Online counseling

Online therapy is simply a counseling session that takes place online.  It has many names--telehealth, teletherapy, online counseling, etc--but they are all the same thing--a way of connecting with your therapist via online rather than in-person.

Online therapy can be very convenient as it can take place wherever you are--as long as you are in the state of Kentucky (due to state licensure guidelines).  It can be very comfortable for many people as therapy can take place.  Online counseling can also provide access to those that cannot get into the office due to physical or transportation limitations.  

Yes, online counseling is effective for some presenting problems.  Some research indicates that it can be as effective as in-person therapy for depression and anxiety .  The most important factor in therapy is not location but rather the rapport or relationship between the client and therapist, which can still effectively be established via online counseling, making online counseling an effective forms of therapy.  However, online counseling is not ideal for more severe mental health concerns, self harm behaviors or suicidal or homicidal ideations.

You will need a computer, tablet, phone, or other electronic device that is able to connect to the internet.  Additionally, you will need a camera and microphone that is either internal or external to the device.  Additionally, you will need to secure a location that is both private and has adequate lighting and minimal extraneous noises.   Often clients like to utilize headphones in order to help minimize distractions.   It is often helpful to close down all other browsers and applications in order to achieve best connectivity.  Please be safe and do not log on while driving or in any other dangerous situation.  Be prepared to provide proof of identity as well as the address and phone number where you can be reached in the event that internet connection is lost. 

Connectivity can be a problem at times, and can make online session frustrating.  Also, achieving confidentiality can be a problem at times if there is not a private place for the client to meet.  Additionally, some body language and other behavioral cues can be missed during online counseling sessions.  Due to the distance between the client and counselor, crisis response and be slower; however, this is the reason that address and phone number must be verified before beginning each session so that the therapist will know where to send help if needed.  As such, online counseling is not appropriate for severe mental health concerns, those with self-harm behaviors or individuals with suicidal or homicidal ideation.  Also, the client and therapist must both be located in the state of Kentucky during the time of the session due to current licensure requirements.

FamilyWorks Therapy uses Theranest telehealth platform, a HIPAA compliant online counseling platform,   At Theranest and FamilyWorks, data security is taken very seriously.  All information is encrypted and HIPAA standards are followed.

No!  FamilyWorks NEVER stores audio or video recording of sessions.