Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

510 people sought online therapy help at Columbia in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a online can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

No current openings

All MD providers are fully booked, but check back tomorrow — sessions become available daily!
Gillian McCusker

Hear from Gillian McCusker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Certified (LCSW-Certified)

View Gillian McCusker's profile

What is your go-to approach for online therapy?

My general approach for people in online therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy. I find it particularly helpful for anxiety and depression because it introduces new perspectives that allow people to get unstuck from their thoughts.

What tools do you teach in online therapy?

While it depends on what the goals and focus of therapy are, I teach tools like reframing thoughts, emotional regulation, communication skills, self-care, and mindfulness.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in online therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in therapy when they recognize what they are doing differently in day-to-day life and how it is positively affecting them.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement online therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in therapy with workbooks or reading on a topic. It can be a great way to get more information, another perspective, and ideas or concerns you want to bring to individual therapy.

What should someone do to prepare for starting online therapy?

To prepare for your first online therapy session, you can reflect on what your goals are in coming to therapy: what symptoms are interfering with daily life, what you want to work on, and what you would like to learn about. Also, make sure you have a private space to meet with internet where you won't be interrupted.

Starting Online therapy

What is online therapy?

With Thriveworks, Online therapy is an effective alternative to in-person therapy services in which a client can speak to a Thriveworks therapist remotely via online video conferencing. Online sessions are just as effective as in-person treatment, but they can also provide added benefits like reduced travel time, saving money on transportation or childcare, and increased access to care.

How does online therapy work?

Online therapy works much like traditional in-person therapy but takes place through secure video conferencing. Clients can attend Online therapy from any safe place they choose that has access to the internet, whether that be their home or another easily accessible place. Like in-person treatment, a therapist will work with their client to address their concerns, create goals, and establish an effective treatment plan.

What is the best option for online therapy?

There is no best option for online therapy—instead, it’s best to focus on finding a provider that meets your specific needs and with whom you can form a professional connection with.

Is online therapy just as effective?

Yes, online therapy is just as effetive for many clients as in-person sessions.

How long does online therapy last?

Online therapy can last for a few months to years depending on the goals and symptoms of the client. The treatment process will be unique to each client and lend itself to their specific concerns, which means that the time it takes to treat them will always be different. Timing is also up to the client themselves; they are free to stop therapy whenever they please, especially if they feel they have reached their goals and addressed their concerns.

How much does online therapy cost?

Our Thriveworks therapists at Thriveworks in Columbia, MD accept most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, there are also self-pay options that sit around $200 per session, depending on the service and location, for those who are out-of-network.

Need more help deciding?

There’s no denying that life comes with twists and turns we don’t quite know how to navigate. These twists and turns can come in the form of a mental illness, the loss of a loved one, issues in our most important relationships, and a lack of success in our career. The good news is that a little help, guidance, and support can help us conquer these obstacles and stay on the right path.

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.”

–Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

If you are navigating an unpredictable or bumpy road, consider reaching out to Thriveworks Columbia, MD in Howard County. We have online therapists who can help you overcome the challenges in front of you, and from the comfort and convenience of your own home. To find out more or schedule your appointment, give Thriveworks Columbia, MD online counseling a call right now at (410) 910-2708.

Howard Therapy: What Is Online Therapy?

Online therapy—otherwise known as cyber counseling, teletherapy, e-counseling, and e-therapy—involves working with a therapist or another mental health professional over the internet. You can choose to meet with your counselor through videoconferencing, online chat, email, text messaging, or over the phone. Depending on which option you choose, online counseling can occur in real-time (just like in-person therapy sessions) or in a time-delayed format, which means you’ll communicate over an extended and flexible period of time.

This approach to counseling is not a new concept. In fact, the first online self-help group dates back to 1982. Since 1982, the prevalence and popularity of online therapy has grown exponentially, as people seek convenient and comfortable mental health services. Online therapy offers this convenience and comfort, which can prove life-changing to those who have been seeking therapy or counseling but haven’t been able to fit it into their busy schedules.

Can Online Therapy Help Me? Is Online Counseling Effective?

Research shows that online therapy is an effective therapy option and proves beneficial for many people seeking mental health services for a number of mental health issues. Furthermore, it can sometimes prove even more effective and beneficial than face-to-face therapy, depending on one’s specific situation. In addition to its effectiveness, online therapy is a popular and valuable option as it offers…

  • Comfort and convenience: As we mentioned above, online therapy is a convenient and comfortable option if you’re looking for counseling services. You are able to attend your online therapy session from anywhere you choose, so long as you have the service or Wi-Fi to answer your therapist’s phone call or attend your videoconference. This, of course, means you can attend your therapy session from the comfort of your own bed if you want to!
  • Affordability: Online therapy is also an affordable counseling option. Today, most major insurances cover the cost of online therapy counseling services. In addition, Thriveworks Columbia has affordable sessions if you’re paying out-of-pocket, too.
  • Reliability: Another major benefit of online therapy is its reliability. You don’t have to worry about the weather, illness, traffic, or other external factors getting in your way of attending your appointment. This means that you also don’t have to worry about cancellation fees or going through the trouble of rescheduling an appointment you can’t make.

These are just a few of many benefits that you might experience in online therapy. If you are interested in giving online therapy a try—via telephone, videoconference, chat, or email—reach out to Thriveworks Columbia, MD in Howard County. We can set you up with a therapist, counselor, or psychologist who is experienced with helping clients via virtual means.

Schedule Online Therapy Counseling at Thriveworks Columbia, MD in Howard County

Sometimes, life throws us punches that we aren’t able to block or counter on our own. And sometimes, we need a little help with our battles. There is no shame or judgment in seeking help, especially at Thriveworks Columbia, MD. Our therapists, counselors, and psychologists strive to offer a safe, comfortable space for opening up and working through your problems—whether you’re working with your counselor in-person or online.

If you’re looking for Howard therapy, reach out to Thriveworks Columbia, MD. We have many therapy options, including online therapy, which proves to be the most convenient option for many of our clients. Call us right now at 410) 910-2708 to schedule your online therapy appointment, or hear more about the services offered at Thriveworks Columbia.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Columbia therapists and counselors accept 23 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Maryland | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Maryland | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

Show more
Self-pay costs at Columbia
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I have been in and out of therapy (with/without meds) for over 30 years. It really made me happy, something I haven't been in a while, to find people who actually listen and ask questions about your past, present, and how you're feeling. I would highly recommend Thriveworks!!
Read more I have been in and out of therapy (with/without meds) for over 30 years. It really made me happy, something I haven't been in a while, to find people who actually listen and ask questions about your past, present, and how you're feeling. I would highly recommend Thriveworks!!
Mary Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I felt a good session
Kadesha Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Columbia is located inside the The Shoppes at Wilde Lake shopping center, between Twin Rivers Road and Cross Fox Lane. Adjacent to the shopping center, you will find Vista Wilde Lake Apartments. Parking is available in front of the main entrance.

Phone number

(410) 724-1137

Languages spoken by MD providers

  • English
  • French
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Shown in ET

26 photos