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 Grand Rapids Charter Township, MI 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?
Curious about online counseling, or telehealth services? Thriveworks Counseling in Grand Rapids is able to provide telehealth counseling for a wide variety of conditions. Although telehealth counseling has been around for quite a while, it is starting to pick up as a popular way to receive mental health services. Clients like it for its convenience and accessibility, and providers like it because it expands how they can provide care.
Online counseling has been shown to be effective for certain conditions. A therapist at our office in Grand Rapids will review your intake form along with the information you provide at your first appointment to determine whether online counseling is the best fit for you. They may contact you after reviewing your intake form or after your first appointment to recommend a different course of treatment if they think you need a different level of care.
What takes place during an online counseling session? You will receive an emailed link from your therapist before your appointment. Follow the directions in the email in order to start your session. It is highly recommended that you do a ‘test run’ of the software before your appointment to work out any technical difficulties. Most online or telehealth counseling platforms can be used on both mobile devices, tablets and desktop computers and laptops. You may want to consider getting some earphones to help protect your privacy during sessions.
During your first session, your Thriveworks Grand Rapids therapist will review your intake form with you, make sure you understand our consent forms, and get to work understanding your goals for therapy. Before the session ends, your therapist will set a recurring scheduling with you for future appointments.
Currently, this service is limited to counseling appointments. We are not able to provide telehealth services for medication management, or court ordered services.
Thriveworks has some great articles and resources for learning more about online counseling. And give us a call or request an appointment on our portal by clicking the ‘book now’ button under any therapist profile.