Online Therapy for Anxiety and OCD
You’ve wanted to start therapy for a long time. But you must consider all the logistics like taking time off of work. This may include navigating traffic and juggling many other responsibilities. We know that taking the initial steps to start therapy can be difficult. It may be finding a therapist. Or, figuring out how to fit therapy into your schedule. It can even be overcoming some of the initial anxiety that comes from doing something new. This is why we love offering online therapy. It serves as a convenient, comfortable, and accessible option for our clients.
What is Online Therapy?
During online therapy, the client and therapist meet via a HIPPA-compliant video conferencing platform instead of in person in a physical office. In addition, it is also referred to as online counseling, telehealth, or teletherapy. Meeting with an online therapist:
- Saves you time that you would otherwise have to spend driving to and from the counselor’s physical office
- Eliminates barriers for individuals who are caregivers, homebound, or have transportation issues
- Prevents unnecessary exposure to illness for immunosuppressed individuals
- AND has been proven to be just as effective as in-person therapy
This is in terms of being able to establish rapport, engage emotionally, and meet therapeutic goals and expectations. All you need is:
- A comfortable space where you have privacy to talk
- Reliable internet connection
- Tablet, smartphone, computer, or laptop
- Basic internet/computer skills
Is online therapy effective for treating anxiety and OCD?
There is no one-size-fits-all for what works in therapy. But, the short answer to this question is yes! Before we start working with a client, we provide education about online therapy. And, what is needed for therapy to be most effective.
If you are someone who likes data and concrete evidence then you will appreciate this 2018 study. It is one of many that shows online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy.
Online Therapy for Anxiety and OCD
We use evidence-based treatment methods to work with clients with anxiety and OCD. These methods include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Exposure therapy
- Exposure and response prevention therapy
- And acceptance and commitment therapy
All these therapies translate well to online therapy. During an online therapy session, the therapist and client can view psychoeducational videos. In addition, they can also complete mindfulness activities and take part in exposure interventions. But, the client can be in whatever atmosphere is most appropriate for their needs. For example, someone with social anxiety may avoid public places. If so, they can have their therapy session in the Target parking lot until they feel ready to try walking into the store. Then, they can walk around the store all with the online therapist via video.
Meeting with your therapist online allows you to meet where you are most comfortable.
This could be your car, your bedroom, a friend’s house, or your front porch. Wherever you are comfortable meeting and talking freely is the best place for you to meet with your online therapist.
The electronic health record-keeping system and therapy platform that we use is called TherapyNotes. This platform allows you to create a client portal account. With this platform, you can upload documents and exchange digital information with your therapist. This info will be shared in a confidential way. At the time of your therapy appointment, you only need to log in to your portal and press the start session button. Within a few moments, you and your therapist will be face to face and ready to get started.
Begin Online Therapy in Virginia, North Carolina, or Florida
- Contact Evercare Counseling
- Meet with a caring therapist
- Start overcoming the issues affecting you from the comfort of home.
