Why Online Therapy?
We love online therapy for MANY reasons, and we think you will, too!
Early in our development, we recognized the transformative potential of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our founder, Lauren Presutti, firmly believes in breaking down barriers to therapy and saw this as an opportunity to make therapy more accessible for everyone long-term. The pandemic forced a shift in the way mental healthcare services were delivered, and telehealth emerged as a powerful tool to reach individuals in need, regardless of their location or circumstances.
However, we also noticed that during this rapid transition to telehealth, many practices quickly transitioned to telehealth without ensuring the highest quality of care, without fully considering the intricacies and nuances of providing therapy through this medium. As a result, some were taking accidental shortcuts or not maximizing the effectiveness of telehealth therapy. That’s when we decided to take a different approach. We recognized the importance of embracing telehealth while ensuring that offered a high-quality therapeutic experience, comparable to in-person sessions. We were committed to going beyond the basic requirements and standards, striving for true excellence in telehealth therapy.
To achieve this, we made significant investments in training and carefully selected skilled therapists who were experienced in conducting therapy remotely and understood the unique considerations required for evidence-based telehealth sessions. Our goal was to ensure that our patients received the same level of care, professionalism, and effectiveness in their telehealth sessions as they would in traditional face-to-face therapy. We wanted to create an environment where individuals could truly connect with their therapists, feel heard and supported, and experience meaningful progress on their therapeutic journey, even if they only saw them on screen.
By focusing on the quality and accessibility of telehealth therapy, we aimed to make mental health support more readily available to individuals who may face barriers to getting to a traditional office or who simply prefer the flexibility and convenience of telehealth therapy for any reason. We believe that everyone deserves access to effective therapy, and telehealth has allowed us to extend our reach and impact.
We are committed to continuously improving and refining our telehealth services, staying up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices in the field. Our dedication to providing high-quality telehealth therapy remains unwavering, as we believe in the power of technology to transform lives and make therapy more accessible to all.
NO DRIVING
Beneficial for those without the ability to drive due to a disability or medical condition, those without driving licenses due to age (we find that many kids/teens enjoy telehealth without relying on an adult to drive them to an office), elderly individuals who are not comfortable driving anymore, those who have car breakdowns, those who need to share a vehicle, those with road-related anxiety, and those who struggle financially with vehicle purchasing.
SAVE TIME
No need to account for any travel time to and from an office. You also don’t need to spend any time in an awkward waiting room before the appointment. This means you will likely be able to squeeze in therapy appointments that fit into your schedule without wasting unnecessary time or falling behind on your other daily obligations, whether it be school, work, or time reserved for relaxing at home.
SAVE ENERGY
Leaving the house is tiring, especially for those with daytime fatigue due to a physical health condition or mental health concern. Depression may cause difficulty with tasks like showering, grooming, or going out. Difficulty sleeping also causes fatigue. With telehealth, no need to worry about going out, becoming drained, or dealing with hassle. We encourage our patients to skip the stress. As long as you are clothed, we never judge what you are wearing or if your hair is brushed. We also don’t judge personal style (e.g., tattoos, piercings, pink hair, etc.) – you will always be accepted and celebrated here.
SAVE MONEY
No need to spend money on gas, city parking, or public transit. Commuting weekly also puts more mileage and wear and tear on vehicles, which may increase costs. No need to pay for a babysitter or companion to stay with care-dependent loved ones because you can stay home with them. People who travel to offices are also more likely to spend money before or after sessions, like at Starbucks on the way or eating meals out. Telehealth eliminates these “on the drive” spending tendencies.
NO WAITING ROOMS
Many people hate waiting rooms and become annoyed, frustrated, bored, or antsy. It’s hard not knowing how long you have to wait, potentially sitting in uncomfortable furniture, worrying about wasting time, or feeling alone, disconnected from things that bring you comfort. With telehealth, all of this discomfort and inconvenience is eliminated.
MORE SESSION AVAILABILITY
Telehealth allows therapists to offer appointments more conveniently, widening their availability. Most therapists working at traditional offices are not able to change their availability because the rest of their life operates around hours at the office. With telehealth, therapists can often accommodate more people.
LESS LIKELY TO SHOW UP LATE
No risks for running into traffic, road construction, or other travel barriers that could make you late for your appointments. For some, the anxiety and preparation related to leaving the house can also account for arriving late to appointments. These factors are eliminated by utilizing telehealth.
GREATER ACCESS TO SPECIALISTS
It can be difficult to locally find a certain type of therapist with expertise in rare concerns, minority populations, or a unique treatment modality. Your mental health should never be compromised due to a lack of specialists where you live. Telehealth expands your treatment options to all online providers located anywhere in your state.
LESS ANXIETY
Many people struggle with social anxiety when checking in with front office staff, waiting with other patients, and anticipating a therapist to appear and signal that it is time to walk back to their office. It can be uncomfortable making “small talk” as they walk back and even deciding where to sit on office furniture can elicit anxiety. With telehealth, these anxiety-triggering interactions are eliminated. Telehealth allows people to “start the therapy dialogue” as soon as the video session opens.
FLEXIBLE DURING SCHOOL OR WORK
Many people have telehealth appointments during school or work. Teachers and employers are recognizing the importance of mental health and realize that maintaining wellness improves performance and capacity to thrive. If you are concerned about fitting in appointments, talk about telehealth with your teachers / employers. We are happy to provide documentation.
NO ISSUES RELATED TO BAD WEATHER
Therapists at offices often need to cancel appointments due to inclement weather. If you live in a state with heavy snowfall, this is especially true. When roads are unsafe, there are disruptions in the therapeutic process. With telehealth, weather is irrelevant.
NO ONE WILL SEE YOU GOING TO A PSYCHOLOGY CLINIC
Commuting to therapy means it is possible that you could run into someone you know and be asked why you are going to a mental health clinic. Telehealth eliminates this risk.
NO NEED FOR A BABYSITTER OR CAREGIVER / COMPANION
No need to get a babysitter for your children or a caregiver / companion to stay with an elder or person with a disability needing assistance. You can stay home with your loved ones while you engage in your therapy session. Depending on their needs and your comfort level, you may want to setup telehealth in an adjacent room so you still have a bit of privacy. Totally fine if you need to briefly check on them mid-session.
NO EXPOSURE TO OFFICE GERMS
Telehealth eliminates all risk for spreading germs during therapy, meaning you will be kept safer and less likely to become sick. Plus, with access to the comforts of home (blankets, tea, humidifier, etc.), you might be able to meet with your therapist for an important session even if you’re feeling a bit under the weather. Especially when feeling crummy with a cold, talking to your therapist while lounging in bed may be just what you need to you feel supported and cared for. Of course, if you are very sick, we recommend that you reschedule for a time when you feel better.
DO THERAPY WITH YOUR FAVORITE COMFORT ITEMS
Grab a favorite pillow, stuffed animal, cozy blanket, twinkle lights, candles, or any other personal comfort items. Need low-lighting or a bright-lit space? Your choice! Want to stay in pajamas? Totally fine – we never judge. This type of personalization is not possible when visiting an office. We encourage all patients to gather whatever they need to make sessions feel as comfortable as possible.
GET COZY WITH YOUR PETS
Pets are extremely comforting. It’s not always possible to bring a pet to a therapy office. Even registered Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) do not have the same level of public access as service animals (psychiatric service animals are distinctly different from ESAs). With telehealth, there’s no need to worry about restrictions. We encourage patients to get cozy with their pets during sessions if they find it beneficial.
YOU CAN SWITCH UP YOUR SESSION LOCATIONS
Whether you sit at your kitchen table, lounge in bed, or climb into a self-made fort in your living room, all options work. Maybe you’re on your lunch break one week and then at a secluded park the week after. You might have a session in your car between errands. Or you might want to lay in your backyard hammock. Going on a trip somewhere in state? No worries – as long as you are physically in a state where your therapist is licensed to practice (required by law) – you can keep your appointment.
BUILD TRUST BY SHARING YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Many people enjoy sharing their personal environment on screen. It helps to feel “seen” and “understood,” building stronger trust. For those with interpersonal struggles, this can be especially therapeutic. Kids and teens also benefit from “showing their space” to their therapists via telehealth. They might enjoy showing their bedroom decorations, pictures or posters, school projects, prized possessions, Christmas trees, Halloween pumpkins, and more.
SCREEN-SHARE & ONLINE TOOLS
Technology allows ideas to come to life. Imagine wanting to show your therapist a picture from a special event. Maybe you’ll want to share a song that got you through one of the darkest times in your life. You might want to share a short video clip about your dream goal. Or imagine wanting to screen-share a step-by-step action plan for overcoming a problem. Your therapist may utilize screen-share to show a visual when explaining a therapeutic concept or maybe they will pull up a website about a helpful resource. Online tools allow for a highly interactive experience.
ONLINE THERAPY FEELS MORE NATURAL TO THOSE HOOKED ON TECHNOLOGY
Young generations are more skilled in electronic devices today than ever before. They have grown up feeling comfortable on screen. It’s their world, their knowledge base, and their digital playground. When therapists meet tech-savvy people on screen, it’s comparable to stepping out of a foreign role and truly shifting gears to speak the language of the patient. We provide telehealth because we want to meet you on your level, both in terms of your current psychological development and on your platform that feels familiar to you. Telehealth feels very natural to those who frequently use digital devices and it helps reduce the discomfort of beginning therapy.
EASIER TO INCLUDE A FAMILY MEMBER OR PARTNER
With online therapy, it’s easy to ask a family member or partner to join your therapy session if the need arises. Simply ask your therapist for a secure video link that can be shared with the joining member. Please note that written permission from you will be required before others can access your session, but with our electronic paperwork, signing forms online is easy and simple.
And no, we’ll never judge if you’re in pajamas. We want you to be comfortable!
