What is E-Therapy?
Is E-Therapy right for me?
Do I really need therapy?  I can usually handle my problems.
How can E-Therapy help me?
What is E-Therapy like?
Does medication play a role in E-Therapy?
Do E-Therapists accept insurance? How does insurance work?
Is E-Therapy confidential?

What is  E-Therapy?

E-Therapy refers to the application of online emotional support/mental health services through e-mail, live chat, video conference, group forums and telephone consultations; providing supportive consultation and intervention services that facilitate positive adjustments to the challenges that affect one's life.
        
Online Support Services Include:

 
*It is important to recognize that online therapy is not a substitution for on site psychotherapy and/or professional counseling. However, e-therapy offers an effective therapeutic alternative and/or adjunct for many individuals who prefer the convinience, anonimity, reduced fees, immediate availability, and flexible services that online therapy provides. 

*Online therapy does not involve the diagnosis or treatment of severe psychiatric disorders, but may serve as an important resource for more comprehensive clinical work. 
*Most licensed/certified Online Mental Health Clinicians offer both supportive guidance and clinical intervention for individuals assessed to benefit from e-therapy. 

*Assessing one's level of suitability for online therapy is important for identifying specific services that will be most effective and appropriate for a clients individual needs.
 
Learn more

Free E-Book~The Psychology of Cyberspace by John Suler, Ph.D.
 

The ABC's of Internet Therapy

Is E-Therapy right for me? 

There are many reasons why people seek online therapy as an individual choice. Sometimes it is to gain brief emotional support and clarity regarding a short term conflict. Other times it is the need for adjustment guidance in response to unexpected changes in one's life. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own interpersonal exploration, personal development and spiritual growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges.

Online therapy can help address many issues including stress management, relationship conflict, coping with loss and general life transitions. E-Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.

*Dealing with long-standing psychological issues, problems with anxiety and depression, or chronic mental illness requires more comprehensive psychological services that are offered through psychiatry, psychotherapy and mental health counseling by licensed professionals.  
 

Computerized Self-Diagnosis

Self-Help Magazine

National Directory of Online Counselors

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Do I really need E-Therapy?  I can usually handle my problems. 

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, E-Therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. E-Therapy can provide long-lasting benefits, giving you the tools you need to reframe the context of difficulties, re-direct negative thought patterns, reaffirm life enhancing behavior, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

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How can E-Therapy help me? 

A number of benefits are available from participating in E-Therapy. Human development professionals can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as relationship troubles, grief, stress management, and creative blocks. Many people also find that E-Therapy can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. E-Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from E-Therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
• Developing skills for improving your relationships
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek guidance
• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
• Managing anger, grief and other emotional pressures
• Improving communications and listening skills
• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

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What is E-Therapy like? 

Every E-Therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. Some people prefer ongoing consultation with a single mental health practitioner, while others seek a single session for guidance on a specific matter. It is standard for E-Therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during chat, e-mail, video conference and phone sessions. It is also common to schedule a series of weekly/monthly sessions, lasting around fifty minutes.

E-Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the E-Therapy sessions, such as reading relevant online books/articles, keeping records to track certain behaviors and/or participating in support-group forums.

For ongoing E-Therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. It is important to process what has been discussed  and integrate it into your life between your online sessions. People seeking professional guidance are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of online therapy:

• Compassion, respect and understanding
• Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
• Real strategies for enacting positive change
• Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
  

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Does medication play a role in E-Therapy? 

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.

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Do E-Therapists accept insurance? How does insurance work? 

Most licensed professionals accept insurance for both online and on site therapy. To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

• What are my mental health benefits?
• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
• How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
• How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
• Is approval required from my primary care physician?
• Do any restrictions exist for online therapy?

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Is E-Therapy confidential? 
Confidentiality is an essential component of any therapeutic relationship. The law protects the right to privacy between a client and Human Development Consultant, Professional Counselor, Mental Health Clinician and/or Psychotherapist. Information exchanged through online consultation and/or therapy sessions cannot be disclosed to any individual or agency without your written permission and consent. (See: Authorization Disclosure Form)

There are however situations in which confidentiality must be waived in order to ensure the protection, safety and well being of a client and/or third party.

These exceptions include the following:

• *If a client offers information regarding an implication of suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse, it is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• *If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s and refuses reasonable safety measures, proper authorities must be notified and the intended victim informed.
• *If a client intends to harm him or herself, every effort will be made to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If the client refuses reasonable safety measures, further permissions that   are required/provided by law will be taken in order to ensure their well being.
• *If confidentiality must be waived for any of the above reasons the client will be informed whenever possible. Issues with the diclosure will be discussed openly with continued therapeutic services, advocacy and support. 

Online therapy must provide additional protective measures for secure online information exchange between client and clinician.

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