Online Therapy in DC

 

Online Therapy in Washington DC

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, our therapists were already providing Teletherapy services. When the stay-at-home orders began in March 2020, our clients and therapists smoothly transitioned to 100% online psychotherapy modality. We envision continue with a hybrid model, working online until we feel safe to return to our in-person psychological services in our brand new suite, and with those clients who prefer the convenience of online therapy.

We have therapists licensed to provide services to VA, MD, and DC. 

 

How does online therapy work?

Our HIPPA-compliant teletherapy platform allows us to meet virtually with our clients. All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone and access to internet through WIFI or your phone carrier data plan. At the time of your appointment, you will sign-in onto the Patient Portal where you will clearly see a button to start your session. You and your therapist will make sure that you can see and hear each other clearly. Occasional “glitches” will be inevitable, usually, they can be resolved by logging off and back on. 

In order to have a positive experience with online therapy we recommend that you:

  • Make sure to choose a private space to hold your session without interruptions and distractions (online counseling commercials depicting clients in swimming pools having their sessions is a no-no for us).
  • Close windows in your computer so that you don’t get distracted by other content and turn-off notifications.
  • Use headphones to increase privacy, improve audio, and reduce background noise.
  • Dress appropriately, some of our therapists work from body-based modalities and are likely to ask to see your entire body at times (even if we can’t see your entire body, you know what you are wearing and this has an impact on you)!
  • Allow a few minutes before and after the session for transitioning from and into your home/work life.

Is online therapy effective?

Online therapy can be as effective as in-person psychotherapy when both the therapist and client work intentionally. It does require some adjustments, for instance, client and therapists may have to be more explicit about reporting or inquiring about internal reactions (emotions, sensations, movement, etc) to each other as the visual input is more limited.

Remote therapy gives us the opportunity to meet regularly during these unprecedented times, but also, once life goes back to normal, it allows for flexibility and convenience by eliminating the need to commute to the office when work gets busy or for those who travel frequently.