Online Therapy in British Columbia

 

Meet with us from the comfort of your home or office. We want to be accessible to you.

Have you been thinking about starting therapy for a while, but keep putting it off?

Online therapy may be the answer you’ve been looking for. It’s convenient: It meets you where you are when you need it.

People pursue online therapy for many of the same reasons they come to in-person counselling, such as
 

  • Anxiety or worry that’s troublesome, interfering with their sleep, or has hijacked their lives
  • Stuck emotions, such as shame, fear, hurt, sadness, resentment, and emptiness
  • Challenging life transitions
  • Self-criticism
  • Low-self esteem
  • Grief in response to a loss
  • Unresolved trauma
  • Relationship or communication difficulties
  • Issues related to identity
  • And more
Oceanside Psychology Group

Whether you come alone or with a partner or family member, our Burnaby psychologists and therapists are pleased to offer existing and new clients online therapy using secure and easy-to-use videoconferencing platforms, such as Zoom. Online therapy sessions are conducted with the same high quality and professionalism as in-person visits. Wherever you are in British Columbia, we make it easy for you to connect with us.

There Are Many Benefits to Online Therapy

Online therapy makes it easy to connect with support. It’s convenient and may be preferred if:

  • You struggle with your health;
  • Distance is a barrier to getting the support you want or need;
  • You frequently travel for work or have a busy work schedule;
  • Transportation is a challenge;
  • Childcare is difficult to arrange;
  • Carving out the additional time to travel to an office causes more stress; or
  • You’re a couple in a long-distance relationship.

Online therapy is highly effective and often just as effective as in-person counselling. There’s no need to wait if you need support.

 

Online Therapy FAQs

blank

– blank –

How does online therapy work?

After you contact our office and schedule your first appointment with a therapist, you’ll receive a confirmation email of your appointment with some forms to complete. This email will include a consent form that reviews risks associated with communicating over the internet. You will be asked to review and sign any forms you receive, and return them to us by email prior to your first appointment.

Closer to your appointment date, you’ll receive a video link to your online therapy session. You will not have to download any software. If for some reason you have difficulties connecting to your video session on the day of your appointment, your therapist will call you at the phone number provided on your intake paperwork, and will assist you in connecting to the video platform or will offer to conduct the session by telephone. You may also ask your therapist about telephone sessions, if you prefer.

We generally encourage people to log on to the videoconferencing platform a few minutes before their scheduled appointment start time in the event you encounter any technical difficulties that need attention. You will remain in the virtual waiting room until your therapist arrives at your scheduled start time, at which time, your therapist will virtually “move” you from the waiting room to the meeting room.

How do I know if online therapy sessions are right for me?

Online therapy is highly effective and, in fact, can be as effective as in-person therapy for addressing difficulties related to anxiety, depression, worry, anger, trauma, relationships, and much more. It’s convenient if you’re unable to leave your home or you’re looking for the added convenience and comfort of meeting from your home.

There are also ways to make online therapy feel more engaging and authentic (in other words, more similar to in-person sessions), such as by having a private space free of distractions, sitting at a desk/table or on a couch, and conducting the session on a desktop computer or laptop (instead of using a phone that has a smaller screen and which you might need to hold).

However, there are some drawbacks to online therapy. One is that your therapist can typically only see you from the neck area up. As therapists, we rely heavily on non-verbal behaviours (including the tapping of a foot or fidgeting hands that might hint at anxiety). As a result, we will miss some of this important information. However, we welcome when you let us know what we might not see and, in fact, that’s how you and your therapist will work great together.

As well, technology isn’t always reliable and can depend on the quality of the internet connection – for example, the video can freeze and there can be lags in communication which might cause you or your therapist to talk over or interrupt each other. These challenges can generally be minimized by taking steps to make your internet connection faster and more stable, such as by placing your router in a central and unobstructed location, running an ethernet cable to your computer instead of using Wi-Fi, using a Wi-Fi extender or booster, and securing your Wi-Fi with a password so that others aren’t using it (which reduces your Wi-Fi bandwidth).

It’s also important to know that privacy and confidentiality can never be 100% guaranteed when information is transmitted over the internet, even with all the firewalls and protections both you and your therapist have in place. However, having these in place will significantly increase privacy protection. We also encourage clients to avoid using public Wi-Fi, especially if it isn’t protected by a password.

Lastly, if you are struggling with severe and persistent suicidal thoughts and are regularly in crisis, online therapy may not be the right fit. More severe levels of dissociation (“spacing out”) also tend to be more appropriately addressed through in-person services and the same would apply to more severe psychological conditions or complex situations (e.g., addictions).

We invite you to call us and tell us a bit about what you’re struggling with. We offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation and can help you determine whether online or in-person services are right for you.

What online platform do you use?

We use secure and easy-to-use videoconferencing platforms, such as Zoom for health care professionals. You will not have to download any software to access these platforms.

Can I see a therapist for online therapy if I live outside of BC? What if I’m only briefly travelling outside of BC?

Our psychologists and therapists are only able to provide telehealth services (online and phone sessions) to residents of BC. If you’re a resident of BC but temporarily travelling to another jurisdiction, in many cases, we can continue to meet online or over the phone while you’re away. However, please inform your therapist in advance so that they can look into any relevant laws and regulations pertaining to the delivery of remote sessions in the jurisdiction where you’ll be physically located. Also, remember that sessions will be scheduled in Pacific Time.

How can I get the most out of online therapy?
Online therapy appointments are conducted with the same high quality and professionalism as in-person visits. To help you get the most from online therapy, here are some tips:
 

  • Create a Private Space: Find a suitable, private room or area of your home that is free of distractions and where you won’t be overheard.
  • Eliminate Noise and Distractions: Close any doors or windows, turn off the television, and keep loud pets in another room if possible. Arrange childcare prior to the appointment. Unless you are using your phone for the session, consider turning it on silent and setting it aside.
  • Improve Sound Quality: If there’s background or ambient noise, consider using headphones (ideally wireless or with a longer cord so that you can move freely in the session).
  • Check Your Video: Make sure there’s ample lighting in order that your therapist can see you clearly.
  • Have a Strong and Reliable Internet Connection: If you have the option, run an ethernet cable to your computer instead of using Wi-Fi or, if you prefer Wi-Fi, place your router in a central and unobstructed location, consider using a Wi-Fi extender or booster, and secure your Wi-Fi with a password so that others aren’t using it (which reduces your Wi-Fi bandwidth).
  • Sit at a Desk/Table or on a Couch: Emotion-Focused Therapy and many therapies are more than just “talk therapy.” It’s not uncommon for therapists to offer ways of working which may involve a bit of movement. Sitting in a chair or on a couch will most closely resemble being in an in-person counselling session with a therapist.
  • Use a Computer Instead of a Phone: It’s important for your session to feel as close to an in-person session as possible to create the most engaging and authentic encounter. As therapists, we rely heavily on nonverbal communication in our work, including spontaneous body movement. Holding a phone limits movement, often grows tiring, and provides a smaller window into your experience.
Will my insurance cover online therapy?

Many, if not most, insurance agencies recognize the effectiveness of online therapy and are increasingly providing coverage for online services. However, please check with your insurance carrier prior to scheduling if you’re uncertain.

How does billing work for online sessions?

Many clients prefer to have their sessions held remotely via a secure videoconferencing platform and, occasionally, over the phone. This has caused some unique billing challenges as we are not able to greet clients and accept payment for their services in person. As such, a credit card is required to be held on file for all clients who are engaged in remote-based sessions, unless alternate payment arrangements are made. The credit card on file will be billed for any remote session fees at the time the appointment occurs, as payment is due at the time services are rendered.

Get the Therapy You Need Without Leaving Your Home

If you’re interested in online therapy, please contact us. We’ll discuss your preference and whether it’s the right fit for your particular needs to ensure you get the most from the therapy process.

WORK WITH US

Get Started With Oceanside Psychology Group

Life can be challenging. Feelings can be difficult.
Let's change the way you feel today...
Life can be challenging. Feelings can be difficult. Let's change the way you feel today...

If you’re ready to have more of the emotions you want, less of the emotions you don’t want, and lead a more fulfilling life, we’re here to support you on your journey.