WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PSYCHOTHERAPY AND COUNSELING

Psychotherapy

 

• Focus on chronic or recurrent problems

• Overall patterns, big picture-oriented

• Long term therapy, either continuous or intermittent over many years

• Feeling and experience focused

• May include testing (such as personality, intelligence), talk therapy, other therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy

• In-depth focus on internal thoughts/feelings (core issues) leading to personal growth

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PRIMARY PROCESS

Counseling

 

•  Focus on present problems and situations

• Specific situations or behaviors

• Short term therapy (for a period of weeks and up to 6 months)

• Action and behavior focused

• Talk therapy

• Guidance, support, and education to help people identify and find their own solutions to current problems

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SECONDARY PROCESS

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• Both counseling and psychotherapy are used in the treatment of depression, and the choice can depend on the severity of the depression, whether it is a new issue for you or rather an ongoing or recurrent problem and more.

 

 

Is Online Therapy Effective?

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Yes. Online therapy can be equally as effective as in-person treatment. Here’s what research has found:

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A 2014 study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that online cognitive behavioral therapy was effective in treating anxiety disorders.1 

 

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that online treatment for depression was equally as effective as in-person therapy.2 

 

A 2018 study in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that online cognitive behavioral therapy was equally as effective as in-person treatment for major depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

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Is Online Therapy Secure and Confidential?

 

Licensed mental health professionals must follow licensing regulations, state laws, and HIPAA regulations that ensure security and confidentiality. Each website explains the steps they take to keep information secure.

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Also, most sites will allow you to communicate with your therapist using a nickname (although they usually require you to provide the name and phone number of an emergency contact.)

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How Much Does Online Therapy Typically Cost?

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• The fees for online therapy vary depending on the company and type of communication you choose. Unlimited messaging often starts around $40 per week. A live video chat with a therapist typically costs between $90 and $120.

• In comparison, a face-to-face meeting with a therapist averages between $75 and $150 an hour. It may even be higher in certain areas, such as New York City. 

• Does Insurance Cover Online Therapy?

• Historically, health insurance has mostly covered face-to-face therapy only. COVID-19 led to increased coverage for online therapy as it became unsafe for many people to go to a therapist’s office—and the added stress of the pandemic increased the need for many people to receive mental health services.

• Currently, most health insurance companies will cover online therapy. Some of them may only cover live video appointments as opposed to messaging services, phone calls, or chats.

• It’s important to check with your insurance provider to learn about whether they cover online therapy and whether they have certain stipulations in place about the type of long-distance treatment that they will cover.

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