If you’ve ever wondered, “Is there virtual therapy available near me in Colorado?” the answer is yes! Guidelight Health has a virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for clients throughout this state and Massachusetts. Plus, we’re opening up our program to people in other areas very soon. In this article, we’ll discuss what virtual therapy is and how you can get started with our providers.
Advantages of virtual therapy
Thanks to today’s technology, scheduling some valuable face-to-face time with your therapist doesn’t always have to be done the traditional way. This is where online therapy, or teletherapy, comes into play. To give you an idea of how it might feel to talk to your therapist online instead of in person, here are some of the benefits of virtual therapy:
- It can work around your plans — Virtual therapy is often easier to fit into a busy schedule than in-person sessions that require a commute.
- Your space meets your comfort level — You can do it in the privacy of your home, a place where you might feel more at ease while discussing deeply personal topics.
- It’s made for easy access — Virtual therapy doesn’t require a commute, which helps remove a common barrier for many clients with a disability or without reliable transportation.
- It’s covered by many insurance plans — Virtual treatment is often covered by insurance to help limit your financial responsibility.
At Guidelight, we also assure our clients that most people don’t have to switch therapists to participate in our virtual IOP sessions. We understand how important it is to work with someone you know and trust, and teletherapy shouldn’t be any different.
How virtual therapy works
Before starting an online therapy program, your provider will make sure you’re set up with their platform and know how to use it. They’ll also review your treatment plan and discuss whether online sessions can replace or complement your regular in-person appointments. Guidelight clients typically participate in a virtual program for a few hours a day, three days a week, for about six weeks. However, treatment times may vary based on your individual needs.
Just like in-person appointments, virtual therapy is led by licensed therapists and psychiatrists. Virtual therapy is led by therapists and psychiatrists licensed in the state where you are at the time of service. You may participate in an individual session or group therapy, depending on your program, and receive the following:
Evidence-based mental health care
Even though online therapy takes place in your home, you can still count on your provider to prioritize evidence-based care. Think of it as an extension of your in-person clinical program. Some of the approaches used in virtual therapy include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — CBT helps you identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) — DBT helps people with intense emotions accept their feelings and realities and make necessary changes.
- Trauma-informed therapy — Trauma therapy helps people process the deeply distressing experiences they’ve been through.
Mental health medication assessments
Virtual therapy is also for people taking medications for their mental health. Whether you’re on an antidepressant or an antianxiety medicine, your provider is still here to discuss how your prescription is working for you. You can use this time to explore any side effects you might be experiencing, symptomatic changes in your mental health condition and some of the nonmedical approaches that can complement your program.
Skills-based training
During each session, an experienced provider will teach you the mental health skills that are critical for managing your condition. For instance, you might learn coping strategies, stress management techniques, or how to reframe your negative thoughts and feelings. You can also use this time to practice key mental health skills together and discuss how the ones you’ve learned have been working for you between sessions.
Most online therapy software is secure and easy to navigate, so you can count on a smooth user experience. Also, it’s done through a platform that complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules, so the sensitive information you share remains private.
Who is virtual therapy for?
You and your provider can work together to decide if this type of program is right for you. Virtual therapy isn’t appropriate for everyone, but people with a wide range of mental health conditions can participate in a virtual IOP. For instance, online therapy can work for many people with the following:
The stage of your mental health journey is also a factor. Your provider might recommend teletherapy after a series of in-person visits or you’ve completed a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). Also, if weekly in-person sessions haven’t been enough to help you progress through your treatment program, it might be recommended as a way for you to gain additional support.
Connect with Guidelight for virtual therapy near you
To get started with a Guidelight virtual therapy program, schedule an initial evaluation. We recommend you take your online therapy sessions in a quiet space and wear headphones for additional privacy. Also, you’ll need the following to participate in our virtual IOP:
- Reliable internet connection (10+ Mbps)
- Web-enabled device, like a tablet, laptop or computer
- Functioning microphone and webcam
Online therapy is currently available for Guidelight clients in Colorado and Massachusetts, and it will be available in other places soon. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care near you, either online or at one of our local clinics.
Everyone has a seat at Guidelight — even from the comfort of your own home. Contact our team online or call us today for more information about virtual therapy.