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# 5 Reasons Why Online Therapy is the New Frontier of Mental Health
Jul 5, 2023 | , 
## Introduction to Online Therapy
In the ever-evolving landscape of health and wellness, an innovative approach has come into focus: online therapy. Also known as “teletherapy,” online therapy has opened up a unique avenue for those of us seeking support and guidance in a more accessible way, namely from the comfort of our own homes. As opposed to in-person counseling, teletherapy brings the therapist to us, making it the most convenient way to consistently care for our mental health.
## So, what exactly is online therapy, and why is it gaining popularity?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of this new approach and discuss how online therapy is poised to revolutionize the way we prioritize our mental well-being.
### 1. Many insurance providers now cover it!
In the past, online therapy wasn’t widely reimbursed by insurance companies. But the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything! Mental health services followed suit as the world moved toward remote work and digital solutions. Nowadays, many insurance providers cover online sessions, psychiatric evaluations, and medication services. This means increased access and flexibility for those of us seeking support.
### 2. The range of issues it can address is mind-boggling
Just like traditional therapy, the virtual version can tackle a wide range of problems and conditions. Maybe you’re trying to work through one of the following:
* Marriage and Relationships
* Depression
* Abuse
* Grief
* Chronic Pain
* Anxiety
* Stress
* ADD/ADHD
* Eating Disorders
* Sleeping Problems
Whether you’re dealing with something listed above or something else unique to you, rest assured that you’re in good hands. At Start My Wellness, our online therapists, psychologists, and psychiatric medication specialists are experienced in addressing a variety of concerns.
### 3. Flexibility = Convenience
Are you living in a remote area with limited access to therapists? Does the idea of being vulnerable in a new environment make you nervous? Does every minute of your day already seem accounted for? Fret not! With online therapy, these barriers have become a thing of the past. At Start My Wellness, you can find therapists online, read reviews, and easily schedule appointments. No need to brave the traffic or stress about finding childcare – therapy is just a click away.
### 4. Non-verbal cues: skilled online therapists can bridge the gap
While virtual technology works wonders, some nuances can be lost in translation. Non-verbal cues, like body language and facial expressions, can be harder to interpret online. But don’t worry; our online therapists are skilled in understanding and supporting you through virtual sessions. On the other hand, there are certain things you can do more easily online than in-person. For example, you can share links, photos, and files online much more easily than trying to do so in person. This can be especially helpful for younger people living in the most visually and technologically stimulating time in history. Growing up in the age of the internet, Gen Z individuals sometimes feel more comfortable online anyway, which makes the idea of going to therapy a bit easier for today’s teens to accept.
### 5. The best of both worlds: the power of hybrid sessions
Imagine having the flexibility to meet your mental health provider both online and in person. A dream come true, right? Some patients opt for a few initial in-person appointments or periodic face-to-face sessions coupled with online meetings for convenience. This hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to establish a deeper connection while still enjoying the benefits of virtual care. It’s all about working with your therapist to establish the best schedule and routine for your life and needs.
In a world where mental health support is crucial, sometimes, any form of therapy is better than none at all. If you have the opportunity to work with a qualified therapist online, go for it! It’s a step in the right direction and can make a significant difference in your well-being. And you can always request occasional in-person sessions with your therapist if/when they’re available.
## Thoughts from a therapist–
As a therapist, I can’t help but acknowledge the immense power online meetings hold. They offer unparalleled flexibility and convenience, allowing individuals to seek support without the constraints of time and place. I find that online sessions can be extremely useful and offer much greater freedom for the patient. But I also know that interacting with my patients in person is quite a different experience. Ultimately, it’s all about finding what works best for you and your journey toward healing.
Like any new field, the research on online therapy is still in its early stages. However, the good news is that online treatment closely mirrors in-person therapy and provides an avenue for working with skilled clinicians who might otherwise be difficult to access.
## Ready to try online therapy?
Virtual therapy is here to stay, and it’s evolving with each passing day. With its expanding insurance coverage, convenience, and the power to connect you with exceptional professionals, the digital realm holds endless possibilities. So, if you’ve been hesitant to dip your toes into the pool of online therapy, consider taking that leap. Your mental well-being deserves the best, and online therapy might just be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.
Start My Wellness is happy to offer both online and in-person appointments and to help connect you with a therapist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or psychologist who can see you in whatever way best suits you.
If you don’t know what is bothering you or how to start, we can help you obtain testing to get a better sense of what is troubling you and how to get help. 
#### Author: Anton Babushkin, PhD
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# Finding Effective Therapy for Your Children
Jul 24, 2023 | , , 
## What Parents Need to Know about Child Therapy
Child/adolescent therapy is unique because it involves more than one person. Usually, it’s the parents who recognize that their child may need the support of a therapist, so they are involved right away. Parents will then make the appointments and provide background information about the challenges their child is facing.
Sometimes, however, it is the child or teenager that initiates the process by asking their parent or guardian to help them find a professional to talk to. An interesting change I’ve seen in today’s world is that children and teenagers are more comfortable and familiar with the idea of taking care of their mental health. They may come across these topics on television or social media or learn that their friends, or maybe an athlete or celebrity they admire, also go to therapy. As a result, today’s generation is far more open to talking about mental health than ever before.
## **Finding Your Child the Right Therapist**
Regardless of who takes the first step, there are several things to consider when choosing a therapist for your child or adolescent. It’s important that they feel their therapist genuinely cares about them, wants to understand them, and can be trusted to be responsible and thoughtful with what is shared in each session.
In my professional experience, building such a trusting relationship takes time because children, especially adolescents, need to know that therapists view them as more than just a “constellation of problems” to solve. They are unique individuals with agency, choices, and preferences, and the issues they face are often just as complex and multifaceted. These issues may be behavioral- how the child faces challenges, how they deal with responsibilities, and how they communicate. While other challenges may be brought about by their environment – it may be their home or school life or their family or community.
## **Balancing Confidentiality and Communication**
### *Confidentiality*
Another thing for parents to consider when thinking about having their child work with a mental health professional is confidentiality. On the one hand, legally, the parent is the child’s guardian and has ownership of the child’s medical records. This means that anything the therapist documents or works on with the child is legally accessible to the parent. There are important reasons for this, as parents/guardians need to be aware of what is happening with their children in order to keep them safe and protect them from harm.
On the other hand, a sense of privacy is essential for children and teens, just as it is for adults, to feel comfortable discussing and revealing things about themselves with their therapist. This doesn’t mean therapists have no responsibility to address risky behavior or that they should ignore potentially dangerous actions children may take. Therapists must make a judgment call—is the behavior so dangerous that they must immediately inform the parent, or would the child benefit more from feeling they can openly discuss their choices and utilize therapy as a means to make more positive ones?
### *Communication*
There is no simple or easy answer to this question. Telling the parents everything the child says can damage trust between the patient and their therapist. But not including or communicating regularly with the parents puts the child at risk of not getting the help they need. The challenge in child therapy lies in finding the right balance between confidentiality and parental involvement. The child should feel that they have a safe space to speak privately with the therapist and gradually open up about their difficulties. Simultaneously, the parents/guardians need to trust the therapist will communicate valuable information and guidance; working together in order to be the best caregivers possible for their children. Finding this balance can seem tricky, but it’s important to find a therapist you and your child or teen trust because, in the end, it’s all worth it.
## **It Takes a Village**
As I’m sure you know, there is no authoritative guidebook for how to be the best parent to your child, but there is one proverb that has stood out to me in my work: *it takes a village or a community of caring adults to raise a child*. Even if you were somehow able to provide a perfect home and life for your child, there are still a multitude of changes, events, and circumstances that you have no control over. Adding a mental health specialist to your team can substantially increase your child’s chances of growing up in this complex world of ours, feeling safe, supported, and empowered.
Our trained therapists and professionals can help your child or teen make good choices, learn to regulate their emotions, and grow into happy, healthy individuals. To search through our therapist directory and make an appointment, click .
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