Therapists in Arlington, VA
![Photo of Terra Jones-Steele, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e7a5144-6fdd-46bb-8712-2452609aea62/1/320x400.jpeg)
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
![Photo of Serena Anand-Bruttig, PsyD, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f5c00a53-dfca-4dce-84fa-4bfea211bcd9/1/320x400.jpeg)
You may be seeking therapy to process, cope with, or make sense of a challenging life transition. Perhaps you are looking for a space to reflect on past and current relationships, and to better understand yourself and others. Maybe something just feels "off," and you can't quite put a finger on what it is. In therapy, we will work together to put down what is heavy, unpack what has been bottled up, and explore possibilities that may offer you change or relief.
You may be seeking therapy to process, cope with, or make sense of a challenging life transition. Perhaps you are looking for a space to reflect on past and current relationships, and to better understand yourself and others. Maybe something just feels "off," and you can't quite put a finger on what it is. In therapy, we will work together to put down what is heavy, unpack what has been bottled up, and explore possibilities that may offer you change or relief.
![Photo of Victoria Colborn Bathe, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be028c32-69d1-45f3-9e6b-83169ff5423f/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with couples aiming to repair bonds and foster trust, as well as individuals hoping to improve the quality of their lives. My clients seek help for a range of concerns, including relationship issues, anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, and life transitions. Healing wounds from the past while juggling the responsibilities and realities of today can lead to feeling stuck, stressed, or like there simply has to be more to life. If this sounds like you, now might be the time to work with a psychologist who can help.
I specialize in working with couples aiming to repair bonds and foster trust, as well as individuals hoping to improve the quality of their lives. My clients seek help for a range of concerns, including relationship issues, anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, and life transitions. Healing wounds from the past while juggling the responsibilities and realities of today can lead to feeling stuck, stressed, or like there simply has to be more to life. If this sounds like you, now might be the time to work with a psychologist who can help.
![Photo of Sara Rosenquist, PhD, ABPP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46910756-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Understanding the connection between mental and physical health is essential for overall well-being. I'm Dr. Sara Rosenquist, a licensed psychologist with a specialization in health psychology. My practice is dedicated to helping individuals manage the psychological aspects of physical health conditions, improve their health behaviors, and achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.
Understanding the connection between mental and physical health is essential for overall well-being. I'm Dr. Sara Rosenquist, a licensed psychologist with a specialization in health psychology. My practice is dedicated to helping individuals manage the psychological aspects of physical health conditions, improve their health behaviors, and achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.
![Photo of Neha Pancholi Patel, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44a0b220-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Patel specializes in treating eating disorders and OCD. She also treats adolescent behavioral issues, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, low self-esteem, and self-injury. Dr. Patel is specialized in working with adolescents to decrease their maladaptive behaviors, learn and implement adaptive coping skills and increase positive interactions between the adolescent and family members. Dr. Patel is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and utilizes evidence based approaches with her clients.
Dr. Patel specializes in treating eating disorders and OCD. She also treats adolescent behavioral issues, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, low self-esteem, and self-injury. Dr. Patel is specialized in working with adolescents to decrease their maladaptive behaviors, learn and implement adaptive coping skills and increase positive interactions between the adolescent and family members. Dr. Patel is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and utilizes evidence based approaches with her clients.
![Photo of Jared Neslen, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fc47ab36-f18d-42f5-9651-7e4fbd97f4f4/2/320x400.jpeg)
I've been there. Trying to find the right therapist and questioning if I have the courage to do this, or if I even really need a counselor. Maybe you are trying to find the right fit, maybe you are questioning if it is worth it. You got this! My goals are to help you find your power and courage to know that you can do difficult things. I work with clients who are motivated, and willing to keep going despite the challenges. I work with individuals, couples, and groups and my style is open, encouraging, compassionate, challenging, and fun. Lets find your courage!
I've been there. Trying to find the right therapist and questioning if I have the courage to do this, or if I even really need a counselor. Maybe you are trying to find the right fit, maybe you are questioning if it is worth it. You got this! My goals are to help you find your power and courage to know that you can do difficult things. I work with clients who are motivated, and willing to keep going despite the challenges. I work with individuals, couples, and groups and my style is open, encouraging, compassionate, challenging, and fun. Lets find your courage!
![Photo of Michelle Swanson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db677e6a-dfa4-482e-904c-3559167bde62/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Swanson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22207 (Online Only)
Michelle Swanson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience. She works with adults to address issues including bipolar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders. She also assists with concerns such as grief and loss, relationship issues, chronic illness, and peripartum anxiety and depression. Michelle has spent time in community mental health, inpatient psychiatry, crisis intervention, disaster response, and medical social work. She has additional expertise working with veterans, seniors, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Michelle Swanson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience. She works with adults to address issues including bipolar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders. She also assists with concerns such as grief and loss, relationship issues, chronic illness, and peripartum anxiety and depression. Michelle has spent time in community mental health, inpatient psychiatry, crisis intervention, disaster response, and medical social work. She has additional expertise working with veterans, seniors, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
![Photo of Sean Maloney, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a5b31f24-c70c-4beb-804a-c41d6fe0e62b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you are an executive working to find your rhythm in leadership, a member of the armed services struggling with return from deployment, a young adult questioning your sexual orientation, a couple trying to inspire the next phase of your relationship, or an athlete trying to push through a frustrating plateau, my solution-focused approach will help you accomplish your therapeutic goals. Relying on humor, frank dialogue, compassion, and strong interpersonal skills, I work quickly to break down barriers of discomfort and vulnerability to create a safe space for people from any walk of life.
Whether you are an executive working to find your rhythm in leadership, a member of the armed services struggling with return from deployment, a young adult questioning your sexual orientation, a couple trying to inspire the next phase of your relationship, or an athlete trying to push through a frustrating plateau, my solution-focused approach will help you accomplish your therapeutic goals. Relying on humor, frank dialogue, compassion, and strong interpersonal skills, I work quickly to break down barriers of discomfort and vulnerability to create a safe space for people from any walk of life.
![Photo of Leonard Brisendine, LPC, MS, CSAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3024bef-5e03-427c-bcef-9b6b078243d3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Leonard Brisendine
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS, CSAC
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209 (Online Only)
Hello. My name is Lenny Brisendine. I am credentialed in DC and Virginia as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. My professional orientation is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness. I offer online therapy and flexible scheduling including Saturday hours, plus an initial free 15 minute video session so you can decide if we are a good match.
Hello. My name is Lenny Brisendine. I am credentialed in DC and Virginia as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. My professional orientation is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness. I offer online therapy and flexible scheduling including Saturday hours, plus an initial free 15 minute video session so you can decide if we are a good match.
![Photo of Emma Ratpojanakul, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/add1fbe5-ee88-4072-aaff-230e3af0fde7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Seeking therapy is a courageous step toward taking control of your life. Whether you’re dealing with a specific issue or simply looking for personal growth, therapy can be a transformative process. I love working with clients who are experiencing life transitions, dealing with relationship issues, processing racial or cultural identity (especially for the AAPI community), managing an ADHD diagnosis, or are stuck in a cycle of depressive thoughts and anxious feelings. I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey to a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Seeking therapy is a courageous step toward taking control of your life. Whether you’re dealing with a specific issue or simply looking for personal growth, therapy can be a transformative process. I love working with clients who are experiencing life transitions, dealing with relationship issues, processing racial or cultural identity (especially for the AAPI community), managing an ADHD diagnosis, or are stuck in a cycle of depressive thoughts and anxious feelings. I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey to a more balanced, fulfilling life.
![Photo of Jamie Alperin, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e28733da-edf8-42c4-8ae0-8c33017416ec/1/320x400.png)
I strive to foster an inclusive, trusting, and safe environment for my clients to freely explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. I greatly value an integrative and holistic approach to mental health and utilize a combination of evidence-based cognitive-behavioral and insight-oriented psychodynamic techniques. I believe in a personalized experience for each of my clients, viewing everyone’s journey as unique, and tailoring sessions to meet my client’s specific needs and goals.
I strive to foster an inclusive, trusting, and safe environment for my clients to freely explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. I greatly value an integrative and holistic approach to mental health and utilize a combination of evidence-based cognitive-behavioral and insight-oriented psychodynamic techniques. I believe in a personalized experience for each of my clients, viewing everyone’s journey as unique, and tailoring sessions to meet my client’s specific needs and goals.
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![Photo of Allison Hahn, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c0553b0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Emotional suffering, while it can be scary and challenging, usually represents an enormous opportunity for growth. Embarking on psychotherapy represents an important step towards that growth. Although this process may seem daunting, psychotherapy represents a unique opportunity to learn about yourself, your relationships and your history and their impact on your life. We will work with the here-and-now experience to more deeply understand your relational patterns and their origins. Working through your unique experiences and patterns, will generate self-acceptance, compassion, greater insight and clarity and help you navigate life and relationships with greater authenticity, integrity and wisdom.
Emotional suffering, while it can be scary and challenging, usually represents an enormous opportunity for growth. Embarking on psychotherapy represents an important step towards that growth. Although this process may seem daunting, psychotherapy represents a unique opportunity to learn about yourself, your relationships and your history and their impact on your life. We will work with the here-and-now experience to more deeply understand your relational patterns and their origins. Working through your unique experiences and patterns, will generate self-acceptance, compassion, greater insight and clarity and help you navigate life and relationships with greater authenticity, integrity and wisdom.
![Photo of Varsha Balijepalli, LPC-R](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff234157-df05-4e09-90dd-0525ca7739e7/1/320x400.jpeg)
My motto as a therapist is to provide clients with unconditional positive regard and a solid therapeutic relationship. I believe that with caring and nurturance, there is no wound that cannot be healed and no fear that cannot be overcome. Together, we will discover your current alignment with your "authentic self " and work towards becoming your highest self/ best version. We are all work in progress, and while you may only see the seeds in you, I already see the flowers blooming in you. My aim is to offer you a gentle, sensitive, empathic and non-judgemental relationship, permitting you to reach a point of illumination and healing.
My motto as a therapist is to provide clients with unconditional positive regard and a solid therapeutic relationship. I believe that with caring and nurturance, there is no wound that cannot be healed and no fear that cannot be overcome. Together, we will discover your current alignment with your "authentic self " and work towards becoming your highest self/ best version. We are all work in progress, and while you may only see the seeds in you, I already see the flowers blooming in you. My aim is to offer you a gentle, sensitive, empathic and non-judgemental relationship, permitting you to reach a point of illumination and healing.
![Photo of Heather D Sheets - Dr. Heather Sheets, PLLC, PsyD , Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d47f5e8b-1385-46f6-bc70-8945168ccbb5/2/320x400.jpeg)
There are certain transition points in life: moments when you identify a shift in your inner dialogue, or you recognize a need for lasting change, or you decide it’s time to choose which of your life experiences should be footnotes and which should be part of your greater narrative. I believe these are moments of opportunity—and together, we can use the discomfort caused by life changes, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, or other stressors to navigate the next portion of your life journey in a brave, healthy direction. I look forward to learning more about you and your goals for change.
There are certain transition points in life: moments when you identify a shift in your inner dialogue, or you recognize a need for lasting change, or you decide it’s time to choose which of your life experiences should be footnotes and which should be part of your greater narrative. I believe these are moments of opportunity—and together, we can use the discomfort caused by life changes, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, or other stressors to navigate the next portion of your life journey in a brave, healthy direction. I look forward to learning more about you and your goals for change.
![Photo of Henriette Kellum, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63f51a04-a87c-462f-87d4-5cd687da9eb3/2/320x400.jpeg)
welcome. I hope that I can be helpful to you. I work with young adults, persons in mid life and older adults who need help with a variety of issues including challenging life events, transition and change, loss, grief, illness, depression, anxiety, caregiving and resource awareness. My goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of my clients who are struggling with life challenges. I do this by listening empathically, guiding my clients through personal exploration and providing support as they do so. I also provide resource information as appropriate.
welcome. I hope that I can be helpful to you. I work with young adults, persons in mid life and older adults who need help with a variety of issues including challenging life events, transition and change, loss, grief, illness, depression, anxiety, caregiving and resource awareness. My goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of my clients who are struggling with life challenges. I do this by listening empathically, guiding my clients through personal exploration and providing support as they do so. I also provide resource information as appropriate.
![Photo of Kyle Rose, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/143865f9-2f9d-4f03-8835-4585eeccb734/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kyle approaches counseling with warmth and respectful curiosity. He enjoys connecting with people and is enthusiastic, but he balances this with a gentle demeanor and situation-responsive solemnity. With humanistic and relational-cultural foundations, Kyle incorporates evidence-informed strategies from several modalities based on each person's experiences. He appreciates the counseling relationship as a mechanism itself, emotion as a source of information and therapeutic process, and collaborative constructions of meaning and insight that mobilize strengths.
Kyle approaches counseling with warmth and respectful curiosity. He enjoys connecting with people and is enthusiastic, but he balances this with a gentle demeanor and situation-responsive solemnity. With humanistic and relational-cultural foundations, Kyle incorporates evidence-informed strategies from several modalities based on each person's experiences. He appreciates the counseling relationship as a mechanism itself, emotion as a source of information and therapeutic process, and collaborative constructions of meaning and insight that mobilize strengths.
![Photo of Rolando J. Díaz, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c5260ca-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My practice serves a wide variety of persons, emphasizing depression and anxiety. I work with children as young as six, but the majority of my practice now centers on work with adolescents and adults.
My client and I try to develop a collaborative relationship that incorporates various elements, including expectations for outcome, open communication with my client, and the creation of an environment that fosters trust. I favor a pragmatic, experience-based approach that emphasizes coping skills, resilience, and each person's strengths. I also emphasize an understanding and respect for the role that emotions play in decision-making.
My practice serves a wide variety of persons, emphasizing depression and anxiety. I work with children as young as six, but the majority of my practice now centers on work with adolescents and adults.
My client and I try to develop a collaborative relationship that incorporates various elements, including expectations for outcome, open communication with my client, and the creation of an environment that fosters trust. I favor a pragmatic, experience-based approach that emphasizes coping skills, resilience, and each person's strengths. I also emphasize an understanding and respect for the role that emotions play in decision-making.
![Photo of Jerry Romero, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84029037-ace0-4bb0-be3d-8f4c5fec1fd5/1/320x400.jpeg)
A few of my practices include cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and reality therapy to help address issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, addiction, sex distress, or other concerns. I'm an advocate for mental, physical, and spiritual health. I enjoy building a trusting relationship with every client to help empower them and help them become better versions of themselves.
A few of my practices include cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and reality therapy to help address issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, addiction, sex distress, or other concerns. I'm an advocate for mental, physical, and spiritual health. I enjoy building a trusting relationship with every client to help empower them and help them become better versions of themselves.
![Photo of Alexandra Johnson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/31c3ed2d-c6e3-49b6-b91d-32bffd457848/1/320x400.jpeg)
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
![Photo of Rebecca A.e. Smith, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8043832b-b4c4-4a4b-919b-508e15d267a8/2/320x400.jpeg)
For my patients, things often look pretty impressive on the outside, but in their heads it’s a different story. The overachievers, the perfectionists, the people pleasers — no one in their lives might even guess they’re struggling. They look like they’ve got it all together. Despite being intelligent, effective, ambitious women, life isn’t as perfect as it seems. They feel anxious, stressed, unfulfilled, and burnt out; they’re critical of themselves; they’re dealing with the very real ups and downs of this particular season of life. They doubt themselves more than most people who have achieved half of what they have.
For my patients, things often look pretty impressive on the outside, but in their heads it’s a different story. The overachievers, the perfectionists, the people pleasers — no one in their lives might even guess they’re struggling. They look like they’ve got it all together. Despite being intelligent, effective, ambitious women, life isn’t as perfect as it seems. They feel anxious, stressed, unfulfilled, and burnt out; they’re critical of themselves; they’re dealing with the very real ups and downs of this particular season of life. They doubt themselves more than most people who have achieved half of what they have.
See more therapy options for Arlington
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Arlington, VA
1,000+
Average cost per session
$175
Therapists in Arlington, VA who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
90% | Depression |
77% | Relationship Issues |
75% | Self Esteem |
68% | Stress |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Coping Skills |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
67% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
62% | Aetna |
61% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Arlington, VA see their clients
53% | In Person and Online | |
47% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
81% | Female | |
18% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Arlington?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.