A virtual counselor is a licensed mental health therapist who provides therapy and counseling services remotely via smartphone, desktop, or telephone and using live chat, secure video calls, or even email. Sometimes it’s called teletherapy or e-counseling.
Online therapy has been available for many years. But the COVID-19 pandemic saw a massive increase in the number of people seeking online therapy for substance abuse and of therapists offering online counseling. This trend has only continued. There are a number of reasons for this but the main one is ease of access. In this article, I look at the factors involved.
How Online Therapy Works
The process is fairly straightforward [1].
- Check your technology: Verify you have the internet bandwidth required for video calls. Do your devices support online therapy?
- Select and Register: Research therapists with experience in substance abuse. These may be individuals or from therapy platforms that have a roster of therapists to select from. Select several to have an initial interview with (usually 15-30 minutes at no charge). Register with your details. Complete a brief assessment if requested. If you are working with a platform company they will use the assessment to match you with one or more appropriate therapists.
- Meet the Therapist and Decide: In your initial sessions, discuss your challenges and goals. Get a feel for the therapist’s experience, style, and personality fit. Schedule follow-on appointments as needed.[2]
- In Sessions: You and your therapist discuss your concerns, progress, and coping techniques. Your therapist will adapt evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Motivational Interviewing (MI), among others.
- Actively Participate: You get out of therapy what you put into it, so active participation is very important. Honesty and transparency are essential. Because body language cues are constrained by the medium, building rapport may take more time. Patience is important.
Choosing An Online Therapist
- Clarify why you need therapy. Look for therapists who specialize in those areas.
- Use filters on therapy platforms to narrow your search.
- Check for current credentials and experience with issues similar to yours.
- Make sure you are okay with the schedule.
- Look for a comfortable fit. Assess whether their personality and communication manner feel like a good fit.
- Ask about their therapy style and experience.
- Discuss price and type of insurance coverage, if any.
What Types of Online Therapy Are Available?
Most types of therapy are available.
- Individual therapy
- Couples therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
How Does Pricing and Insurance Work?
- Understand the pricing, insurance coverage, and any sliding scale available. Do this at the beginning to avoid misunderstanding and stress.
- Prices vary based on the therapist’s qualifications, location, experience, and platform used. Fees may be $50 – $250 per session.
- Ask if there are penalties for missed appointments.
- If you have insurance, verify coverage and terms, which varies by insurer and plan type.
- Some therapists offer sliding scale or financial assistance.
8 Advantages of Online Therapy
- Time: You save time travelling to the therapist’s office.
- Distance: You live in a small community lacking therapists to work with. The closest ones are too far away.
- Convenience: You prefer using an app than having face-to-face meetings with a stranger.
- Insurance: You have insurance under your parent’s policy, but it’s not valid where you live.
- Flexibility: You need more flexible hours than many therapist offices provide.
- Simplicity: Easier to manage stress and anxiety and learn coping techniques, breathing exercises, and mindfulness strategies they can apply immediately in daily life.
- Continuity of support. Progress is tracked, as are appointments, helping you stay focused. Progress chats or texts can help in times of crisis.
- Continuity of care. It’s easier to track and communicate actions with desired behaviors online.
Seeking Help and the Path to Recovery at Northbound
At Northbound, we have extensive experience helping patients overcome their substance abuse addictions, and with a faith-based track for those wishing to participate.
The first steps are detoxification and stabilization, under 24-hour medical supervision in our Withdrawal Management center for whatever time you may require.
We offer a wide range of evidence-based therapies, counseling, and trauma-informed support to assist you in your healing. We personalize each treatment plan around the needs of our patients.
Our inpatient residential program offers 24/7 live-in treatment for substance abuse. Our outpatient treatment provides a flexible step-down from our residential program, allowing you to live at home and participate for several hours a day.
For more than 30 years, Northbound Treatment Services in California has been at the forefront of providing lifesaving, compassionate residential care and specialized services to help people from all walks of life feel better, discover themselves, and live free from addiction.
We have facilities located throughout California to help guide you on your recovery journey. Reach out to our admissions team now.
Sources
[1] Mental Health America. How does online therapy work?.
[2] SocialWorkPortal.com. 75+ Powerful Questions Therapists & Counselors Ask Their Clients with Examples for Phone, Telehealth, and In-person Sessions.
Author
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Chief Marketing Officer
Alexa Pelech is the Chief Marketing Officer at Northbound Treatment Services, where she combines her passion for helping others with a strong track record in addiction treatment marketing and outreach. Since joining Northbound in 2019, Alexa has held several key roles—including Referral Relations Manager and Director of Business Development—before stepping into her current leadership position in March 2023.Alexa began her career in behavioral healthcare as an Outreach Coordinator with American Addiction Centers, where she quickly developed a reputation for her compassionate approach and results-driven mindset. Today, she leads Northbound’s marketing strategy with the same energy and heart, driving growth while staying true to the mission of recovery.
Alexa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Studio Arts from San Francisco State University and later studied Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling at Los Angeles Pierce College. Her creative background and commitment to service continue to shape her authentic, human-centered leadership style.
