A Complete Guide to Finding an Online Therapist

This year, people are choosing online counseling in record numbers. Many have embraced this, but some are hesitant to participate in therapy online.

As an anxiety therapist, I love online counseling. It’s convenient, confidential and offers clients a ton of flexibility. Traditionally, I’ve offered this service to people who were too busy to make it to the office when factoring in travel time, or to support people with last minute issues (like a sick child) that made leaving the house more difficult. Now, I’m seeing all of my client’s virtually for public health reasons.

Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks to finding and hiring an online therapist.

How To Find a Therapist

Finding a therapist that offers tele-health or online counseling is very similar to finding a traditional, office based therapists. Most therapists today are equipped to provide online services. Here are a few of my favorite ways to find a provider…

• Word of mouth referral. If you have a similar struggle to a friend or family member or you know they were in therapy, ask for a referral. If you know a therapist, ask them who they would recommend. Doctors, teachers, chiropractors and clergy are great referral options too. Remember, people who know you and care about you want to help you find the best match. Don’t be afraid to reach out.

• Online Listings. Search engines like TherapyDen, BeingSeen, Open Path and Psychology Today have filters that can help you search for tele-health therapists in your area. Online Counseling is a directory specifically devoted to distance counseling.

  I love the search engine option because you can really refine your search to meet your specific needs. Usually you can filter by your particular challenge, location, payment options and many other preferences. You can read a lot about the therapist and some even offer introductory videos.   

Schedule a consultation

After you find a few therapists that peak your interest, you’ll want to reach out to determine who is the best fit for your current needs. Most therapists offer some form of free initial consultation, and I recommend meeting with them. Here is what you could expect….

• You will likely discuss your current challenges and goals for therapy.

• You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask any general questions you have about therapy and specific questions for the therapist you’re talking with.

• They’ll likely share a bit about their practice, and together you’ll determine if you’re a good fit.   

• Then, you’ll schedule your first session.

What to expect during your first online session

The first session will obviously vary from therapist to therapist, but here’s the process that I use with my clients.

• I send clients a link to fill out all of their initial paperwork electronically, and I review that before our first meeting.

• I send clients a one click link to connect to the therapy room. It’s a lot easier to participate in online therapy than most people think!

• Clients can click the link, enter in their names and join in on therapy. Here’s what that looks like:

The initial online counseling screen

You will appear as a tiny image at the bottom of the screen and your therapist would fill in the remainder of the screen.

• From here, most initial sessions will look just like they do in the office

  • You’ll review initial paperwork and discuss any questions that you have

  • You’ll review confidentiality rules and talk about how that could show up while doing remote therapy

  • You’ll discuss you challenges and begin to do the “work” of therapy. You may discuss initial goals and learn a few skills in the first session.

Wrapping things up

If the first session went well, you’ll likely schedule a follow up session or you and your therapist may secure a time that works for you every week. I generally think it’s a good idea to commit to at least three sessions, but you and your therapist may decide on something different.

Interested in online counseling in North Carolina? I’d love to support you in decreasing your anxiety and finally finding joy again. Schedule an initial consultation to learn more about working with me!

Hey! I'm Samantha, a professional counselor living and working in Asheville, North Carolina.  I help stressed out professionals at the top of their game ditch perfectionism so that they can find joy! Sound like you? I’d love to connect. Schedule you free consultation to get started.