• Common Questions:
  
  
  • What is online therapy? 

  A: Online therapy is a nonconventional alternative way to do therapy.  It is a means for providing suggestions, support, insight, and guidance.  It is less intensive than traditional face-to-face therapy which means that there are some individuals that are not good candidates for online therapy.  It is a simple and discreet way to receive therapeutic help. 

  • What are the disadvantages/risks of online therapy?

  A: There are a variety of disadvantages in participating in online therapy.  Some of the disadvantages that can affect therapeutic progress are the absence of verbal cues, the increased liklihood of miscommunication, the inability to diagnose or assess, the loss of spontaneity, the inability to deal with more intensive/serious issues, and the inability to be reimbursed by insurance companies (due to the need for a formal diagnosis and procedure code.)  In addition, the lack of face-to-face contact and spontaneity makes it easier for the client to hide the real issues that are causing distress.  There are also difficulties in ensuring confidentiality since the internet is not 100% secure.  Finally, little research has been done on the effectiveness of online therapy, and there is little written law governing the practice to protect consumers and on-line counselors. 

  • What are the advantages?

  A: There are also many advantages to on-line therapy.  It is a great sources of support that one can access any time of day from the comfort of their own home.  It can help reduce stress in terms of having to rush to an appointment, and it eliminates the need to find transporation for those that do not have access to their own car.  Often times online therapy can be more effective than traditional therapy because many feel that they can be more honest (since they do not have to face the therapist in person.)  Online therapy also allows for the client and therapist to focus on the issues directly and immediately rather than having to build trust and rapport.  Finally, the rates are lower than if one were to seek traditional therapy.

  • Am I a good candidate for online therapy?

  A: You are a good candidate for online therapy if you are 18 years of age or older, like to write, are organized, do not have the funds to see a therapist face-to-face, lack transportation, are NOT in crisis and DO NOT have serious/chronic mental illness, or are hestiant to see a therapist in person. You are not a good candidate for online therapy if you have psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, paranoia), suicidal/homidical ideation, need intensive support/phone contact/or case management services, are in need of psychiatric medications, have a history of addiction (and are in need of more than relapse prevention services), or if you are currently using or abusing alcohol or drugs.

  • How long do people generally seek services?

  A: It is up to the individual to decide how long to engage in services.  There is no limit as to how long one can receive services.   

  • Is my information kept confidential?

  A: Your information is kept as confidential as possible.  There is no way to ensure 100% confidentiality.  Please review the page on Privacy and Confidentiality for the possible reasons for breaches in confidentiality.

  • What are the alternatives to online therapy?

  A: There are other alternatives to online therapy.  There is traditional face-to-face therapy, talking to a family member or friend, talking to a religious leader, self-help books, self-help references that are on-line, and community support groups and organizations.

  • What does the research say about online therapy?

  A: There is very little research on the effectiveness of online therapy.  This is still a relatively new field where research continues to be conducted.  For more information, please go to for more information on current research being conducted.

  • What do I do if I need more intensive services?

  A: If you are in need of more intensive services, then it is best to look for community agencies that can see you in person and provide assistance. 

  • What do I do if I am in crisis?

  A: If you are in crisis and feel that you are a danger to yourself of or others, then dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.  If you are in crisis but are not danger of harming yourself or others (severe depression or anxiety), then it is best to seek therapy with a professional who will see you in person.  Online therapy is not a substitute for traditional therapy.

  • Can I be reimbursed by my insurance company?

What are your hours?

A: My hours vary due to my schedule.  I generally see clients in the mornings a couple of days a week.  I hope to expand my hours in the near future.

• Do you charge for a consultation?

A: Yes.