Online therapy has become increasingly popular over the last few years. When I first began as a therapist, all of my work was in person. Then, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, everything shifted overnight—five days a week in the therapy office suddenly became fully remote sessions. At the time, I primarily worked with children in schools through a local nonprofit agency. My whole team quickly had to get creative and learn new ways of offering therapy. We dove into HIPAA compliant online video platforms and created confidential home offices. Elementary-aged kids proudly showed me their favorite toys, high schoolers gave me crash courses on Fortnite, and every now and then a younger sibling popped into the session. Along the way, I became part therapist, part tech support—troubleshooting cameras and microphones while helping families navigate privacy and confidentiality.

Fast forward to today and telemental health appointments are a regular part of all of the Create Space therapists’ days. It has opened up access to mental health care and offers a better fit for a lot of our clients than in person therapy. While many of the therapists at Create Space Therapy provide in person therapy at our Plymouth and Grosse Ile offices, all of our therapists offer online therapy to meet each person’s unique needs.

What is Online Therapy (Telehealth Counseling)?

Telehealth is the use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies to support long-distance clinical healthcare. Technologies could include video conferencing or telephone communication. Teletherapy, also known as virtual therapy or online counseling, involves providing mental health services and support over the internet.

Virtual counseling therapists have the same mental health training and experience as in person therapists. They focus on providing high quality mental health care, but over virtual rather than at an in person office. Your therapist will be in a private/confidential space throughout your entire meeting.

The Benefits of Online Therapy in Michigan

Accessibility & Convenience

For a lot of people coordinating the time away from work or home, kids after school schedules, or the commute to and from a therapy appointment make it difficult to continue weekly or bi-weekly therapy. Telehealth removes some of the barriers to attending therapy. Many of our clients prefer the convenience and comfort of logging into their therapy appointment online.

We work with people all over Michigan, from the west side of the state to Southeast Michigan. Many of our clients have had trouble finding a therapist near their home or due to closeness of their town, prefer to have a therapist that does not live in their community.

Comfort & Privacy

A lot of people we work with prefer to meet in the comfort of their own home. They like having their own couch, blanket, and access to all their comfort items. Many people also feel that at home virtual therapy gives them an increased feeling of privacy.

Flexible Scheduling

Hectic work schedules, high amounts of career responsibilities, or juggling multiple family members appointments, can make driving to therapy feel daunting. An hour appointment may feel like it turns into 3 hours away. Many people will choose online therapy because of the flexibility in scheduling.

Is Online Therapy Effective?

Yes! Many studies have shown telehealth therapy to be as effective as in person therapy. One study from 2021 studied two groups of people, one group received intensive in person therapy and one group received intensive remote (online) mental health therapy. Both groups of people showed a reduction in depression symptoms and an increase in quality of life based on questionnaires they took before and after their therapy journey. The results showed no significant difference between the online therapy group and the in person therapy group (Bulkes, 2021).

Another study in 2022 reviewed 12 randomized control trials*. The study showed no significant difference between outcomes of the group who had in person therapy compared to the group that had virtual therapy. Outcomes measured included symptom severity, symptom improvement, client satisfaction, and client’s rating of therapeutic quality (Greenwood, 2022).

Preparing for Your First Virtual Therapy Appointment

Before your first telehealth therapy appointment it’s important to have a private space. This could be a room in your home with a door that closes or even your parked car. The most important thing is to ensure that only you and your therapist will hear anything discussed during your appointment. This helps to create a similar confidential space as going in person to the therapy office.

Here’s a list of some things to keep in mind before your appointment:

Private/confidential space

Are you home alone?
If not home alone, are you in a room with a closed door?
If you think someone can here you, do you have a sound machine, fan, TV, or something to block out sound?

Access to internet
Device that can connect to internet (smartphone, laptop, tablet)
Your therapist’s email or phone number in case you have trouble connecting to the virtual appointment

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Telehealth Counseling

Some days it’s a challenge to set aside time to meet with your therapist. Rushing from school drop off, a team meeting, or a workout. To prepare for your session, ask yourself, “What would make me feel more comfortable in my space?” and “Are there any distractions in my environment that will make it hard to be fully present?” For example, if you work from home and are meeting online with your therapist in the same room you work, what are some ways to cue your mind and body that you are not at work for the next hour. This could look like closing out all of the tabs on your computer except for your therapy appointment tab. If you are unable to close out of work programs, could you move in a way that you don’t see your work laptop and use your phone for the appointment?

Notice if there are visual cues that stress you out. For me there might be a pile of doom on my desk at my home office (random to do lists, spam mail, etc.), a basket of laundry, or a sink full of dishes. I might have a plan to finish those dishes after my appointment, but the visual reminder could bring me back to my home life brain instead of therapy brain. I think about what space is going to help me feel calmest.

***How can you feel 10% more comfortable or grounded?*** You could:

prepare a cozy beverage like tea or sparkling water

bring your favorite blanket
grab a fidget
bring a journal or something to doodle with
cuddle up with your fur baby

Walk yourself through all 5 senses and try to pick at least two comfort items that feel good to your senses. Do you have a favorite scented candle? What about dimming the lights? Or opening the curtains to let the sunshine in? Remember you don’t have to do this alone. Your therapist can help you transition from the hectic day to your therapy appointment.

How to Get Started with Online Therapy in Michigan

Start your journey with online therapy in Michigan today. Our team is ready to help! We offer in person and online therapy for anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, life transitions, and more. Our team all has their unique specialties, including EMDR, parent support, play therapy, Safe & Sound Protocol, and DBT.

We accept BCBS, BCN, Priority Health, and Aetna insurance. We also offer low cost therapy offered by a Masters Level Graduate Student Therapist.

Your Guide to Online Therapy in Michigan: How Telehealth Counseling Can Support Your Mental Health