Online Counseling (Telehealth) in Columbia, Missouri
Online counseling, telehealth, e-counseling - whatever you prefer to call it, the world of online therapy seems to be a hot topic. Not only has COVID-19 been a major factor, but this field has been ever-growing over the last decade (and with good reason)! The alluring option of being able to talk to your therapist from the comfort of your own home is more available than you think.
As an online counselor/therapist (something that we offer for both individual counseling and couples therapy/marriage counseling), I get a few of the same questions consistently. This isn’t a big deal, for the record - it mostly just lets me know that folks have a similar (sometimes misinformed) understanding of what online counseling is like. Let me take a minute and answer some questions you might be thinking right now!
Does it feel the same as an in-person session?
Well, yes and no. From my experience in having sessions online since March 2020, there are definitely aspects that feel different. There’s not the environment of sitting in a fluffy chair across from someone, and having that renowned (and literal) ‘safe place’ to go to. There aren’t tissues sitting near you to grab (unless you bring your own). And, most importantly, there’s no chocolate candy waiting for you to walk past and grab a handful on your way out.
However, there is the comfort of your home, no commute time to the office, and the ability to be flexible in squeezing in some therapy during a hectic day (including on your lunch break). There’s still a trained professional to talk to who gives you their undivided and nonjudgmental attention. There’s still the ability to get resources from your clinician and, best of all, meet their pets (because animals are amazing)!
Is online counseling/therapy private?
Yes, yes, and YES! First of all, at The Counseling Hub, we use a HIPAA-compliant service called Spruce that was specifically created for group health practices. Through Spruce, we’re able to offer video, phone, and messaging services to clients with no cost to you. It’s been incredibly helpful in having a safe and secure way to connect with clients without having to worry about zoom crashing or information being shared with anyone.
Wait, what is HIPAA?
I’m glad you asked! HIPAA stands for The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It was adopted in 1996 and does several things that I won’t get into. Most importantly, in a counseling setting, HIPAA makes sure that your information is protected, both electronically and in person. It keeps your medical records private and confidential. It’s basically our Holy Grail in therapy, and your therapist should always cover the concept of confidentiality and how your information is protected at the beginning of therapy. If they don’t, it’s your right to ask about it!
Does it have to be a video call?
This depends. For folks who are using insurance, yes, it has to be a video call because insurance doesn’t cover phone calls for counseling/therapy services. For folks who are self-pay, there’s more variety in the options. There are many other ways in which online counseling/therapy can happen, with the second most popular option being a phone call. This can be really helpful for a lot of reasons: you’re in between meetings at work, you’d rather have some privacy, you’re outside and the sun is bright (it’s happened!), you’re wanting to work on chores or other things (although this is slightly discouraged), or you’re feeling self-conscious about the camera - whatever the reason, having a session via phone call has also seemed beneficial. Another way is through HIPAA-compliant messaging services, like Spruce. This provides time to think about your responses and type them out, almost like in an email but quicker. This also helps if there’s an internet problem, but you’d still like to talk things through.
What if I don’t like online counseling or online therapy?
That’s definitely a personal question, and one that only you can make. If after a few sessions you still don’t feel comfortable, then talk with your therapist about it. I’d suggest giving it a decent try (three-ish sessions) if you’re thinking seriously about it. Make sure your space is welcoming; get your favorite blanket out, have some coffee/tea at hand in your favorite cup, be in a comfortable and safe space within your home/car/office, etc. You owe it to yourself to make your environment feel comfortable - this is all for you, after all.
Do you have to get special training to be an online counselor or online therapist?
This questions is an ‘it depends’ sort of question. Setting aside insurance limitations for a moment, if you’re licensed in the state of Missouri, you don’t technically have to get training to provide online counseling, It’s encouraged, but not required. However, in order to fully work via online, I’d suggest investing in the training. Plus, there is a fancy acronym and letters that could be behind your name if you choose to become certified - BC-TMH, which stands for Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider.
Why do some counselors choose to do online counseling?
I can only speak for myself, but this has been a personal choice and one that I was hesitant to make. COVID-19 really shook the world of therapy, and before I could really comprehend what the pandemic meant on a professional level, I was being told we were shifting to online services. I have had some experience before in working with clients who lived further out of town and wanted services online, but it was never more than one or two clients. In the beginning, the transition was rough to say the least. Learning how to make my house a safe and confidential space, how to work at home with my fiancé also working from home, and completely shifting how I approach working with clients was a challenge. However, I began to realize how beneficial it was for clients, and also for me. There was a common thread of feeling safe at home during a pandemic, and an aura of gratitude on both ends of maintaining some type of routine and being able to process what was happening.
I quickly realized that I liked my new routine. I liked being able to have my mornings scheduled in my desired way. Rather than having to wake up and get ready to fight traffic, commuting across town, possibly having time for breakfast, and praying that I wouldn’t get a speeding ticket if I was a few minutes late, my mornings have been my favorite part of the day (and that’s not something I ever thought I would say)! I’m now able to wake up earlier and have some space to fully prepare before 8am for clients. This includes time for yoga and meditation, working out in our sweet home gym, and actually making breakfast and watching cartoons. I also like having gaps in my day where I can move to my couch and get some work done, as opposed to staying in the same room all day or being tempted to spend money at a coffee shop or restaurant. I’m able to cook lunch and eat healthier, and even see my fiancé more when/if we have a break throughout the day.
Looking back, I realized that my work-life balance was pretty non-existent, and I have noticed a decrease in stress and an increase in happiness since working from home. I can pet and play with my dog when I need/have time to, and also show him off and bond with clients over animals and their impact on mental health. I’ve felt more in control of getting things done and being able to complete tasks at my pace. I don’t feel stressed about getting home and having to cook dinner immediately, and I’ve found more time to fill with my hobbies and interests, rather than feeling like once the workday was over, I had basically 2 hours of time to myself before bedtime.
Are there any cons to doing online counseling (as a counselor)?
There are definitely cons to this decision and things that I’ve had to work with myself on, like procrastination and time management. Honestly, these were things that I’ve always had problems with, and I think being home has actually helped me prioritize building up positive habits. Once I found a rhythm, it’s been relatively easy to adhere to a timeline. My schedule changing almost every day provides time and space for flexibility, and that’s one of my strong suits and what makes me comfortable in any given day. It’s a fine balance with me, and working from home has personally made a large positive impact.
About the Author
Lauren Williams | MA, LPC
Online Individual Counselor & Therapist
Lauren earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Missouri and has experience in substance abuse, college and career counseling, and as a professor. Lauren enjoys working with both adolescents and adults who are struggling with self-esteem, depression, and feelings of hopelessness. During her undergraduate career, Lauren was involved with several research projects focused on ADHD and its role in attention, a clinicial area she is also interested in.
You can read more about Lauren via her bio page and by viewing her videos on our Facebook weekly Coffee with a Counselor segments!