Online therapy
Like it or not, COVID-19 has hit the New York area with a vengeance and without mercy. We watch our televisions and read the news and we are hearing of confirmed cases rising exponentially on a daily basis. It has forced us to change our lives in ways that are unimaginable. We have been directed to practice social distancing which requires many of us to stay home from work, from school, and from our friends and family. For many of us, staying home has been completely disruptive and an extremely difficult adjustment. For those essential workers out there, you are the group that is leading the way in keeping our community going and we are so appreciative of you. Yet, working during this public health crisis can also take a toll on your emotional wellness.
We have so many questions that can’t be answered. When can I go back to work/school? When will this end? Do I have to cancel my summer plans? Will the prom/graduation be cancelled? Will I have enough money to pay the bills? What happens if I get sick? We are all asking these questions. You’ve heard this before...We are living in uncertain times. We truly can’t plan further than one day at a time. Uncertainty can create sadness, worry, fear, and anger which are very uncomfortable feelings. Triangle Cognitive Therapy can offer you support during this difficult time with online therapy.
WHat is online therapy?
Online therapy allows mental health workers to provide support and guidance at a distance. Sometimes it is referred to as tele-health, teletherapy, or online counseling. It works much like face to face counseling as many of the tools that we teach in counseling can be easily provided using an online therapy platform. Online therapy can also support the use of worksheets or artwork that may be used in traditional therapy. You will be working with your therapist through video conferencing using an online platform that is very easy to use.
If you or your children are feeling the stress and pain of this crisis, the safest choice is to access support using online therapy. Triangle Cognitive Therapy is set up to provide tele-health and ready to help you. As long as you are located in New York State, you can access online counseling with us.
Myths and Facts about Online Therapy
Online therapy is expensive...myth
Many insurance plans cover online therapy for all mental health providers. In response to the COVID 19 pandemic, most, if not all, insurance companies have relaxed their rules surrounding online therapy and are covering these services. Triangle Cognitive Therapy is in-network with several insurance companies. You can find more information about insurance here.
It will be hard to figure out how to use the online therapy platform...myth
Triangle Cognitive Therapy uses two different platforms. We use these platforms because they are HIPAA compliant and will ensure the utmost confidentiality. Both work in a similar fashion. A link will be sent to your email address, usually the morning of your appointment. Click or copy the link to your browser and that will take you to our virtual “waiting room”. Once your therapist sees that you are waiting, they will connect with you. You can access online therapy with most devices, computers, smartphones or tablets.
Online Therapy does not work..myth? Maybe fact
Cognitive therapy is a modality of treatment that assists in making life changes and reducing negative symptoms. But, with this therapy, like with most, you get what you put into it. Those who put more effort into experimenting with stress management techniques and tools, seem to feel better quicker. This holds true for online therapy as well. CBT tools and techniques can be discussed and practiced through an online therapy model in the same way it’s done in a traditional therapy model.
Online Therapy is weird...Fact
Online therapy is different from what we are used to. Triangle Cognitive Therapy rarely used this platform in the past and mostly provided face to face services to the community. It has honestly been an adjustment for us and it has felt strange. However, we have worked out many of the kinks and technical issues and it is becoming much more comfortable. As it has slowly become comfortable for us, it will for you too.
Between all of our therapists at Triangle Cognitive Therapy, we have at least 60 years of combined experience providing therapy in various settings and with various populations. Almost all of this training and experience has been using face to face therapy. Part of the reason for this is that online therapy is a relatively new tool that is being utilized in the field. It also tends to be a little easier to do a comprehensive assessment and evaluation when done in person. However, in mid-March 2020, it became abundantly clear that the safest way for us to continue to provide support to the community was with online therapy. So we are moving forward with tele-health until it is safe to return to the offices.
Due to the COVID 19 crisis, we have quickly adapted to online therapy. We’ve asked many of the questions that you might be wondering about, and we have a clear understanding of how to provide this service to anyone in need. We are currently providing online therapy with clients of all ages who are struggling, and we are accepting new clients.
If you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed by the pandemic, call Triangle Cognitive Therapy and make an appointment today.
WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS AND WE WILL BE MUCH STRONGER ON THE OTHER SIDE!
We have appointments available during the daytime, evenings and weekends. Call us at (516) 208-3792.