Aidan cannot remember the last time he felt safe in a public setting. He was a shy child who mostly kept to himself when he was younger. While his siblings loved playing outdoors with the neighborhood children, Aidan preferred to stay home.
As an adult, Aidan still prefers his home to the outside world. He chooses to work as a web developer so that he doesn’t have to interact much in person. He even has his food delivered so he doesn’t have to visit the grocery store. It’s been years since he’s taken any form of public transportation.
His youngest sister is about to get married to her longtime partner. He loves his sister, and he commits to attending her wedding in person even though it’s been years since he’s tried to go to a big event.
When he arrives at the wedding venue, he’s immediately scooped up by one of his brothers. Because he’s with family, he feels well enough to enter the venue. But when his brother is whisked away from him, he panics. Suddenly, the walls seem too close, there are too many people, and the exit is nowhere in sight. He finds an empty corner and tries to stop his sweating, rapid breathing, and dizziness. Ultimately unable to cope, he leaves the wedding, missing his sister’s big day.
Aidan decides that this is the last straw. He calls Thriveworks Counseling in Topeka, KS and is surprised to learn that they offer online therapy options. Afraid to brave the outside world for now, he makes a virtual appointment with a psychiatrist.
During their video chat, his provider diagnoses him with agoraphobia. She uses psychotherapy and other techniques to help him identify triggers and learn to cope with his anxiety. After working with him for some time, Aidan agrees to meet her in person. It’s his first public outing since his sister’s wedding, and he uses the techniques he learned virtually to arrive at the office without incident.
Speaking with a licensed mental health professional via videos or phone calls can alleviate the stress of making an in-person visit. For people with agoraphobia, online counseling can be a precursor to meeting your provider in person.
Whether you prefer online services because of anxiety or whether you simply like the ease of communicating virtually, our team at Thriveworks in Topeka, KS would love to help you set up your first online appointment. Together, we can make strides in your mental health journey.
Many people prefer online therapy because it offers the same benefits as in-person therapy with the added perk of being more easily accessible. Some of the most common reasons people pursue face-to-face therapy are the same reasons people pursue virtual therapy or counseling.
For example, many clients seek help with the following:
- Depression and anxiety
- Career counseling and life coaching
- Marriage and relationship concerns
- Stress and anger management
- Trauma and PTSD
- Child behavior issues
- Family disagreements
- Eating disorders
No matter the circumstances, an online provider can help you find a solution that works for you.
Online therapy gives you the power to choose how, when, and where you speak to your provider. You can select between talking via phone or video, whichever you prefer.
If you choose a phone conversation, your provider will call you at your scheduled meeting time. If you choose to speak via video, you’ll receive a HIPAA-compliant link which you can click at your session’s agreed-upon start time.
There are other benefits to speaking with a licensed counselor or mental health professional online. These include:
- Increased accessibility. You’ll save on commute time because you can call from anywhere.
- Added comfort. You won’t have to go to a counseling center to receive help.
- Added convenience. Because you don’t have to drive to your appointment, you can book a session during a smaller window of time.
Whatever your reason for scheduling a virtual counseling appointment, know that you’ll receive the same care and thoughtfulness you’d receive during a traditional therapy session with your Thriveworks provider in Topeka, KS. Call to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed online therapists or mental health counselors today.
We live in a hectic world full of schedules, commitments, and time constraints. But our busy lives don’t have to stand in the way of our mental and emotional wellbeing.
Online therapy allows you to receive quality care wherever you are. It’s one of the many conveniences offered by Thriveworks. As a client, you’ll also receive access to online video content, a counselor-moderated message board, and a life coach Q&A service.
We offer a flexible cancellation policy and accept many different types of health insurance. Our new clients can often speak with a provider within 24 to 48 hours.
Make time for your mental health. Call to schedule an online appointment with a Thriveworks licensed professional in Topeka, KS. We can’t wait to connect with you.
