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15,909 people sought online therapy help in Florida in the last year

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), Carelon, Compsych, +12 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Life Transition, Relationships, +4 more

I understand the importance of connection and having a safe space for therapy to be helpful.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), Carelon, +17 more
Military / Veteran, Domestic Abuse, LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, +17 more

As a compassionate and experienced queer woman of color, I'm here to help you thrive through life's challenges.

65 more therapists available in Florida

Give us a call to schedule your next appointment, or browse through our full list of available providers.

Karen Allen

Hear from Karen Allen, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

View Karen Allen's profile

What is your go-to approach for online therapy?

I have found helping people via online therapy starts with discovering their comfort zone with computers and virtual services. For people who are new to online therapy, a brief description of its benefits and limitations is often helpful. One of the greatest benefits of online therapy is making counseling accessible to individuals who cannot come to the office — whether due to transportation, tight schedules, mobility needs, lack of local in-person counselors, illness, or to help the person who is fearful of leaving their home develop skills to do so.

What tools do you teach in online therapy?

I practice many of the same therapies online that I practice in office sessions with people, even EMDR and A.R.T.! I also teach people tools to help them in their daily interactions, tools like:

  • Coping strategies such as thought-stopping to manage repetitive thoughts.
  • Soothing strategies such as breathing with guided imagery, muscle relaxation, vagus nerve reset exercises, and tapping. Soothing tools are designed to help reduce emotional intensity and promote physiological relaxation by communicating with the parasympathetic system through neurological pathways.
  • Distress tolerance strategies to help people endure uncomfortable feelings while working to resolve a problem.
  • Emotional regulation strategies to help people reduce the intensity of overwhelming emotions. Emotional regulation strategies include becoming familiar with self-talk, assessing its accuracy, and developing accurate thoughts that help rather than sabotage or hinder success.
  • Anxiety reduction strategies designed to break the cycle that maintains anxiety. These strategies include designing opportunities to progressively desensitize people to their feared situations. The progressive approach feels like a manageable approach for most people who experience anxiety attacks, panic attacks, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
  • Strategies for naturally managing depression are very useful for those who want to combine medication with a nonmedication approach as well as for those who are candidates for a nonmedication approach to treating depression. These strategies involve identifying historical, environmental, and behavioral factors that may be contributing to the development and maintenance of a depressed mood.
  • Tools for managing trauma symptoms and for processing the traumatic memory. Trauma symptoms can be debilitating. Tools for managing the symptoms include mind-body interventions because trauma is not only psychological, it is embedded in the body's tissues. Mind-body tools are necessary for managing trauma symptoms.

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

One of the ways I know a person is making meaningful progress in online therapy is when I hear a positive shift in their voice, or I see that their face appears more relaxed and uplifted. These changes can be difficult to observe online sometimes, and then I rely on other signals that a person is feeling better. It may be as subtle as a casual remark that they tried something new, or even felt angry when they were previously emotionally shut down. Progress is revealed in many different ways.

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

One of the most effective ways to supplement online therapy during personal time is simply to practice and rehearse what was learned in therapy. Learning new ways of thinking, communicating, parenting, etc. is great. However, there is no measurable change until the knowledge is put into practice. Change requires practice.

What should someone do to prepare for starting online therapy?

A successful first online therapy session starts before the appointment begins. Check the device you plan to use and have a backup device, just in case. Also, consider the following:

  • Is the software up to date or do you need to download and install an app?
  • Will the device support streaming video? Do the camera, microphone, and speakers work?
  • Do you have a private place that is relatively free of distractions?
  • Have all required forms been signed prior to the scheduled appointment?
  • Does your insurance cover online therapy?
  • At the time of the appointment, are you physically located in the same state as your therapist? In most circumstances, you cannot be in a different state, even if you are only on vacation or you live in one state and work in an adjoining state.
  • If the therapist does not admit you into the online session right away, please remember the person attending the appointment prior to yours may be experiencing a crisis. Give your therapist 10-15 minutes to wrap up and log you on. This should rarely occur, but it does happen.
Finally, remember the first appointment is unlike subsequent appointments. That first appointment involves the therapist learning about you and what has contributed to your need and desire for counseling. All of the information you are asked to provide is to help your therapist better meet your needs. I hope this information is helpful and contributes to a good first online therapy session.

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 speicifc needs and with wom 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 Gainesville, FL 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?

Oliver recently cut off one of his friends, after years of contributing to their unhealthy dynamic. Despite the loss, nothing has seemed to change much in his personal life; making him wonder how much of his time he may have wasted on a friendship that didn’t actually benefit him. But looking back, Oliver feels confused by what went wrong, and why he has always struggled to keep positive people in his life. Realizing that he hasn’t been as self-aware as he thought, Oliver wonders if there’s anything he can do to get a better handle on his mental health. 

Yet instead of trying to tackle the unknown by himself, Oliver feels like it could be a good idea for him to talk with a mental health professional. And with his busy work schedule and family life,  Oliver knows that online therapy could be the solution he needs. Even though his first online therapy session might not instantly fix everything, Oliver hopes that by being honest and open, he can make the most out of connecting with a therapist and start to experience relief. 

Like Oliver, you might also be wanting to find healing and a newfound quality of life through talking with a therapist or counselor. At Thriveworks in Gainesville, FL, our online services can help you start prioritizing your mental health without having to throw off your schedule or worry about commuting to an office. If you’re interested in the ways that online therapy could benefit you, call Thriveworks in Gainesville, FL to find out more, and to get matched with a provider who cares.

Why Choose Online Therapy? 

Online therapy offers everyone a secure and convenient way to access quality mental health care from home, the office, or while on the go. And by meeting with your therapist or counselor virtually, you’ll be able to connect with your provider on your own terms, eliminating unnecessary stress and inconveniences. Rest assured that: 

  • Online therapy is effective: Online therapy can provide the same results and level of attention as an in-person session.
  • Online therapy is safe and secure: We abide by the strictest HIPAA regulations to protect your privacy and personal information.

Online sessions could be a helpful solution if you want to attend therapy or counseling but are held back by a busy work schedule, family obligations, or health issues that prevent you from being mobile. And for those who feel nervous about talking to a therapist in person, it might be easier to communicate with a therapist when you can talk virtually from the space of your choosing. 

Make family counseling or relationship therapy a possibility with virtual scheduling options from Thriveworks. Online therapy can also be a great way for individuals, couples, or family members to process:

  • Anxiety-inducing events like financial hardship or losing a job
  • Relationship or marital issues
  • Depression, or feelings of loneliness 
  • Intense feelings of grief or anger
  • Tension between relatives

Should I Talk to an Online Therapist? 

When you talk openly and candidly with one of our providers at Thriveworks in Gainesville, FL you’ll provide them with the feedback they need to be able to help you start feeling better. Therapists and counselors can help everyday people like yourself with the obstacles that life often places in our way. You may be unsure if you need to speak with a therapist or counselor, but keep in mind that everyone’s mental health needs are highly subjective: It’s up to you to decide if you need a professional’s helping hand. However, some of the warning signs of poor mental health include:  

  • An unusually short temper 
  • Fatigue or insomnia 
  • Lack of interest in sex 
  • Lack of interest in hobbies, relationships, or social gatherings 
  • Persistent feelings of loneliness and sadness 
  • Paranoia

Keep the signs and symptoms of declining mental health in mind, but avoid self-diagnosing yourself with any condition, even if it seems like your symptoms check all the boxes. Instead, it’s better to talk to one of our providers at Thriveworks in Gainesville, FL. Call our office to be matched with an online therapist who can help you understand and manage your mental health needs. 

Schedule an Online Therapy Session at Thriveworks in Gainesville, FL

With our virtual scheduling options, you can reclaim your independence from the negative thoughts and emotions that have held you back from enjoying your daily life. Continue moving forward by calling Thriveworks in Gainesville, FL; one of our providers will be paired with you to start addressing your mental health needs and concerns. And to get you started with your new client process, our scheduling support team is available to help you get started. 

We also offer our clients special benefits, including: 

  • Flexible evening and weekend appointment times 
  • Call or email your provider in-between sessions
  • Ultra-flexible cancellation policy
  • Scheduling availability for weekends and evenings

Online therapy might be an attractive choice if you’re looking to find relief through mental health services without missing a beat. Reach out to our office in Gainesville, FL to find the online therapist or counselor that’s best for you. 

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 Gainesville therapists and counselors accept 20 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Florida Blue | BCBS | Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

  • JP Farley Corporation

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Self-pay costs at Gainesville
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 cannot sing the praises of Thriveworks any louder; I have three professionals guiding me through a really rough time in my life. I didn't know how much I "needed" therapy until they started helping me see myself an my situations in an honest light. I look forward to continued growth with the support and guidance of my amazing team.
Read more I cannot sing the praises of Thriveworks any louder; I have three professionals guiding me through a really rough time in my life. I didn't know how much I "needed" therapy until they started helping me see myself an my situations in an honest light. I look forward to continued growth with the support and guidance of my amazing team.
Robin Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Gainesville is at the corner of NW 39th Avenue and NW 43rd Street. We are across the street from Truist, and share an office building with Swift Creek Realty.

Phone number

(352) 469-4507

Languages spoken by FL providers

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

Shown in ET

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

Shown in ET

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