Online Therapy
Here’s why it’s so important for our clients…
The main goal of Operation True North is to overcome the barriers faced by the military, first responders, and their families in getting specialized mental health care.
It might be difficult for you to take time off of work to drive across town to sit in a busy waiting room.
Maybe you have rotational shiftwork that makes it impossible to see a provider during your often-restrictive business hours.
If you have children, child care can be an issue.
Or… maybe you simply don’t have the vacation time or sick leave needed to take off work.
It’s not just about convenience. There are other things at play…
Let’s face this important fact: In military and first responder communities, there is still a significant stigma to receiving mental health treatment.
It is common for military members and law enforcement to fear the worst when seeking help. In many circumstances, people who have sought mental health help openly have had their authority to carry a weapon suspended until they are stabilized.
While this is a sensible step for leadership teams to take while someone is getting help, it can cause unforeseen negative consequences. For example, suspending the authority to carry a weapon is often seen negatively; and it can impact a person’s ability to work, their reputation, or future promotion potential.
Luckily, the stigma of the past is slowly changing. While it is better than it was in the past, it still isn’t where it needs to be. It is for this reason, many of our clients prefer to see our counselors confidentially from the comforts of their own homes.
Society at large getting better about this, it still isn’t where it needs to be.
Teletherapy helps us all overcome these barriers.
Teletherapy takes place on a HIPAA-compliant platform (which means that your identity and information are protected online), giving us maximum flexibility to work with you.
So, whether you’re a military member at a home station or lying in your bunk in Afghanistan, you can get care from your same counselor.
If you are a police officer and your 2:00 am lunch break in your cruiser is the only time you can do it… no problem… your counselor will meet with you then.
Are you a firefighter and stuck in the firehouse for three days? No problem… you can see your counselor between calls.
And if you are a spouse, loved one, or child, you can see your therapist anytime that is convenient for you.
Wondering if online counseling is as good as it is in person?
The answer is… it depends!
The COVID-19 Pandemic caused many of us to shift the way we conduct business. Many military families have managed personal relationships for years using things like FaceTime or Skype while their loved one was deployed.
Taking time off work, driving across town, sitting in the busy waiting room can sometimes cause even more stress. Picking a quiet comfortable place in your home in comfortable clothes can actually help you feel more relaxed when you are talking to your counselor. This is a great thing!
Here’s how to get the most out of your online session.
We recommend using a computer whenever possible over mobile devices. The occasional frozen image, fuzzy picture, or distorted sound is to be expected, even in the best platforms. But we want to try to reduce any of those distractions as much as possible.
The sound and picture quality are often better, and the Internet connection tends to be more stable on a computer.
Also, on a computer, you can maximize the screen to make the image of your counselor larger. This makes it easier for you to see your counselor and his or her facial expressions, which helps facilitate your connecting and bonding with each other.
But, if your schedule prevents that from happening, a mobile device will work as well.
If you’re using a mobile device, it helps if you can put it down on a steady surface or in a stand instead of carrying it around in your hand. Too much motion (walking for example) can make it difficult for you counselor to see you and your facial expressions during the visit.
Finally, do your best to find a comfortable, quiet place where you can talk openly with your counselor.
Ready to get started?
Seeking help can be tough. We get it because it was tough for us when we needed help in the past. That’s why we offer a free telephone consultation. It gives you a chance to call and chat with us at a zero cost, no commitment format to see if we are the right fit for you.
Don’t wait; get started to the path of living your best life today.
Call us today for your free consultation at (720) 379-3759.