What is Online Counseling?

Due to the unprecedented times we find ourselves in the era of COVID-19, Telehealth is a safe option for us to meet for our therapy sessions together.

Online counseling is similar to a therapist’s office visit for talk therapy but instead of in person, our sessions together are completed over secure live stream video. You can use a computer or cell phone to call in, similar to as you would with Skype or FaceTime. It is important that when you call in, it’s from a location where you have plenty of privacy. Many clients enjoy the convenience of being able to see a therapist from the comfort of home. Online therapy has been proven to be as effective as in person therapy.

Is Online Counseling Right for Me?

Benefits:

• Confidentiality – since you are at home or your location of choice, your participation in therapy is private. There’s no worries about running into someone you know at the waiting room.
• Convenience – without having to go into a physical office, we can meet regardless of distance, traffic, busy schedules, or the weather conditions outside. It can save a lot of time.
• Comfort – some people feel more at ease in a familiar setting for opening up and sharing about themselves.

Drawbacks:

• Possible delay or issues with online connectivity (please make sure that you have a strong enough internet connection to maintain our sessions without major interruptions).
• Unlike in-person sessions, there is a lack of body language/expression that could represent important cues I that I would not be aware of. In addition, I may not be able to see any physical or medical conditions that may have potential significance (i.e. bruises or injuries)

Online counseling is not appropriate for serious psychiatric illness such as someone who is experiencing active suicidal thoughts or who has a recent history of suicide attempt, a history of violence, psychosis, dementia or anyone who is not comfortable using technology for their mental health services. Feel free to call me so we can discuss your concerns.

Are Your Services Covered Through Insurance?

Yes! Please see the Fees & Services section for the insurances I accept.

​Do I have to be Located in Washington State?

Yes, at this time you must be physically located within Washington State to receive counseling services with me. I will need to verify your identity and your address at our first session. I will ask you to confirm your location though out our work together so that I’m practicing legally within my jurisdiction and so that I can get help to you should there be an emergency.

What Happens if I’m having Technical Difficulties or Lose Internet Connection?

I will do my best to help you become comfortable with the software we’ll use together for our communication and to troubleshoot any technical difficulties you should encounter. It’s important to close all programs running in the background on your computer that could be using up bandwidth and to be near a strong WiFi signal.

It is rare to lose internet connection but it does happen. If we can’t reconnect over video conference, then I will call you to continue our session over the phone.