Content warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention substance use-related topics that could be triggering to the reader. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Support is available 24/7. Please see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.
Online therapy can reduce many barriers to receiving treatment for specific individuals. Studies show that most people feel most comfortable at home. For this reason, many prefer meeting with a provider there from a home office or where ever clients feel most comfortable. An online counselor can perform many types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), art therapy, talk therapy, dialectal behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based therapy.
According to a New York Times blog, the model of online therapy with a licensed therapist wasn't always well received. In the 1990s, some start-up companies faced harsh criticisms for the untested business model, which eschewed doctor-presided sessions in favor of online or mailing correspondence. However, as the years went by, more patients revealed that these types of programs worked for them, and they preferred it to in-person therapy.
By 2010, more people were using the online option worldwide. Several studies in Sweden reported that online CBT services offered by an approved therapist in the country proved effective for treating depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, gambling and marijuana dependence. Although many individuals opt to receive these treatments, they may wonder whether the therapists are as qualified as in-person therapists.
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A home counselor might be the professional who can help you
Many online platforms and individual one-on-one practice therapists work online. When looking for a therapist, look for one accredited by the American Psychological Association or State Board. If a therapist does not appear to be licensed or does not work for a platform that ensures licensure, they may not be qualified to provide counseling.
Unqualified or "free" counselors from non-reputable counseling agencies or counseling services could offer unhelpful advice or cause worsening symptoms. Meeting someone who has not been licensed can be like meeting someone on a social media platform and asking for advice. Online chats can offer support but are not a replacement for medical advice.
If you are facing or witnessing the abuse of any kind, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text "START" to 88788.
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources.
Online therapists that have been vetted and have a license and clinical experience are qualified to offer therapy.
Becoming a home counselor
To be qualified to offer therapy, a therapist must receive a license to practice awarded by their state licensing board. Licensing therapist requirements can vary by state but generally include the following:
Obtaining a Master’s or doctoral degree in psychology or a related field
Complete 1500-6000 hours of clinically supervised career experience
A passing score on state-required licensing exams
A passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology exam (EPPP)
If you're considering signing up for an online platform, check their requirements for hired therapists through the platform. If the platforms or agencies only hire licensed therapists, you may be safe to sign up.
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The benefits of seeking online counseling or a home counselor
There can be many benefits to seeking online counseling from a licensed therapist. Many people feel nervous or embarrassed to seek counseling options in person. Additionally, some individuals struggle to set and keep appointments or commute to a weekly session if they have a busy schedule. Online counseling can offer several benefits, such as:
No commute
Flexible hours
More options
A choice between video, phone, and live chat sessions
Affordable prices
The ability to read a therapist's bio before starting therapy with a housing counselor
People housing social anxiety or fears about therapy or starting new relationships may feel most comfortable using the live chat function to talk to their behavioral health counselor, which is an option on many platforms.
What can online counseling treat?
In most senses, online counseling can cover as many topics or conditions as traditional therapy. You can find counseling services for eating disorders, dependency, marriage counseling, mood disorders, relationship improvement, self-esteem, stress, and life advice. Since you are meeting with a licensed counselor trained in the same areas as in-person therapists, you can talk to them about anything, and they can refer you to outside services if needed.
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A home counselor might be the professional who can help you
To begin home counseling, you only need the internet and a device. You can sign up for home counseling services by searching for one on a search engine and paying a visit to their website or asking your primary care physician for a referral. Local counselors in your area might offer telehealth services or know someone who does. If you want to try a counseling platform from home, many are available with differing price points – so you can find a counselor that fits into your financial plan. One benefit of shopping searching online is that you can see the cost of counseling before committing and in many cases pay online as well.
Connecting with counselors on a platform
The University of Zurich found that online therapy is more effective in the long term than traditional therapy. In their study, 53% of clients no longer experienced depression by the end of online treatment, as opposed to 50% for in-person treatment. At three months post-treatment, 57% of online therapy clients no longer experienced depressive symptoms, compared to 42% of in-person therapy users.
You will need an internet connection and a personal device to sign up for therapy online. You can connect through a platform like BetterHelp for individuals, Regain for couples, or TeenCounseling. You may attend your session from a computer, phone, iPad, or another smart device. Sessions with your therapist can be held via phone call, video chat, or live messaging and the fee structure for each may vary.
Takeaway
Technology has provided expanded reach to online counseling. Online counseling can be a practical choice for those who face barriers to traditional therapy. Additionally, online counselors are often qualified and have received the same education and licensure requirements that those practicing traditional therapy have. If you're unsure whether a counselor is licensed, check the terms and conditions of the online platform that hired them or their credentials. If you're ready to get started with therapy, consider reaching out to a counselor to learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about this topic.
Where can I talk to someone about my problems online for free?
Help lines and text lines can be useful services for those in crisis who need to speak with someone for immediate guidance without having to pay. Some examples include:
Are home counselors qualified to help me with housing and urban development (HUD) guidance as related to discrimination per the Civil Rights Act?
Home counselors give advice and resources for clients who are looking to rent, finance, or buy a home. According to the HUD.gov website, you can call 800-569-4287 to get help finding an approved counselor or counseling agency in your area, whether you’re looking for assistance finding housing appropriate for your financial situation or guidance on choosing a mortgage or addressing credit issues. For those who are looking for support with a housing discrimination case, a housing counselor may be able to help them file a complaint.
Are there low-cost options for home counseling?
There are home counseling options available for little or no cost. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a search tool to assist individuals and families in finding these housing counseling agencies and housing counseling services.
How do I find home counseling near me?
If you need counseling, HUD.gov website has a tool to help individuals find housing counselors or a housing counseling agency based on their address and location within the country. You can search by zip code or state to find a local housing counselor who may be able to help you.
What is home counseling and how does it work?
The term “home counseling” can have two meanings. One is a counselor certified through HUD’s housing counseling program. These professionals are trained to offer advice, guidance, counseling, and other forms of support for people related to buying or renting a home. The other meaning is a licensed mental health professional who provides therapy services that people can engage with virtually from the comfort of home.
What are the benefits of a home counselor?
“Home counselor” is a term that can be used to refer to a mental health professional who provides service virtually that people can engage with from the comfort of their home. This type of mental health care can be beneficial for people who have a disability that makes it difficult for them to leave the house, people with busy schedules who aren't able to commute to and from in-person therapy centers or offices regularly, or individuals who simply feel more comfortable speaking about their mental health from a familiar environment. Virtual counseling and therapy are often more affordable than traditional in-person sessions as well.
Who can benefit from home counseling?
People in many different types of situations may benefit from home counseling, or mental health therapy that takes place virtually and can be engaged in from home. Some examples include those who:
Are seeking a more affordable option than in-person sessions
Do not have mental health care providers in their area
Are experiencing physical or mental health symptoms make it difficult to leave the house to attend in-person appointments
What is the meaning of “home counselor”?
When people use the term “home counselor,” they may be referring to one of two types of professionals. The first is a housing counselor, who is trained in offering advice and guidance related to renting or buying a home. The second is a mental health counselor, who provides virtual therapy services that people can take advantage of from home.
What is the purpose of a counselor?
There are many different types of counselors, but in general, most aim to guide clients through a certain type of task or help them address a certain type of challenge. For example, housing counselors may help a person find an apartment within their budget or help a family choose a mortgage for their first home. Substance use counselors aim to help people address symptoms of substance use disorder and improve their overall well-being. Mental health counselors in general may help people address emotional challenges and any mental health symptoms they may be experiencing.
What is counselor self-care?
Counselor self-care refers to a set of practices a mental health counselor may regularly use to maintain their own well-being. Mental health counselors provide emotional support related to serious topics at their jobs every day, and self-care can help them replenish and recharge in order to continue doing their work without experiencing significant negative effects on their own mental health. Some examples of counselor self-care can include seeking counseling themselves, taking regular breaks and time off, and setting clear boundaries with clients.
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
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