Online counselling Canada (also referred to as e-therapy, e-counselling and virtual therapy) has become an increasingly popular form of therapy in Canada, offering clients from smaller communities or remote areas access to services and therapists they wouldn’t normally find otherwise.
Starting online therapy doesn’t require a referral from your family doctor. But how can you select an ideal therapist?
Convenience
Online counselling (also referred to as teletherapy or e-counselling) enables accessing counsellors via video-chats, phone calls or chat sessions online. It has become increasingly popular during the Covid-19 pandemic as it removes travel obstacles for those unable to travel long distances for treatment or who have other physical restrictions.
Telehealth therapy offers many advantages for patients. For one thing, it helps people overcome the social stigma associated with seeking assistance while making it more discreet. Furthermore, this form of therapy offers convenience for travellers or employees who must leave work during sessions.
As opposed to in-person therapy sessions where it may be uncomfortable to see people you know on your way or waiting for one, online counselling sessions provide privacy for gay men who need someone to talk to about their problems without needing to go somewhere they feel unsafe – making online counselling sessions an invaluable asset. It could even save lives.
Accessibility
Online counselling (e-therapy, teletherapy and cyber therapy) allows clients to access mental health services from the convenience of their home or preferred space – ideal for busy individuals looking for services from an accessible environment without incurring travel anxiety to attend face-to-face sessions.
As it provides accessibility for individuals living in rural and remote areas, video therapy allows them to access therapists who may not be available locally. It can also be a helpful option for individuals with limited mobility or disabilities that limit their travel.
While therapists make every effort to protect the privacy of their clients, any type of virtual interaction poses risks. For example, if the patient opts for total anonymity without video streaming, their counsellor may not be able to read certain facial expressions and nonverbal cues that can aid assessment, potentially leading to miscommunication and misunderstandings that lead to missteps and missed assessments. These issues may be lessened by selecting a qualified counsellor.
Confidentiality
Online counselling (e-therapy or teletherapy) has become an increasingly popular way for people to receive mental health services, especially during coronavirus pandemics and for people living remotely or traveling frequently. Teletherapy services may also be suitable for remote locations and frequent travellers.
However, confidentiality must always be taken into account when choosing an online counsellor. Professional counsellors endeavor to safeguard their clients’ privacy; however, there may be factors that compromise its protection.
As an example, when a client uses their computer in public spaces it’s possible that someone might overhear their session, while technical issues like poor internet connection could disrupt sessions and prevent clients from freely discussing their concerns with an experienced therapist. But there are ways around these potential hurdles; selecting a reliable counsellor and using secure technology are two great strategies for keeping virtual sessions private and confidential.
Insurance
Online counselling (Telehealth) has grown increasingly popular due to its convenience and effectiveness, especially among those living in remote communities or who face physical obstacles or who might feel uncomfortable attending therapy in person. Furthermore, many insurance policies cover counsellor fees; check with your provider if applicable for coverage of counsellor fees. Sessions take place via telephone call, video conference call or chat in an environment in which you feel safe; all sessions adhere to PHIPA and PIPEDA laws while remaining completely confidential.
* Please be aware that not all therapists are registered clinical counsellors.
