How to Find an Online Therapist

(pexels image by vlada karpovich)

Finding an online therapist can be similar to searching for an in-person therapist: confusing, cumbersome, and asking yourself feel-good questions like, “What about insurance?” Here at ReEnvision we encourage you to know what your insurance benefits are for mental health services, because sometimes, it’s possible for you to get reimbursed! Just remember that not every insurance provider offers mental health coverage, so you need to find out specifically from your provider what their terms are. At ReEnvision, we are considered an “out of network” mental health provider: this means that we do not accept insurance directly, which allows us the benefits of maximizing the flexibility of your treatment, your privacy, and your right to confidentiality.

Online feels different than in-person. Know that online therapy does feel different than in-person therapy. The sensory experiences of each are inherently different. When seeing your therapist online, you have the comfort and convenience of accessing professional support right from your own private space. For many, this is preferable. For others, it may be important for their wellbeing to prioritize in-person therapy. There’s exciting research being done now that indicates that both modalities are effective, and it ultimately depends on what issues you are seeking support for. Ultimately, your connection to your therapist remains one of the biggest drivers of change. An effective therapist is one who is an expert at cultivating a safe and supportive environment for you, regardless of whether sessions are done online or in-person.

An ethical online therapist is transparent with you. Legally, you’ll want to make sure your therapist is licensed to practice in your state of residence. “But isn’t online therapy supposed to expand my access to qualified therapists?” Totally. And it does! But a licensed therapist is subject to their state’s licensing laws, and may be prohibited from treating clients from outside of that state’s jurisdiction. For example, a therapist licensed to practice in the state of New York cannot treat a client who is residing outside of that state. While this can seem like an unnecessary hoop to jump through in the digital age, these regulations are in place for the general safety of the public. Remember that an ethical online therapist will be transparent in disclosing which jurisdictions they are licensed to practice in. If they are not – take note of this as a red flag and keep looking.

Utilize popular therapist directories. Whether you are seeking a provider who accepts insurance or not, directory listings such as Psychology Today (www.psychologytoday.com) and Open Path Collective (https://openpathcollective.org/) can help you find a therapist based on your location. Get clear on what you’re seeking therapy for, and utilize these services to narrow down your search. These directories are incredibly useful in helping you discover therapists who see clients virtually or in-person, and can also provide information about their fees and insurance policies.

Be both bold and patient with yourself through this process. Finding the right support for you is an incredibly personal journey. If you feel a pull to connect with one of the therapists at ReEnvision, reach out for a conversation with our intake team today. We’d be honored to walk with you on your path toward a more thriving life!