How to Hire a Virtual Therapist in 2023

Like so many other areas of our lives, technology has drastically changed the world of therapy. Virtual therapy (also known as teletherapy) has become a widely accepted mode of therapy, and many people even prefer it.

The convenience and accessibility of teletherapy allow people to access sessions from the comfort of their own homes. Plus, the added privacy and potential cost savings of virtual therapy make it an even more appealing option.

Even if you know that teletherapy is a good fit for you, it can still be overwhelming to navigate the process of hiring a virtual therapist. Here, we’ll run through the steps you need to take in order to connect with an online therapist in 2023.

Whether you’re new to therapy or have tried it before, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to find the right virtual therapist for you.

1. Start your search

The first part of hiring a virtual therapist is, of course, starting your search. In order to search effectively, you’ll need to narrow down the type of therapist you need and the specific issues you want to address in therapy. It’s okay if you’re not exactly sure what you’re looking for, but it’s important to have a rough idea.

From here, you can explore different methods of searching for a virtual therapist. You might use an online directory, such as Psychology Today or TherapyDen. You could also perform a simple Google search to find a virtual therapist near you.

With whichever search method you use, be sure to check the credentials of the therapists to ensure they are qualified to provide therapy and have experience working with the issues you want help with.

2. Schedule a free consultation

Once you’ve identified some potential therapists, you can start reaching out. Many therapists offer free consultations so you can ask questions and get a sense of whether you might be a good fit for each other.

In your consultation, you may want to address topics such as the therapist’s scheduling availability, the cost of sessions, and the approaches or treatment methods that the therapist is trained in.

While the logistics are important, you also want to pay attention to how you feel when talking to the virtual therapist. It will take time to develop a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship, but you should feel comfortable with whoever you choose to work with.

3. Weigh your options

Remember, you don’t have to say yes to working with the first virtual therapist you speak with. Many people find it helpful to have consultations with multiple therapists so they can compare and contrast their options.

Once you’ve had a chance to consult with some different therapists, take some time to reflect. How did you feel when talking with each one? Does one therapist’s scheduling availability align better with yours? How do the costs of sessions compare?

It might even be helpful to make a pros and cons list. This can give you a visual representation of your options and help you intentionally reflect on who will be the best fit for your needs and goals.

4. Schedule your first session

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time to reach back out to the therapists you consulted with. It’s best to follow up with each of them, even if you have decided not to work with them.

Once you’ve found a match, you can schedule your initial appointment with your virtual therapist. Typically, this will be an assessment where the therapist asks you several questions about yourself. They will also go over what you can expect from the therapy process, and you’ll work together to make a treatment plan.

Hopefully, these steps will make it easier for you to get the support you need and deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a virtual therapist today.