Online Therapy FAQ
How is online therapy different than in-person therapy?
Research going back more than ten years (1, 2) has shown that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy. It may take a little bit more getting used to than sitting down with someone in a room, but most people become comfortable very quickly.
The main advantage of online therapy is that you can access it from your home at a time of your choosing. Distance, weather, pandemics… none of it gets in the way so long as the Internet stays up!
Is online therapy secure/confidential?
As Registered Social Workers, our work must always respect the terms of the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). As such, we only use tools that are PHIPA-compliant for our clinical work.
What do I need for online therapy?
You will need a device that has a webcam, a microphone, and a stable Internet connection. Computers or tablets are preferred, but smart phones work too. If you go the smart phone route, it is recommended that you place your phone in a stationary position so that you don’t give your therapist motion sickness :)
It is also important that you have a safe, comfortable, and private location to do your sessions from. Anyone you live with must understand that this is your time and that your sessions are totally confidential.
Will my connection be good?
The faster your Internet service is, the better. Some tips to optimize your connection include plugging your computer directly into your router with an Ethernet cable and limiting what other usage is happening on your network during the session (other video meetings, streaming, online gaming, downloads, etc).
What happens if my connection isn’t good?
One solution we sometimes employ with clients who have slow Internet connections is to connect via video on the platform, mute ourselves, and then connect over the phone for sound. That way, we still get to hear each other clearly in real time even if the video is choppy or slow.
Can I test my system in advance?
If you already use Zoom, Google Meets, or something like that for work or keeping in touch with loved ones, you’re all set up. We recommend trying one of those free services with a friend to test your connection if you aren’t sure.
