WHAT IS ONLINE COUNSELING?

Online Counseling is a subset of telehealth services that uses online, interactive videoconferencing software to provide mental health services from a distance. Online Counseling includes terms such as telepsychology, telebehavioral health, teletherapy and distance counseling.  Online counseling does not include the use of fax, email or video telephone products such as FaceTime and Skype.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL RISKS OF ONLINE COUNSELING?

• Technological failures such as unclear video, loss of sound, poor internet connection or loss of internet connection.
• Nonverbal cues might be more difficult to observe and interpret during therapist and client interactions.
• May electronically share and sign practice and consent forms and accept risks that come with transmitting information and documents over the internet.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ONLINE COUNSELING?

• Less limited by geographical location and transportation concerns. Decrease in travel time and ability to meet virtually during inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to participate in treatment from your own home or other environment where you feel safe, secure and comfortable.
• Ability to participate in treatment from your home or other environment when physical needs/disabilities may prevent you from coming to the office.

ELIGIBILITY

Family Solutions, PLLC and its clinical staff are only able to provide online counseling services to clients located in North Carolina where we hold valid licenses as mental health professionals.

Online counseling may not be the most effective form of treatment for certain individuals or presenting problems. If it is believed the client would benefit from another form of service (e.g. face-to-face sessions) or another provider, an appropriate recommendation will be made.