What You Need to Know about Video Counseling

Who could have predicted the changes 2020 had in store? A virus changed the world. As a result, thousands got sick and death rates increased daily. Businesses closed their doors and countless people lost their jobs. Concern for family, health and paying bills increased as weeks turned into months! All of the fear and uncertainty led to feelings of loneliness, anxiety and depression, which made stressful life even more difficult. In response, counselors said, “We can help!” but just how helpful is video counseling?

One person recently said, “I reluctantly went into my first virtual session wondering the usual barrage of ‘what if’ type thoughts…” Questions like this are common: What if . . . it doesn’t help? What if . . . my insurance won’t pay? What if . . .

IS COUNSELING EFFECTIVE IF IT IS NOT FACE TO FACE?

When the first crisis hotlines started we wondered,”Is it really helpful?” Later, telephone counseling for for personal, couple and family problems led us to ask if this is as helpful as face-to-face counseling. Fortunately we have done more research and found very good results!

While there is a lot of research showing positive results, I’ve listed just a few here. The Journal of Counseling Psychology in 2002 published a survey of 186 people who received both telephone and face-to-face therapy. Clients said that telephone counseling helped them feel better. And more than 82% reported that their problems got better.  The majority said they were satisfied with the telephone counseling experience. And most rated their connection with the counselor to be similar to their face-to-face counseling experience.

Another report published in The Journal of Affective Disorders in 2014 looked at the treatment of depression. It found an internet group counseling model was more helpful over time than a group face-to-face program.  Finally, an article in Psychiatric Services in 2007 reported on patients who received services face-to-face compared to virtual sessions. This report found outcomes and satisfaction were similar in both groups.

Video Counseling May Not Be Right for Everyone

Even though studies show good results, video counseling may not be best for all situations. Some people need counseling through in-patient settings rather than face-to-face. In the same way, it may not be best for some people to rely on just video counseling. Contact Ray Sibert to see if video counseling is right for you: ray@lightfindinghope.com or 512-468-2365.

ARE VIDEO COUNSELING SESSIONS SAFE?

Privacy

This is an important question!  Professional ethical guidelines for confidentiality and security of records have always been a priority! Then in 1996 the federal government passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This increased the awareness of the public about confidentiality.

What About Video Counseling? Is it Safe?

As technology progressed, HIPAA and professional counseling rules added requirements and best practices for video counseling. Video sessions have to be encrypted, and the the service provider has to meet all HIPAA guidelines.  To meet these guidelines, all of Ray Sibert’s video sessions are secured by Doxy.me.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO ACCESS SECURE SERVICES?

When you schedule a session with Ray Sibert, Ray will send you a link to the virtual waiting room. Click on the link before the scheduled time and “check in;” your session will begin soon. You can use your smartphone or computer.  Be sure to have a strong internet connection to create the best counseling experience!

Find a Quiet and Private Place

Even if you wear headphones during the counseling session, others may be able to hear what you say. Because of this, a private room or location is important.  And, for safety reasons, counseling sessions are not conducted on your smartphone when you are driving!

CONCLUSION

The current social climate does present challenges. Effective and secure counseling sessions are available when you schedule video sessions with Ray Sibert. Ray can answer your insurance questions too.

COUNSELOR TELEHEALTH TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Ray Sibert, M.MFT, LPC-S

• Twenty-four years of experience providing telephone counseling, crisis intervention, consultation and coaching.
• Has completed Texas’ required continuing education for certification in providing telehealth services.
• Has completed hundreds of video sessions since March 2020.
• Uses Doxy.me to provide secure sessions.

CLIENT EXPERIENCE WITH VIDEO COUNSELING SESSIONS

• “I have found that virtual counseling has proved to be as impactful as meeting face to face. My home is a place where I find comfort. Being within this setting during the virtual counseling sessions has proved to be a relaxing setting. The technology has allowed for additional flexibility in regards to time and travel/commuting restraints.” – C
• “I reluctantly went into my first virtual session wondering the usual barrage of ‘what if’ type thoughts, only to find massive relief at the end of the session . . .” – R