Online Counseling

How does Online Counseling Work?

Online counseling offers a unique and secure alternative to traditional face-to-face sessions. Utilizing a secure online platform ensures that your privacy is protected while you connect with your therapist in real time. This format allows clients to engage comfortably from the familiar surroundings of their own home or office, enjoying their favorite beverage and dressing in whatever makes them feel at ease.

The flexibility of online counseling is a significant advantage for many. You can choose the environment that best supports your comfort—whether it’s at home, in a quiet office, or even outdoors. We acknowledge that privacy can be a concern, especially for those living with others. Clients often find quiet spaces to ensure confidentiality during their sessions.

Additionally, all necessary worksheets and materials are conveniently shared via email either before or after each session. This means you can fully focus on your counseling experience without missing anything, except for the commute to our office. As long as you have a stable and secure Wi-Fi connection or telephone connection, you are all set for a productive and engaging therapy session.

Online counseling allows:

the convenience of counseling in your own home or office
more flexibility when meeting with us
individualized scheduling so we can find what works for you personally

Is Online Counseling effective as good as seeing you in person?

Online counseling provides a secure platform that allows you to connect with a licensed therapist in real time, offering a level of convenience that many clients appreciate. The comfort of engaging in sessions from your own home, office, or any quiet location significantly enhances the experience. You can relax with your favorite beverage, even in casual attire, making it easier to engage and express yourself.

During online sessions, any necessary materials, such as worksheets or handouts, are easily shared with you via email, ensuring that you have everything needed for your counseling experience. This means that the only aspect you forgo is the commute to the office, which can often be a barrier to accessing care.

We recognize that privacy is a key concern, particularly for clients who share their space with others. To address this, many choose quiet spots in their homes or other locations to maintain confidentiality during sessions. As long as you have a reliable WiFi or telephone connection, participating in online counseling sessions is straightforward.

Research indicates that online counseling can be as effective, if not more so, than traditional face-to-face interactions. This mode of therapy, often referred to as "telehealth" or "teletherapy," provides a flexible alternative that accommodates busy schedules or geographical distances without compromising the quality of care. Enjoying the same effective counseling services from the comfort of your chosen environment is just one of the many reasons why online counseling may be the perfect solution for you.

What are some of the advantages to Online Counseling?

You don’t need to come into the office. - This can save time & money.
No barrier to receiving therapy. - Whether you have physical limitations or are feeling under the weather, you can access us without needing to leave your home.
Access - We can serve you no matter where you live or work in the State of NJ! There’s no need to commute a long distance to see us.
Privacy - No one will see you coming & going from our office.
It’s great if you suffer from social anxiety or agoraphobia.
No traffic, parking concerns, or directions. Just a simple click of a link.

While we know Online counseling can be very effective, there are instances when it isn’t appropriate. For instance, if you’re feeling suicidal, experiencing psychosis, or experiencing any symptoms that may put you at a higher risk, we do recommend you be seen in person.

What about those subscription Online Counseling services?

We respect these platforms and know some great therapists who work with them. However, they may not suit everyone and have their challenges.

Consider these points before choosing:

Many therapists move frequently due to low pay, often using these platforms temporarily, so you might need to switch therapists.
Not all therapists have extensive experience, which is crucial in this field.
Clients have reported that responses can be brief, missed, or delayed. While there are good therapists available, it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Do your research and decide what’s best for you. Often, we find that this option isn't the right fit. This is simply our honest perspective based on our observations and feedback. We want you to be informed in your decision-making.

Do you still feel unsure about online counseling?

Online counseling provides a solution for those grappling with anxiety, stress, and depression, particularly in today's fast-paced world. It allows you to engage in therapeutic support while staying in a familiar environment, eliminating the stress of traveling to an office. Many clients appreciate the flexibility that online sessions offer, making it easier to fit counseling into their busy schedules. Most of our clients who weren’t sure have found they much prefer online counseling after trying it. The convenience of accessing therapy from the comfort of their own homes can alleviate some of the barriers to seeking help, such as travel time or scheduling conflicts. Additionally, the ability to engage with licensed therapists through a secure online platform allows for a level of flexibility that fits well into busy lifestyles. Many have reported feeling more at ease during sessions conducted via video or phone calls, enabling them to open up about their concerns and work on their mental health in a supportive environment. Online counseling has proven to be an effective alternative for those looking to improve their mental well-being.

This method of therapy not only addresses your mental health concerns but also ensures that you are not navigating this journey alone. With professional guidance readily accessible, you can seek reassurance and strategies for improvement without the uncertainty of self-directed solutions found online. Embracing online counseling can be a significant step toward feeling better and reclaiming a sense of well-being.that may or may not work for you.

To see how effective Online Counseling is, we can look at the data:

“In conclusion, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to collect and analyze studies in which ICBT (Internet-based CBT) had been directly compared with face-to-face CBT. The findings are clear in that the overall effect for the main outcomes was close to zero, indicating that the two treatment formats are equally effective in treating social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depressive symptoms, body dissatisfaction, insomnia, tinnitus, male sexual dysfunction, spider phobia, snake phobia, and fibromyalgia.”

— Journal of Cogntive Behavioral Therapy

Online counseling is a relatively new way many of our clients are finding it a great way to integrate treatment into their busy lives.

You can join us right from your work during a break or from the comfort of your home.

For whatever reason, wherever you have access to the Internet, we can provide your session right online.

To receive counseling online, you can follow these simple steps:

Contact Beth or Kevin to start the process.
We will call you at a mutually-convenient time or email you to make sure we can best serve you.
Please note: Online counseling is not appropriate if you’re feeling suicidal, homicidal, or experiencing psychosis.In these cases, you will need a higher level of care.
After receiving the completed Intake form back, within 24-48 business hours, we’ll reach out to set up a free 15-minute phone chat so we can answer your questions & make sure we can serve you best.

You can reach out to us here

After we’ve determined we can best serve your needs via Online Counseling:

For self-pay clients: Payment must be made using our secure credit card processor: IvyPay.
For insurance clients, all copays must be paid at the time of your session using IvyPay, our secure credit card processing system.
Click on the correct waiting room below & we’ll meet you there! It’s just like FaceTime but HIPAA-complaint and secure!
For follow-up sessions, it’s the same process each session…you just follow the same link & payment procedure.

To see how easy it is, you can click on our Online waiting room at any time. Don’t worry, we won’t click you into a session unless you have an appointment! You can check it out privately here: