How to Choose an Online Therapist In Michigan
With society shutting down in the last few years and people working from home, online therapy has become popular. The convenience of meeting with a therapist in your own home without the drive or changing into proper clothing is causing online therapy to be more attractive. Many therapists are now offering online therapy.
This is wonderful news. You have options at the tip of your fingers. On the other hand, you may have too many options. You may feel overwhelmed. How do you decide which therapist is for you? Here are five factors to consider when choosing an online therapist in Michigan.
How to Choose an Online Therapist in Michigan
Where are you physically located?
What training does the therapist have with your issue?
How comfortable are you and your therapist with online therapy?
What are your privacy concerns?
Is this the right “fit?”
Factor #1 for choosing an online therapist: Where are you physically located?
A key factor to consider is where the therapist is licensed to practice therapy. Is the therapist licensed in the state where you are located? If you are in Ann Arbor, MI, you need to see a therapist licensed in Michigan. Where the therapist is, does not matter. They could live in Ann Arbor, Detroit, or Lansing. They could even live in another state. Your therapist must be licensed in the state where you are located.
Some therapists have issues with this particular rule because it also means that if a client goes on vacation out of state, counseling sessions may be paused. This is because therapy ‘occurs’ in the state that the client is physically located in at the time of services. You need a therapist licensed in the state you are physically located in at the time of service.
Many patients are starting to prefer online therapy in Michigan because of the convenience of the service. A question to ask yourself before you choose an online therapist in Michigan is how you feel about participating in online therapy. Some feel comfortable interacting through an online platform while others prefer in-person services.
Factor #2 for choosing an online therapist: What training does the therapist have with your issue?
As you are looking for a therapist, make sure that your therapist is trained and specialized in the specific issue that brings you to therapy.
What is the issue that brings you into therapy? If your issue deals with work stress and burnout syndrome, a therapist specializing in couples counseling may not be the therapist for you. You want a therapist with specialized experience and training in this issue. Your therapist should have experience addressing your issue.
In addition, not all issues are appropriate for online therapy. Your therapist will evaluate your specific situation to ensure you are receiving the appropriate level of care. If your issue is inappropriate for online therapy, you should be referred to a local in-person therapist.
Factor #3 for choosing an online therapist: How comfortable are you and your therapist with online therapy?
Online therapy is similar to yet different than in-person therapy. Think about the differences between an in-person meeting and an online meeting. Many people like having an online therapy session from the comfort of their own homes. Others need to have that face-to-face interaction. Consider if you will be comfortable talking about these issues through an online platform.
Ask the therapist how comfortable they are providing online therapy. If the therapist offers a complimentary consultation, ask the question, “What are some challenges that occur when you treat people with online therapy?” Not only do you want a therapist that is trained and experienced with your issue, but you also want them to have the training and experience with online therapy.
Factor #4 for choosing an online therapist: What are your privacy concerns?
Privacy is another factor when you think about online therapy. You want to feel secure knowing that the information that you share during your visit is private. Make sure you ask a possible therapist about this. What software do they use? Is it a HIPAA-compliant platform? What risks are there concerning privacy issues with online therapy?
Factor #5 for choosing an online therapist: Is this the right “fit?”
The last factor of “fit” is one of the most important factors. Research shows that the therapeutic relationship can determine if you get positive outcomes with therapy. I tell people that if they don’t feel comfortable with the therapist, they are wasting their time and money.
When someone contacts me, I always provide them with a complimentary consultation. This ensures that I am a good fit for you and you are a good fit for me. I want people to get better and find the right therapist. There are many great therapists out there. I'll be an amazing fit for many but I'm not for everyone.
Ask the possible therapist questions during a free phone consultation. If you've had experience with therapy, talk about it. You want to make sure that you get the best outcomes possible. You also want someone that you feel safe and secure with.
Interested in working with an online therapist in Michigan?
If you’d like to start online therapy, I can help. I see clients throughout the state of Michigan. I offer therapy for work stress & burnout syndrome, relationships including parenting-child, imposter syndrome, anxiety, depression, and grief counseling. Reach out online or call (989) 487-1895 now.
If you’re still having doubts about online therapy?
Start with a complimentary consultation. There is no risk. Also, it’s normal to be skeptical of therapy, as well as online therapy, if you’ve never experienced it before. Whether you live in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Detroit, or Traverse City, I can offer a complimentary consultation for online therapy.
About the Author
Chris Rabanera is the founder of The Base EQ. His favorite part of the job is seeing clients make life-altering changes. Chris Rabanera provides online therapy in Michigan and California for work stress and burnout syndrome, relationships, imposter syndrome, anxiety, depression and grief counseling.
