite the numerous benefits of utilizing online therapy, there are certain scenarios and situations in which online therapy might not be appropriate. Some of these include:
- Complex mental health diagnoses (hallucinations, active substance use, recent suicidal or homicidal thoughts, unmonitored eating disorders)
- 17 years of age or younger
- If internet in your area is spotty or poor.
Are you interested in trying online counseling? Reach out today »
Teletherapy / Online Counseling Tips
How does online counseling/teletherapy work?
Since therapy is confidential, our session needs to occur in a confidential, closed space so that you have privacy. Be sure that you are at a computer in a quiet area, free of distraction, preferably at a desk or a table. Eliminate all of the background noise such as television or outside conversations.
Make sure there is appropriate lighting so that you are visible. The best source of light is overhead or in front of you, not from behind. Adjust the computer and web camera to an appropriate level where you can see the monitor and the counselor can see your face in the middle of the screen. During each session, the counselor will verify your location and identity for the purpose of safety management and emergency procedures.
You will need a computer with working camera and sound.
Headsets are optional but can sometimes provide better sound quality. Avoid streaming videos on your computer during session as it can slow down the internet bandwidth and compromise the quality of the online session. In the event that the internet is not working properly, or there are website issues the remainder of the session can be done by telephone.
Please contact me via phone or text if there are any connectivity issues or if you are having technical difficulties. During the intake session I will discuss the process for technical interruptions.
Integral Counseling & Wellness allows clients to self-schedule all appointments through a HIPAA secure client portal in order to maintain and ensure confidentiality. To verify availability, please visit our client portal link below.