Online Therapy California: 5 Pros and Cons of Telehealth

5 Pros for Online Therapy in California

During the pandemic, I transitioned from seeing all my clients in the Los Angeles therapy office to online. Over the past couple years, I have grown to absolutely LOVE online therapy for my holistic practice. But don’t get me wrong – online therapy isn’t for everyone. Below is a list of pros and cons to help you decide is online therapy in California is right for you.

• Pro #1: It’s Convenient AF: Traffic in Los Angeles blows. Telehealth makes therapy more convenient because you don’t have to schlep across town for your session. As long as you have a stable internet connection, online therapy offers the convenience of receiving therapy from wherever you are (as long as you are a California resident and seeing a therapist who is licensed in California). This eliminates the need for travel time, saving gas and reducing stress for those who may have mobility issues or face transportation challenges.
  
  Another key advantage of online therapy is that it provides greater flexibility in scheduling sessions. Traditional in-person therapy often requires clients to schedule appointments during business hours, which may conflict with work or family obligations. However, with online therapy, clients can often do their sessions on their breaks or anytime during the day if they work from home.
  
  Online therapy also provides clients with a wider range of mental health professionals to choose from. This is super important (and a major pro!) for those living in rural areas or small towns where there may be a limited number of therapists available. With online therapy, you can choose a therapist from anywhere in the state of California – increasing the chance of finding a therapist that is a good fit for their needs.

 

 

• Pro #2: Accessibility: For some individuals, in-person therapy may be difficult or even impossible due to physical or mobility limitations. Online therapy a great alternative option. Taking part in therapy sessions online can eliminate the need for physical travel, making it easier and more accessible to attend regular therapy appointments.
  
  In addition, online therapy can offer a sense of comfort and familiarity for individuals who may have difficulty leaving the house or venturing into new environments. Being able to have therapy sessions from the comfort of their own home can create a sense of safety and security, which may enhance the therapeutic process. Overall, online therapy has the potential to lower barriers to access for mental health care.

 

 

• Pro #3: Affordability: Online therapy is often more affordable compared to traditional in-person therapy, as it eliminates the costs of commuting and renting a physical office space. Here are some reasons why online therapy in Los Angeles may be more affordable:
  
  1. Lower Overhead Costs for Therapists:
  
  One of the major reasons why online therapy is more affordable is because it eliminates the need for therapists to pay for expensive office space and utilities in Los Angeles. Since online therapy takes place virtually, therapists can work from their own homes or a private workspace they’ve created without the typical overhead costs associated with having an in-person practice. Lower overhead costs for the therapist can translate into lower cost per session for patients.
  
  2. More Accessible Options for Clients:
  
  In a sprawling city like Los Angeles, in-person therapy sessions can be difficult for some individuals who live far from the therapist’s office or have unreliable transportation. By eliminating the need to travel to therapy locations, online therapy has made mental health services more accessible and convenient for many people. This convenience can encourage more people to seek out the help they need, who may not have access or cannot afford their local providers.

 

 

• Pro #4: Privacy: Online therapy offers a high level of privacy, as it can be conducted in the comfort of one’s own space, without the need to travel to an office where others may see you.One concern that some may have about online therapy is the issue of privacy. Here are some ways for you and your therapist to ensure that your online therapy appointment is private:
  
  1. Choose a secure platform: When selecting an online therapy platform, it’s important that your therapist chooses one that prioritizes security. Look for a platform that uses end-to-end encryption to protect your conversations. Additionally, it is your therapist’s job to ensure the platform is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which sets a national standard for the protection of sensitive patient data.
  
  2. Use a private and secure internet connection: Avoid using public Wi-Fi or unsecured networks when attending your online therapy appointments. Instead, use a private internet connection, such as your home Wi-Fi network or mobile data connection to ensure that your conversations are not intercepted by third parties.
  
  3. Choose a private location: When attending an online therapy session, it’s absolutely necessary to find a private and quiet location where you can have an uninterrupted conversation – without the risk of being overheard. To maximize privacy, consider using headphones and closing doors and windows to reduce ambient noise.
  
  4. Avoid recording sessions: It’s crucial to respect the privacy of both the therapist and the client.

 

 

• Pro #5: Comfortable Environment: Clients may feel more comfortable opening up about their feelings and experiences in an environment they are already comfortable in.I t provides a sense of anonymity and privacy that traditional therapy cannot. Some people may feel self-conscious about attending face-to-face therapy sessions, especially those that are experiencing issues of embarrassment or shame. Online therapy provides a sense of distance between the client and therapist, making it feel less intimidating than traditional therapy. Moreover, with teletherapy, clients can choose their preferred method of communication ranging from video call or phone call.

Online Therapy California: 5 Cons of Online Therapy

OK – Now we can see why online therapy has become a popular mode of therapy, especially since Covid hit in 2020. However, like any form of therapy, online therapy has its drawbacks:

• Con #1: Technical issues: Technical issues such as internet connection problems, software errors and interruptions may disrupt the therapy session and affect the quality of the session. This can be suuuuper frustrating for both the client and the therapist. Here are some steps to take if you experience technical difficulties during a teletherapy session:
  
  1. Take a deep breath and inform your therapist: If you experience technical difficulties during a session, the first thing to do is take a deep breath and inform your therapist of the issue as soon as possible so that they can help troubleshoot the problem.
  
  2. Check your connection: Poor internet or Wi-Fi connection can often be the cause of technical issues. Check your connection and try to reset your router if necessary.
  
  3. Restart the app or software: If you are experiencing issues with the teletherapy platform, try restarting the app or software you are using. This may help to resolve the issue.
  
  4. Adjust your settings: Sometimes the settings on your device may cause technical issues. Check your camera and microphone settings to ensure that they are functioning properly.
  
  5. Switch devices: If all else fails, consider switching to a different device. You may have a better experience with a different device like a phone or iPad.
  
  6. Change the session: If the issue persists and you are unable to resolve it, consider rescheduling your appointment with your provider or change the session to a phone call.

• Con #2: It may not be suited for everyone: One downside of online therapy is that it may not be suitable for everyone. Some individuals may prefer face-to-face interactions. As an experienced therapist, I highly recommend face-to-face counseling sessions for individuals struggling with loneliness. Online therapy can feel isolating and lonely for someone who is already feeling lonely. For example, a person may find the routine of driving or walking to their session as part of the therapeutic process. When someone is stuck in their homes, it can be difficult to distinguish between the environment they use for work or relaxation and the environment they use for therapy.
  
  Lastly, loneliness can be a symptom of more severe underlying mental health issues.

 

• Con #3: It’s not appropriate for everyone: Online therapy may not be as effective for individuals with severe mental health disorders that require intense and direct interventions. For such individuals, an in-person approach may be more appropriate. There are certain situations where online therapy is not the appropriate option – period. One of those instances is when an individual is experiencing suicidal thoughts.
  
  When someone is feeling suicidal, they are in a state of crisis and require immediate assistance. Online therapy is not equipped to provide the same level of support and intervention as in-person therapy, particularly for those in a crisis situation. It is essential that someone in crisis receives face-to-face support from qualified mental health professionals who can accurately assess and respond to their needs in real-time.
  
  Another reason why online therapy may not be appropriate for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation is the lack of non-verbal communication. As therapists, we rely on non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions to provide insight into a patient’s emotional state. These cues can be difficult to pick up on through a digital screen and could lead to misunderstandings or missed signs of distress.

 

• Con #4: Confidentiality Issues: Confidentiality can be an issue when it comes to online therapy. There is always the possibility of hackers accessing confidential information, even if the platform used is secure. Although it offers a lot of benefits, there are still some confidentiality issues that need to be addressed, such as:
  
  1. Privacy concerns:
  
  One of the most significant issues with online therapy is privacy. Although online therapy platforms have measures in place to ensure the confidentiality of communications, data breaches can still occur. Clients must be educated about the risks and should make sure to use secure Internet connections with a password-protected device.
  
  2. Recording and storage:
  
  Online therapy sessions may be recorded with the client’s consent, and data may be stored for a specific period. Clients must consent to the use of recording and storage of their data. Any recorded sessions must be securely stored, ensuring that no one can access them without authorization.
  
  3. Mental health data security:
  
  Online therapy platforms must adhere to strict standards when it comes to handling and storing mental health data. Any unauthorized individuals should not have access to this data. The data should be encrypted and stored securely, assuring confidentiality at all times.

 

• Con #5: People may miss in-person interaction: During Covid, online therapy was a fantastic option for people to seek much needed mental health services. In places like Los Angeles, online therapy was the only option available to many people during lockdowns. However, with Covid came isolation and less human interaction. Some individuals may crave that in-person connection.
  While online therapy has many benefits, there are limitations to consider as well. It is important for individuals to weigh these factors before deciding if online therapy is the best approach for them.

 

 

Online Therapy California: Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT, LPCC

Online Therapy for Anxiety and Personal Growth

If you are seeking services for mental health, relationship issues, or personal growth, then you’re in the right place. I am an experienced therapist who specializes in the treatment of anxiety, trauma/generational trauma, and securing your attachment. I utilize a directive approach while maintaining a warm and compassionate environment. I prioritize creating a non-judgmental space where you can feel safe and supported as you work through your challenges.

As an integrative therapist, I utilize a collaborative and personalized approach to your goals. I draw from a range of therapeutic modalities, tailoring each session to your unique needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for traditional talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, or mindfulness practices, I will help you explore your strengths and challenges to empower you to take charge of your anxiety.