Online Therapy FAQs: What to Know Before Your First Virtual Session
Online Therapy FAQs: What to Know Before Your First Virtual Session
Online therapy can make receiving support more convenient and accessible—especially when commuting, work schedules, childcare, health needs, or distance make attending in-person appointments difficult.
If you are considering virtual therapy through the Center for Integrative Change, here are answers to some of the questions we receive most often.
Do You Offer Online Therapy in California?
Short answer: Yes.
The Center for Integrative Change has associate therapists and licensed therapists who provide online therapy to clients located in California.
Therapists and associate therapists practice under state-specific licenses or registrations. This means that, in most circumstances, a California clinician may provide therapy only when the client is physically located in California at the time of the session.
You do not need to live near one of our physical offices to receive virtual therapy. If you are located anywhere within California during your appointment, we can help connect you with an appropriate California clinician based on availability, your needs, and the clinician’s scope of practice.
Can I Attend Therapy From Anywhere in California?
Yes. You may attend online therapy from anywhere within California when working with a clinician authorized to practice in the state.
At the beginning of each appointment, your therapist may confirm your current physical location. This information is important for emergency planning and safety purposes.
If you normally live in California but are traveling outside the state or country, your California clinician may be unable to conduct the session while you are away. Please notify your therapist before traveling so you can discuss whether the appointment must be rescheduled.
Do You Offer Online Therapy in Pennsylvania?
Short answer: Yes.
The Center for Integrative Change has clinicians who are licensed in Pennsylvania and can provide online therapy to eligible clients who are physically located within the state at the time of their appointments.
Clinician availability may vary, so our client care team can help you determine which therapist may be the best fit for your needs and schedule.
Can I Attend Therapy From Anywhere in Pennsylvania?
Yes. When working with a therapist licensed in Pennsylvania, you may generally attend your virtual session from anywhere within Pennsylvania.
Your therapist may confirm your physical location at the beginning of each session for emergency and safety purposes.
If you are temporarily traveling outside Pennsylvania, please let your therapist know ahead of time. Depending on where you will be located, your therapist may not be permitted to provide therapy until you return to Pennsylvania.
What Is the Difference Between Online Therapy and Coaching?
The Center for Integrative Change offers therapy as well as coaching services.
Therapy is a clinical mental health service delivered by a licensed or registered mental health professional. The clinician must follow the licensing requirements applicable to the state where the client is physically located.
Coaching is not psychotherapy or mental health treatment. Coaching services may be available to clients outside the states where our therapists are licensed, including some out-of-state and international clients, when legally and clinically appropriate.
Clients receiving coaching enter into a coaching agreement rather than a therapy informed consent agreement. Coaching sessions are not eligible for insurance reimbursement and are not a replacement for therapy, crisis care, or other necessary mental health treatment.
Our client care team can help you understand which option may be appropriate for your circumstances.
Can I Attend Online Therapy From Home?
Yes. One of the primary benefits of virtual therapy is the ability to attend appointments from the comfort of your home.
We recommend choosing a private, quiet, and uninterrupted location where you feel comfortable speaking openly. Using headphones and letting others in your household know that you need privacy may also help protect the confidentiality of your session.
Some clients attend from a private home office, bedroom, or another secure location. You should avoid participating while driving or from a public place where your conversation may be overheard.
How Do Virtual Therapy Sessions Work?
The Center for Integrative Change uses SimplePractice for secure virtual appointments.
Before your scheduled session, you will receive information explaining how to access your appointment. Depending on your notification settings, you may receive the link through email, text, or your SimplePractice Client Portal.
You can generally join from a:
Desktop or laptop computer
Tablet
Smartphone
Compatible mobile app
Before your appointment, make sure that you have a reliable internet connection and that your device’s camera, microphone, and speakers are working.
If you experience difficulty accessing your appointment, contact your therapist or the Center for Integrative Change for assistance.
Can Couples Attend Virtual Counseling Together?
Yes. Couples may attend virtual counseling together using the same device or, when appropriate, separate devices.
Both partners generally must be physically located in a state where the therapist is authorized to practice at the time of the appointment. They do not necessarily have to be in the same room or physical location unless the clinician determines that attending together is important for clinical, privacy, or safety reasons.
Your therapist will explain any specific expectations before or during your first couples counseling session.
Is Online Therapy as Private as In-Person Therapy?
Virtual sessions are conducted through a secure telehealth platform. However, clients also play an important role in protecting their privacy.
For greater confidentiality:
Attend from a private location.
Use headphones when possible.
Avoid public Wi-Fi networks.
Close unnecessary applications and browser windows.
Make sure others cannot overhear your conversation.
Do not record a session without the clinician’s prior written permission.
Your therapist can address any questions or concerns you have about telehealth privacy.
What Happens If the Internet Connection Stops Working?
Technology does not always cooperate. If the video connection freezes or disconnects, try rejoining the appointment using the original link.
Your therapist may also discuss a backup communication plan with you, such as contacting you by telephone if the video platform stops working. Make sure the practice has your current telephone number before the session begins.
Is Online Therapy Right for Everyone?
Online therapy can be effective and convenient, but it may not be appropriate for every person or situation.
Your clinician will consider your needs, privacy, safety, location, access to technology, and treatment goals when determining whether virtual services are suitable. Some situations may require in-person treatment, a higher level of care, or emergency services.
Online therapy is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are experiencing an immediate emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Ready to Begin Online Therapy?
The Center for Integrative Change offers virtual therapy options for eligible clients located in California and Pennsylvania. Coaching services may also be available for some clients located elsewhere.
Our client care team can help you explore current openings and identify a clinician whose experience, availability, and approach align with what you are looking for.
Contact the Center for Integrative Change to schedule a free 15-minute consultation and take the next step toward support.
Meet Jorden!
About The Author
Jorden Groenink, MS, LMFT (154707), LPCC (22741) CPTT, is a lisenced marriage and family therapist. She has been trained in Experiential Therapy and loves working with couples and individuals who want to experience a more fulfilling life. Jorden wholeheartedly believes that every person is worthy of love and relationship. When not working with clients or listening to audiobooks, Jorden enjoys spending time with her family (husband, son, dog, & cat) and doing DIY projects around her house.
