Online Therapy for Parkland, FL and All Residents of Florida
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Therapy
This is a good question! The answer is no – when someone is referring to clinical counseling, or psychotherapy, the two terms can be used interchangeably (and often are). You may say you are in therapy/seeing a therapist, or you might say that you are in counseling/seeing a counselor. Either is acceptable!
Confidentiality is one of, if not the most important aspect to the counseling process. It is a standard of ethical practice, and it is absolutely vital that a client can trust that what is shared in session does not leave the session. But even if it wasn’t completely unethical to break a client’s confidentiality and trust, none of us in this helping profession would ever want to do it because we genuinely care about our clients and their healing process. Respecting confidentiality and taking it very seriously is something that comes natural to us and if it wasn’t, well… we wouldn’t be very good at what we do, right? Your experiences, your pain, your joy, your celebrations, your disappointments, your weaknesses and your strengths, your thoughts and feelings are all what make you, you. Therapy is a place where you can feel safe to explore and process, where you can feel supported and not judged. Confidentiality protects each client’s safety, which is the most important.
Another great question. I’ll get right to the point: yes, there are. There are actually three situations in which a therapist may need to report something that is said in session. The reason for this is, once again, to protect a client’s safety. Legally I am bound to break confidentiality if you mention… – that you want to harm yourself or someone else – that someone is abusing or neglecting a disabled person, child, or elderly Again, this is for your safety or the safety of others, which is the top priority. However, everything else is private and confidential. Promise.
This means that I went to school and received my Doctor of Psychology (doctorate) degree! I am so glad I get to use my education to help people with their mental health.
Well, first of all, therapy is right for everyone and everyone can benefit from it. Not every client meets the criteria for a clinical disorder, and some clients struggle with multiple different things. Still, it is completely normal to have doubts and to wonder if it will be worth the time and effort. This is a question that doesn’t have one answer because it varies from person to person. It truthfully depends on the level of commitment, involvement, and openness to the process that the client chooses to display. If you are unsure, schedule a consultation with me (it’s free!) and we can discuss this in more detail. Something drew you to this page – and that’s your bravery and resourcefulness in asking for help. Whatever your reason may be, it is a good and valid reason to seek counseling.
No worries! Please feel free to send me an email at drhoward@invigoratecounseling.com, as I’m sure you have questions that might not be listed here because you are a unique individual with unique needs.
Mental Health Therapy in Parkland, Florida
Telepsychology, teletherapy, telemental health, online therapy, online counseling, and virtual therapy are all different names for what is essentially the same practice: seeing a psychologist who is not physically present in the room with you.
Online Counseling allows a psychologist to meet with clients “screen-to-screen” on a computer, tablet, or smart phone using web-based video conferencing technology that is encrypted and HIPAA compliant to ensure client privacy.
Online counseling provides a convenient alternative to face-to-face office visits.
If you have reliable internet access, online therapy gives you relatively quick and easy access to treatment that might not have been readily available to you otherwise.
What are the advantages of online counseling?
- Increased client convenience with respect to location, flexible timing of appointments, and accessibility.
- A client can seek services from anywhere in the state of Florida while vacationing, traveling for work, at the office, or from home without having to physically go to an office.
- Flexible scheduling (i.e., after hours appointments from 5PM-8PM; in addition, to regular business hours) thereby increasing appointment availability and reducing wait times.
- Some of my clients utilize their lunch break to engage in a session from the privacy of their vehicle (not driving); thus, not having to take time off from work.
- Increased access makes psychological services available to a busy client who needs to fit sessions around work, family schedule, school, and appointments.
- Increased access to counseling for individuals with physical, medical and/or mobility disabilities.
- Reduces barriers to seeking counseling:
- You will not have to drive long distances, deal with traffic, or be concerned with transportation issues.
- You will not have to take significant time out of your busy schedule to seek counseling.
- Parents can attend sessions without having to arrange for childcare.
- College students can prioritize mental health without disrupting their academic and extracurricular schedules.
- It can also significantly cut back on any stigma individuals feel by being seen in a therapy office. Online access makes it easier to overcome the stigma that has historically been attached to mental health issues.
