Tips on Finding the Best Online Therapist
The growing popularity of online counselling has led to the establishment of international groups that seek to provide information and guidelines for potential customers seeking mental health services through the internet. While many mental health professionals still view online therapy with scepticism, many patients who have used it have given positive feedbacks about it. There have been studies showing that patients who have received help through video conferencing have high levels of satisfaction.
However, when seeking for online therapy it is important to remember that just as therapists and counsellors practicing in a brick and mortar office usually possess differing qualifications and licenses, online therapists also vary in credentials and training. So consumers need to know the desirable qualifications to look for in an online therapist, and this includes degree obtained, training, experience, current practice, and ability to meet the needs of his client.
Sorry to say, there are a lot of consumers who have very little knowledge about online therapists or companies providing such services. Some health experts have noticed that even though patients may read online disclaimers, they still do not have any idea that their online therapist is not a licensed graduate, but just a student living in a distant country.
So as not fall victims to unqualified providers, make sure that your online therapist is a licensed professional. A qualified therapist would be willing to provide his full name, credentials, and actual contact information. You can verify his qualifications by checking them with online registries and state licensing boards.
Before deciding on an online therapist, it is important to assess his level of professionalism by asking the following questions:
- Is the therapist knowledgeable about the technology employed in online therapy?
- Can he use chat, email, or video conferencing effectively?
- Does he have a professional, up-to-date, and user-friendly website?
- Does he also provide in person therapy?
In addition to checking with the qualifications of the therapists, also consider other issues related to online therapy such as ethical and legal issues and confidentiality.