Photo of Dominique Begnaud, MA, LPC-MO, LCPC-IL, ATR, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dominique Begnaud
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-MO, LCPC-IL, ATR, NCC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63118
Life is challenging. So many ebbs and flows. I recognize that and would love to help you on your journey. We can all use a little support from time to time. Relationships can be difficult to manage. Setting (and keeping) boundaries at home, at work, or within relationships is hard work. If you or your child are looking for support with issues such as anxiety, depression, bullying, domestic violence, abuse or trauma, I'd love to help. I use creative therapy techniques in-person and via tele-health to support you or your child.
Life is challenging. So many ebbs and flows. I recognize that and would love to help you on your journey. We can all use a little support from time to time. Relationships can be difficult to manage. Setting (and keeping) boundaries at home, at work, or within relationships is hard work. If you or your child are looking for support with issues such as anxiety, depression, bullying, domestic violence, abuse or trauma, I'd love to help. I use creative therapy techniques in-person and via tele-health to support you or your child.
(314) 748-0120 View (314) 748-0120
Photo of Megan Barken, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Megan Barken
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63123
I also love to work with people through relationship and intimacy issues, grief and loss, blended family struggles, women's issues, and trauma.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who offers mental health therapy to a variety of clients, each with their own specific needs and goals. Based on my own personal experience and years in the mental health and substance use field, I believe therapy can help each of us greatly if we are willing to do the work. My mission is to provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment for you to work through challenges and live a healthy and full life. My job as a therapist is not to "fix" anyone, but rather to help and guide you through life's ups and downs. I enjoy working with teens, adults, couples, and families!
I also love to work with people through relationship and intimacy issues, grief and loss, blended family struggles, women's issues, and trauma.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who offers mental health therapy to a variety of clients, each with their own specific needs and goals. Based on my own personal experience and years in the mental health and substance use field, I believe therapy can help each of us greatly if we are willing to do the work. My mission is to provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment for you to work through challenges and live a healthy and full life. My job as a therapist is not to "fix" anyone, but rather to help and guide you through life's ups and downs. I enjoy working with teens, adults, couples, and families!
(314) 370-1146 View (314) 370-1146
Photo of undefined - Healing Exchange LLC, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Healing Exchange LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63108
Are you ready to set healthy boundaries in your relationships? Have you been wanting to explore your sexuality but didn't know where to start? Is your non-monogamous relationship experiencing friction? Maybe you are the survivor, strong friend, and problem solver who appears to have it all together. Yet on the inside you feel overwhelmed while also wondering, "Is this worth going to therapy for?" If your boundaries leave you questioning yourself, if you want to explore your sexuality, or if you and your partner(s) want support, it's worth going to therapy for. Our relationship, sexuality, and trauma experts are here for you.
Are you ready to set healthy boundaries in your relationships? Have you been wanting to explore your sexuality but didn't know where to start? Is your non-monogamous relationship experiencing friction? Maybe you are the survivor, strong friend, and problem solver who appears to have it all together. Yet on the inside you feel overwhelmed while also wondering, "Is this worth going to therapy for?" If your boundaries leave you questioning yourself, if you want to explore your sexuality, or if you and your partner(s) want support, it's worth going to therapy for. Our relationship, sexuality, and trauma experts are here for you.
(314) 593-2416 View (314) 593-2416
Photo of San Mueller, MEd, LPC, NCC, DBT, Licensed Professional Counselor
San Mueller
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC, DBT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63125  (Online Only)
ACT helps people find purpose in their lives, motivational interviewing helps motivate those who feel "stuck" and pro-longed exposure therapy helps those suffering the effects of trauma or abuse.
I have provided counseling and support for adults, adolescents, and families struggling with personal issues and relationship problems for over 25 years. I believe people are doing the best they can but sometimes need to reach out for help and support. I believe we have a purpose in life and sometimes we need help to find that purpose.
ACT helps people find purpose in their lives, motivational interviewing helps motivate those who feel "stuck" and pro-longed exposure therapy helps those suffering the effects of trauma or abuse.
I have provided counseling and support for adults, adolescents, and families struggling with personal issues and relationship problems for over 25 years. I believe people are doing the best they can but sometimes need to reach out for help and support. I believe we have a purpose in life and sometimes we need help to find that purpose.
(314) 310-1690 View (314) 310-1690
Photo of Megan R Garza, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Megan R Garza
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63109  (Online Only)
I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Missouri & Illinois, certified Trauma Care specialist, EMDR certified, former President of the St.
Using evidence-based techniques, I will help you look for patterns in your thinking or actions that may be causing problems, often rooted in trauma. I will help you establish healthier relationships, develop better coping skills, set boundaries and aid your ability to connect to your body & emotions while learning to regulate them effectively. Using a warm, genuine and goal-focused approach, you can be assured that whatever issue you have come to therapy to address, I will work to gently, but firmly encourage you to help resolve it. I emphasize praise and rewards for achievements, relying on your strengths as motivators for change.
I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Missouri & Illinois, certified Trauma Care specialist, EMDR certified, former President of the St.
Using evidence-based techniques, I will help you look for patterns in your thinking or actions that may be causing problems, often rooted in trauma. I will help you establish healthier relationships, develop better coping skills, set boundaries and aid your ability to connect to your body & emotions while learning to regulate them effectively. Using a warm, genuine and goal-focused approach, you can be assured that whatever issue you have come to therapy to address, I will work to gently, but firmly encourage you to help resolve it. I emphasize praise and rewards for achievements, relying on your strengths as motivators for change.
(314) 310-7664 View (314) 310-7664
Photo of Laura Adamgbo, MA, LPC, NCC, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Laura Adamgbo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63117
Are you going through a major change in your life? Divorce, remarriage, blending a family, new job, new baby? Have you hit a road block in your career? Is anxiety keeping you from living an enriching lifestyle? Do you have unresolved trauma? Do you have a difficult to manage child? I can help you with these sudden roadblocks. During these transitional phases of life, we need a support system to help us gain strength, resilience and maintain a healthy living. I use EMDR, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in working with adult clients and play therapy with my child clients. I act as an advocate, sounding board and gentle challenger.
Are you going through a major change in your life? Divorce, remarriage, blending a family, new job, new baby? Have you hit a road block in your career? Is anxiety keeping you from living an enriching lifestyle? Do you have unresolved trauma? Do you have a difficult to manage child? I can help you with these sudden roadblocks. During these transitional phases of life, we need a support system to help us gain strength, resilience and maintain a healthy living. I use EMDR, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in working with adult clients and play therapy with my child clients. I act as an advocate, sounding board and gentle challenger.
(314) 925-1850 View (314) 925-1850
Photo of Taylor J Scott, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Taylor J Scott
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63108  (Online Only)
I integrate a mixture of Eastern and Western approaches in the therapy process that include the use of mind, body, and spirit in order to heal trauma from within.
I provide a unique and practical approach to therapy that focuses on integrating the spiritual, physical, and emotional parts of a person. This union reduces anxiety and increases confidence along with creativity. We deserve to live from the little fire in our souls, creating the life we not only deeply desire but the one we desperately need. I would love to journey alongside you as you take back your personal power!
I integrate a mixture of Eastern and Western approaches in the therapy process that include the use of mind, body, and spirit in order to heal trauma from within.
I provide a unique and practical approach to therapy that focuses on integrating the spiritual, physical, and emotional parts of a person. This union reduces anxiety and increases confidence along with creativity. We deserve to live from the little fire in our souls, creating the life we not only deeply desire but the one we desperately need. I would love to journey alongside you as you take back your personal power!
(314) 501-9092 View (314) 501-9092
Photo of undefined - KEYte to Change EMDR, LLC, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
KEYte to Change EMDR, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63118
Have you experienced trauma in your life and seem to struggle with the same situations over and over, not knowing how to stop the vicious cycle. Are your emotions problematic, do you repeat unhealthy behaviors, relationships, have an onslaught of negative thoughts and no matter how successful you have become, you feel like a fake, insecure and if people really knew? How many times have you promised that you will stop, alcohol, drugs and really mean it, want it, yet once again fall short. As a veteran, were you in combat, was your military experience depleting, anxiety provoking and your life never the same? What keeps you stuck?
Have you experienced trauma in your life and seem to struggle with the same situations over and over, not knowing how to stop the vicious cycle. Are your emotions problematic, do you repeat unhealthy behaviors, relationships, have an onslaught of negative thoughts and no matter how successful you have become, you feel like a fake, insecure and if people really knew? How many times have you promised that you will stop, alcohol, drugs and really mean it, want it, yet once again fall short. As a veteran, were you in combat, was your military experience depleting, anxiety provoking and your life never the same? What keeps you stuck?
(314) 652-3538 View (314) 652-3538
Photo of Aya B Kawasaki, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Aya B Kawasaki
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63139
I am interested in trauma and lately I used EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) for most of my clients.
My clients are very diverse in age, ethnicity, social economic status, and gender/sexual identity. I would like to be culturally humble and honor your background and identity.
I am interested in trauma and lately I used EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) for most of my clients.
My clients are very diverse in age, ethnicity, social economic status, and gender/sexual identity. I would like to be culturally humble and honor your background and identity.
(314) 804-1545 View (314) 804-1545
Photo of L. Charlie Janski-Ogunfidodo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
L. Charlie Janski-Ogunfidodo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63118  (Online Only)
During my career, I have worked with both individual and group settings, including adults with people living with HIV, veterans, incarcerated people and transgender/gender variant individuals. These populations included people with depression, bi-polar disorder, personality disorders, anxiety, PTSD and depression. I co-facilitated a group for trans youth and co-coordinated it for 6 years. As a proud bisexual, trans man, I love to work with my LGBT communities. I celebrate kinky and poly people. I strive to be an imperfect ally to non-binary trans people and people of color. I take private pay/in person through findingnormalstl.com
During my career, I have worked with both individual and group settings, including adults with people living with HIV, veterans, incarcerated people and transgender/gender variant individuals. These populations included people with depression, bi-polar disorder, personality disorders, anxiety, PTSD and depression. I co-facilitated a group for trans youth and co-coordinated it for 6 years. As a proud bisexual, trans man, I love to work with my LGBT communities. I celebrate kinky and poly people. I strive to be an imperfect ally to non-binary trans people and people of color. I take private pay/in person through findingnormalstl.com
(314) 350-4422 View (314) 350-4422
Photo of Debbie Pullin, MEd, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Debbie Pullin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63141  (Online Only)
Have you experienced trauma? Do you feel anxious, depressed or out of control? Do you want to make changes but are uncertain about how to go about making those changes? Start feeling better TODAY by starting your healing journey! I specialize in abuse, trauma and those who are actively recovering from addiction. I am passionate about helping you transform your life. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, abuse, an addiction, or going through a sad transition; please know that there is always hope to turn things around. Whatever issues you are facing, I would be honored to work with you!
Have you experienced trauma? Do you feel anxious, depressed or out of control? Do you want to make changes but are uncertain about how to go about making those changes? Start feeling better TODAY by starting your healing journey! I specialize in abuse, trauma and those who are actively recovering from addiction. I am passionate about helping you transform your life. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, abuse, an addiction, or going through a sad transition; please know that there is always hope to turn things around. Whatever issues you are facing, I would be honored to work with you!
(314) 287-5466 View (314) 287-5466
Photo of Kathy V Guerra, MEd, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kathy V Guerra
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S
Not Verified Not Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63146
Being solution-focused and having extensive experience with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma,family issues,and an additional specialty of families challenged by developmental disorders, we are a practice with a mission to serve.
"Life is difficult." That's a Scott Peck quote. Healing begins just by embracing this quote. Three simple words, but on a bad day, very true, right? Sunny days seem inaccessible. You've already taken the first step, which is realizing that the listening ear of a therapist just might be helpful. After graduating from Boston U, my emphasis became adolescents, family relationships, and women's issues. This is my practice emphasis, but my door is open to all who are interested in growth and self-reflection.
Being solution-focused and having extensive experience with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma,family issues,and an additional specialty of families challenged by developmental disorders, we are a practice with a mission to serve.
"Life is difficult." That's a Scott Peck quote. Healing begins just by embracing this quote. Three simple words, but on a bad day, very true, right? Sunny days seem inaccessible. You've already taken the first step, which is realizing that the listening ear of a therapist just might be helpful. After graduating from Boston U, my emphasis became adolescents, family relationships, and women's issues. This is my practice emphasis, but my door is open to all who are interested in growth and self-reflection.
(314) 200-0843 View (314) 200-0843
Photo of Chris Scarberry, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Chris Scarberry
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63109
Trained in Prolonged Exposure for trauma.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience working both as a therapist and doing community-based crisis intervention. I enjoy helping clients to maximize their potential by focusing upon their strengths and past successes. I believe that therapy is a cooperative endeavor that should assist the client in discovering his/her/their own abilities and coping strategies. I relish the opportunity to support clients through trying situations and to help them to process grief. I speak at conferences on HIV/AIDS, work with LGBTQIA clients, and other topics. I served on the HIV service funding Planning Council.
Trained in Prolonged Exposure for trauma.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience working both as a therapist and doing community-based crisis intervention. I enjoy helping clients to maximize their potential by focusing upon their strengths and past successes. I believe that therapy is a cooperative endeavor that should assist the client in discovering his/her/their own abilities and coping strategies. I relish the opportunity to support clients through trying situations and to help them to process grief. I speak at conferences on HIV/AIDS, work with LGBTQIA clients, and other topics. I served on the HIV service funding Planning Council.
(314) 877-8381 View (314) 877-8381
Photo of Erin Elking, PLPC, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Erin Elking
Pre-Licensed Professional, PLPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63108
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! I'm glad you found your way here! I'm a dedicated therapist with a passion for helping individuals live a life worth living. I hold a PLPC license and am supervised by an LPC. I have been endorsed by the National Board for Certified Counselors. My therapeutic approach is centered around creating a strong therapeutic alliance, practicing unconditional positive regard, empathy, and creating a space where you can feel vulnerable and validated as you work through challenges. I have developed a niche for working with self-harm, mood disorders, personality disorders, and trauma.
Welcome! I'm glad you found your way here! I'm a dedicated therapist with a passion for helping individuals live a life worth living. I hold a PLPC license and am supervised by an LPC. I have been endorsed by the National Board for Certified Counselors. My therapeutic approach is centered around creating a strong therapeutic alliance, practicing unconditional positive regard, empathy, and creating a space where you can feel vulnerable and validated as you work through challenges. I have developed a niche for working with self-harm, mood disorders, personality disorders, and trauma.
(314) 274-1747 View (314) 274-1747
Photo of Greg Tissi, MA Ed, PLPC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Greg Tissi
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA Ed, PLPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63141  (Online Only)
Do you find yourself at a moment where you are wondering how to refine how you hold space for yourself and others around you? Get off the exhausting treadmill, move with intention, and realign with the trust you have envisioned for yourself. Expect your space to be held just for you, room to breathe, and authentic, non-judgmental support. In a sex-positive, trauma-informed, and integrative space, all genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, ages, and bodies are welcome. If not right now, then when will it be time for you to give yourself permission to transform? Success can take many forms.
Do you find yourself at a moment where you are wondering how to refine how you hold space for yourself and others around you? Get off the exhausting treadmill, move with intention, and realign with the trust you have envisioned for yourself. Expect your space to be held just for you, room to breathe, and authentic, non-judgmental support. In a sex-positive, trauma-informed, and integrative space, all genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, ages, and bodies are welcome. If not right now, then when will it be time for you to give yourself permission to transform? Success can take many forms.
(314) 208-3566 View (314) 208-3566
Photo of Rynn Wyrick, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rynn Wyrick
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63101  (Online Only)
I specialize in offering trauma-informed therapy to LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent adults residing in Missouri. As a queer and trans individual myself, my focus is on co-creating a safe and affirming environment for folks to thrive. I hold space for clients to explore and process their experiences of grief, complex trauma, and challenges stemming from the impacts of living in a traumatic and oppressive society. I particularly enjoy working with queer and neurodiverse individuals who are interested in taking a more deliberate approach to their personal growth and who wish to develop a deeper connection with themselves and their bodies.
I specialize in offering trauma-informed therapy to LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent adults residing in Missouri. As a queer and trans individual myself, my focus is on co-creating a safe and affirming environment for folks to thrive. I hold space for clients to explore and process their experiences of grief, complex trauma, and challenges stemming from the impacts of living in a traumatic and oppressive society. I particularly enjoy working with queer and neurodiverse individuals who are interested in taking a more deliberate approach to their personal growth and who wish to develop a deeper connection with themselves and their bodies.
(314) 970-3579 View (314) 970-3579
Photo of Alwyn S Whitehead Jr, PsyD, Psychologist
Alwyn S Whitehead Jr
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63109  (Online Only)
My clients seek help with a specific difficulty. It may be depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationships, or their path in life. They want to feel happy and fulfilled but have been blocked by some difficulty. When they reach out to accept help they have made the first step in their journey of healing and happiness! We all deserve happiness and modern Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provides tools and processes to unblock the natural flow of healing available to us. Plus, anyone can become proficient in using them and applying them to many situations in their life.
My clients seek help with a specific difficulty. It may be depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationships, or their path in life. They want to feel happy and fulfilled but have been blocked by some difficulty. When they reach out to accept help they have made the first step in their journey of healing and happiness! We all deserve happiness and modern Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provides tools and processes to unblock the natural flow of healing available to us. Plus, anyone can become proficient in using them and applying them to many situations in their life.
(314) 897-4635 View (314) 897-4635
Photo of Kat Seal, LMSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Kat Seal
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63108
Feeling fractured from your once-strong sense of self can be confusing, isolating, and painful. Oftentimes these feelings can arise from societal pressures to conform, living in a sex-negative society, or relationship and systemic trauma. Sex & relationship therapy can be a good fit for improving the relational quality of your life and accessing desire as a tool for living well. I specialize in supporting individuals and relationships (of all styles) who struggle to access authenticity and wholeness in their daily lives. I work best with engaged clients who practice active self reflection.
Feeling fractured from your once-strong sense of self can be confusing, isolating, and painful. Oftentimes these feelings can arise from societal pressures to conform, living in a sex-negative society, or relationship and systemic trauma. Sex & relationship therapy can be a good fit for improving the relational quality of your life and accessing desire as a tool for living well. I specialize in supporting individuals and relationships (of all styles) who struggle to access authenticity and wholeness in their daily lives. I work best with engaged clients who practice active self reflection.
(314) 897-4049 View (314) 897-4049
Photo of Kimberly Vest, MA, LPC, CFRC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kimberly Vest
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CFRC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63139
As a therapist, my main focus is to care for the concerns of the client's heart. I believe that we are made for connection and attachment. When relationships have been harmed or trauma has occurred, there is a fracture, wound or scar. This can run deep and needs to be treated with tenderness and understanding. Those who have experienced trauma may not understand the toll it has done to the brain, body, heart, soul or voice. I have the privilege of educating and finding therapeutic ways in which the client can heal. It is a true honor to walk alongside someone while they find their way towards healing and wholeness.
As a therapist, my main focus is to care for the concerns of the client's heart. I believe that we are made for connection and attachment. When relationships have been harmed or trauma has occurred, there is a fracture, wound or scar. This can run deep and needs to be treated with tenderness and understanding. Those who have experienced trauma may not understand the toll it has done to the brain, body, heart, soul or voice. I have the privilege of educating and finding therapeutic ways in which the client can heal. It is a true honor to walk alongside someone while they find their way towards healing and wholeness.
(636) 685-2053 View (636) 685-2053
Photo of Julia Leah Hughes, LCSW, MPH, CCTP, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julia Leah Hughes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH, CCTP, MSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63130  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Seeking space to process trauma and understand your path of healing is a courageous choice. Whether you are new to therapy, or returning to your journey of healing self-discovery — searching for a therapist can be overwhelming. Be proud that you made it this far! I am passionate about processing trauma and working with caregivers, helpers, and those excited to attune to one's own needs. I work with clients seeking to explore a deeper understanding of their attachment, and identities and heal from trauma, abuse, and neglect. My practice welcomes those who identify as neurodivergent, LGBTQIA2+, or consensually non-monogamous.
Seeking space to process trauma and understand your path of healing is a courageous choice. Whether you are new to therapy, or returning to your journey of healing self-discovery — searching for a therapist can be overwhelming. Be proud that you made it this far! I am passionate about processing trauma and working with caregivers, helpers, and those excited to attune to one's own needs. I work with clients seeking to explore a deeper understanding of their attachment, and identities and heal from trauma, abuse, and neglect. My practice welcomes those who identify as neurodivergent, LGBTQIA2+, or consensually non-monogamous.
(314) 804-0921 View (314) 804-0921
Online Therapists

Is online therapy as effective as in-person?

Numerous studies suggest that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. However, further research is needed to determine if online therapy provides the same benefits across all client populations. Individuals with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or those who may benefit from in-person check-ins, like those with eating disorders, may not experience the same level of benefit from online therapy. Nonetheless, the success of online therapy, much like in-person therapy, often hinges on the quality of the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client rather than the specific modality of therapy used.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of therapy conducted online?

One of the main advantages of online therapy is its convenience for both clients and therapists. It also allows clients who require specialized therapy to access a wider range of professionals than they could with only in-person sessions. Additionally, online therapy may be a more affordable option in some cases and often offers the same insurance benefits as in-person therapy. However, online therapy may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who value face-to-face interaction with a therapist. Therapists may find it more challenging to assess clients accurately in an online setting due to reduced nonverbal cues on camera. There is also the increased risk that disruptions caused by external factors, such as technology malfunctions, can hinder the therapy session. For these reasons, many therapists offer a "hybrid" therapeutic approach, alternating between seeing clients in-person and online.

Is online therapy suitable for children and adolescents?

Just like with adults, the accessibility and convenience of online therapy can greatly benefit children and adolescents. In fact, children and adolescents may be more accustomed to navigating online platforms than older adults, making online sessions feel more natural for them. Teens might also be interested in using additional online tools, such as therapist-recommended apps, as an adjunct to online therapy sessions. Apps for developing CBT skills, practicing mindfulness exercises, or tracking thoughts and moods can be helpful for teens receiving therapy. However, it's important to note that not all therapeutic modalities are well-suited to online therapy, especially those used with younger children. For example, play therapy, which helps younger children express their emotions, often requires in-person sessions to be fully effective.

Can I receive prescriptions and medication management with online therapy?

The ability for psychiatrists to prescribe medications through online therapy varies based on the medication and the states where the medical professional and client are located. While many prescribing regulations were relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic, some states still enforce rules, especially concerning controlled substances, which may mandate an in-person visit before prescribing. Generally, however, medical professionals can prescribe non-controlled substances through online therapy sessions just as they do during in-person sessions.