Online Therapy California: What to Know About Holistic Online Therapy in Los Angeles

A holistic therapist in Los Angeles, breaks down 10 facts about online therapy to help you determine if it’s the right fit for you.

1.It is conducted through a secure platform

Online therapy, also called teletherapy or telehealth, is a form of mental health counseling that is conducted through secure video conferencing platforms.

A secure video platform is a web-based system that enables individuals to communicate with one another through video conferencing. In order for a video platform to be considered secure, it has to meet certain criteria to protect the personal and professional information shared in these video sessions.

First example, a secure video platform should utilize encryption to protect sensitive information shared in sessions. This means that the video data is transformed into a coded format that can only be decoded by authorized parties. This prevents unauthorized individuals from accessing confidential information.

Additionally, a secure video platform should have measures in place to prevent unauthorized access to the video session. This can include password-protected entry to the session, two-factor authentication, or other security features to prevent improper entry. Data privacy is also a key component of a secure video platform. Providers should take appropriate measures to safeguard personal and professional data.

A therapist who utilizes secure video for online therapy should also have a reliable platform that is fast and easy to use. Signing in to your therapy session shouldn’t be rocket science.

2. Online therapy was originally popular for people living in areas with little access to therapy

Online therapy used to be popular among people who live in rural or remote areas, but in 2023, online therapy has become the standard.

3. It’s great for busy people – no more commuting across Los Angeles to see your holistic therapist

Online therapy is a fantastic option for people who have busy schedules or mobility issues, as it eliminates the need to travel to a physical therapy location. Los Angeles is a BIG city with BIG traffic…and many people living here have busy schedules that leave little time for activities other than work or family. This can make it challenging for people to prioritize their mental health, leading to a rise in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Fortunately, the rise of online therapy has made it possible for Angelenos to seek support without adding extra time and stress to their already busy lives. Online therapy offers a range of benefits that make it an ideal option for people in Los Angeles.

One such benefit is flexibility. Since therapy sessions can be conducted over the internet, it’s easier for people to fit them into their busy schedules. They don’t have to worry about commuting to a therapist’s office, finding parking, or wasting time sitting in traffic. Instead, they can attend therapy sessions from the comfort of their own home or office, at a time that works for them.

Online therapy also offers privacy and anonymity. Even in a city as large as LA, it’s not uncommon to run into someone you know while you’re out and about. This can make it challenging to seek therapy in person, particularly if you’re worried about maintaining your privacy.

4. Is online therapy effective? Yep!

Online therapy has been found to be just as effective as in-person therapy for treating a range of mental health conditions. These health conditions include depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Recent research has shown that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that online therapy was just as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy for treating depression and anxiety.

Another study published in the Journal of Mental Health in 2020 found that online therapy was equally effective for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as in-person therapy. The study also found that online therapy may be more convenient and accessible for individuals with PTSD who may struggle with transportation or anxiety related to leaving home.

Even though evidence shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy, it’s important to note that it’s not the right option for everyone. It’s important to have a consultation with a therapist to determine if online therapy is healthy and appropriate for you.

5. Online Therapy isn’t just for individuals

Many online therapy platforms offer a range of mental health services, including individual therapy, couples therapy, and group therapy. This makes support groups more accessible to people, and not limited to just the neighborhood that you live in. It also makes couples and family therapy more convenient because the online option makes it more accessible.

6. It’s cost-effective

Online therapy is often more affordable than in-person therapy, as therapists do not need to cover costs associated with a physical office space. There are several reasons why online therapy can be a cost-effective option for those seeking mental health treatment.

1. Online therapy eliminates the need for transportation costs. Unlike traditional therapy where you have to travel to a therapist’s office, online therapy sessions can take place from the comfort of your own home. This means you don’t have to worry about the cost of transportation, such as gas or public transportation fares, which is bonkers high right now.

2. Online therapy can be more affordable than in-person therapy. Many online therapy platforms offer subscription plans or pay-per-session options, which can be more affordable than the hourly rates charged by traditional therapists. Additionally, some online therapists offer sliding-scale fees for those who cannot afford the full cost of therapy.

3. Online therapy can save you time and money. For example, if you live in a remote area that is far away from services, you may have to drive long distances to see a therapist in-person. With online therapy, you can connect with a therapist from anywhere, without having to spend time and money on travel.

7. It is not limited to just one type of device

Online therapy can be conducted using a variety of devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. In other words, helloooo accessibility and convenience! When it comes to online therapy, it’s so important to choose the right devices to ensure a smooth and secure experience. While most devices can connect to the internet, some are better suited for online therapy than others. Nothing is more frustrating than being mid-session and having a battery die.

Some suggestions:

Find devices with a stable internet connection and use a high-speed Wifi connection.

As for the device itself, a laptop or desktop computer is the most reliable for online therapy. These devices tend to have bigger screens, making it easier to see your therapist and any shared materials during the session.

However, if a computer is not an option, a tablet or smartphone can also work for online therapy. These devices are compact and portable, allowing for more flexibility during the session. However, it’s important to ensure your device has a high-quality camera and microphone to facilitate clear communication.

8. It can be a great option for first-timers or people who feel uncomfortable seeking services

Online therapy not only provides convenience and flexibility, but also provides a safe and confidential space for people to seek help without fear of judgment. As a mental health professional, I highly recommend online therapy because it’s a great option for first-time therapy seekers.

Online therapy can also help ease feelings of anxiety or nervousness surrounding an individual’s first therapy session. Meeting a therapist can be intimidating for some people, and online therapy can provide a sense of safety and security that may not be present in traditional face-to-face therapy. And sometimes it just feels more cozy and comfortable to do it in your own space.

9. Online therapy offers a great deal of privacy

Online therapy provides a higher level of privacy compared to traditional in-person therapy sessions. When receiving therapy online, clients have more control over their personal space and the ability to choose where they participate in therapy sessions. They can choose to have their sessions in a private setting, such as their home or office.

Clients can also choose to remain anonymous by using a pseudonym or a virtual alias during online therapy sessions. This adds another layer of privacy and security, particularly for those who may feel uncomfortable sharing personal or sensitive information with their therapist.

People who utilize online therapy don’t have to leave their homes…in other words, they don’t have to be seen walking into a therapy office or having to block out large chunks of time at work to drive to their session.

10. Therapists love it

Therapists love online therapy for several reasons. One of the primary reasons is its convenience. With online therapy, therapists can reach clients from all over the state they are licensed in, and clients can receive therapy sessions from the comfort of their own homes. This decreases the time and money required for travel, which in turn allows clients to have more frequent therapy sessions and on their own schedule.

Another reason therapists love online therapy is its accessibility. Some individuals may be unable to access traditional in-person therapy due to distance, mobility, or other health issues. Online therapy offers these individuals the opportunity to receive necessary mental health services.

Overall, online therapy has become a valuable tool for therapists to provide convenient, accessible, and secure mental health services to those in need.