Virtual Therapy Ontario
Virtual therapy is talking to a therapist over a secure online video (visual and audio). Sometimes phone, or audio only, is also accessed for virtual therapy.
Virtual therapy, or online counselling, has become increasingly popular in Ontario in the past few years for people seeking mental health support. It provides those with mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression and trauma with the convenience of virtual sessions from their home without having to travel for face-to-face appointments.
Virtual therapy can be especially helpful for those living in rural or remote areas where there may not be easy access to in person counselling. Virtual therapy can provide support to busy parents, professionals, and anyone who would feel more comfortable meeting with a therapist from the comfort of their own home. Virtual therapy can also be very beneficial for family sessions where not all members of the family are living at the same location.
At Upstairs Counselling in Toronto, we understand that virtual therapists can help many clients who might otherwise not receive the care they need due to lack of time or physical and mental health barriers. We are proud to offer treatment in the most accessible and effective ways possible. This page will explore how virtual therapy works and its benefits in improving your mental health and well-being.
Mental Health Benefits of Online Therapy
Virtual therapy provides Ontarians with many benefits, making it an attractive option for those wanting support with many issues, such as anxiety, depression, stress and traumatic life events. Here are some of the primary benefits:
Convenient
One of the biggest advantages of virtual therapy is convenience. People can attend sessions from their own homes and don’t have to worry about travelling for in-person appointments.
Accessible
Virtual therapy is especially helpful for those who may not be able to have traditional counselling due to physical or mental health barriers.
Flexible
With virtual therapy, it’s often easier to find a time that works with your schedule and accommodate any changes that may come up.
Effective
Studies have found that virtual therapy can lead to improved mental health with comparable outcomes to in-person counselling.
At Upstairs Counselling in Toronto, we understand the importance of virtual therapy and strive to make mental health services accessible and effective. We provide online therapy for our clients in Ontario, with highly qualified and experienced registered social workers. Please contact us or book a free consultation for more information.
Upstairs Counselling's Virtual Platform
If you live in Ontario, Upstairs Counselling has virtual therapy to help with your mental health and wellness. You can access our services from your home, and it's easy to schedule a time that works for you. To use virtual therapy from Upstairs Counselling, go to our Booking page by clicking on the "Book Now" button. This will take you to our online platform supported by Jane Software Inc, a Canadian owned/based electronic health records management system.
On this booking page, you can book virtual appointments with an experienced and qualified therapist experienced in virtual therapy by setting up a basic account with JANE platform and selecting the time and therapist you wish to meet. If you prefer, you can email Sandra at hello@upstairscounselling.ca, and she will direct you via email to the therapists of your choice so you can email them directly. You can also use the platform for secure messaging with our counsellors.
When you book a virtual session with one of the counsellors at Upstairs Counselling via the online booking system, you will receive a link from the JANE platform with your appointment time and link to the video platform. The platform offers secure encryption to ensure communications are private and confidential.
At Upstairs Counselling, couples, family, and individual therapy is available for clients in Ontario. With virtual sessions, you can get help with life changes from the comfort and convenience of your own home. Contact us today to learn more about online therapy with Upstairs Counselling in Toronto.
Do I Need a Referral to See an Online Therapist in Ontario?
In Ontario, online counselling and virtual therapy are not covered by provincial health insurance plans. However, as registered social workers, our services are covered by most extended health insurance plans, through employers or private plans. If you have extended health coverage and accessing this insurance is important to your counselling, it is best that you check with your specific policy to ensure that registered social workers are covered.
Upstairs Counselling offers online therapy for clients in Ontario without needing a referral. As well, most extended plans do not require a medical referral in order to be reimbursed for the cost of the therapy, but if insurance coverage is an important factor in your counselling, it is best that you verify the requirements of your specific policy.
You can contact us directly to book your first session with a therapist specializing in virtual therapy.
Does Online Counselling Help with Anxiety?
Online counselling or virtual therapy is beneficial for anxiety, mood disorders, relationship challenges, and many other mental health issues. From managing stress and anxiety to coping with trauma and depression, virtual therapy can be an effective treatment option. Here are ten examples of issues that can be supported through online counselling and virtual therapy sessions:
Stress and Anxiety: Virtual therapy can help individuals learn to manage stress and anxiety symptoms effectively, explore stressors, triggers and teach coping and emotional regulation skills.
Depression: Through virtual therapy, clients can discuss symptoms, explore and address the issues contributing to these symptoms, develop tools to reduce depression symptoms and develop healthier coping strategies.
Trauma Therapy: Online counselling can provide a safe environment for individuals to process past traumatic experiences and work towards healing from trauma.
Grief and Loss: Virtual therapy can help clients process their grief and develop healthy ways to live with loss.
Substance Abuse: Individuals can get the support they need to tackle substance abuse problems and work towards recovery.
Parenting: Online counselling allows parents to learn effective parenting techniques from qualified counsellors.
Relationship Issues: Virtual therapy can provide couples and individuals with the tools they need to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships.
Anger Management: Clients can work with an online therapist to develop healthy strategies for managing anger and stress and learn to regulate their emotions.
Career or Life Transition Guidance: Virtual therapy can benefit individuals looking to make career changes or find new/different direction in their lives.
Self-Esteem: Clients can learn healthier ways of relating to themselves, to develop a healthier sense of self worth and lead a more fulfilling life.
If you’re considering virtual therapy in Ontario with Upstairs Counselling, don't hesitate to contact us to learn more about individual psychotherapy or our therapeutic approaches. We offer online appointments and can help you tackle a variety of mental health issues.
Can people outside of Ontario use Upstairs Counselling's virtual services?
No, clients need to be residents of Ontario in order to receive services of Upstairs Counselling therapists. As registered social workers, we are regulated in a provincial regulatory college that has jurisdiction in the province of Ontario, meaning we are only regulated to provide services to clients in this province.
If you’re interested in accessing a virtual therapist with Upstairs Counselling, please get in touch with us for more information. We would be happy to answer any questions about virtual therapy.
Is Privacy Ensured When Using Online Therapy?
Yes, online psychotherapy with an Upstairs Counselling registered social worker is confidential and secure. We use secure online video conferencing to ensure your virtual therapy session is a private and safe space. Our virtual therapy platform is PIPEDA & HIPAA compliant. This means our services comply with all federal laws that govern the privacy and security of personal health information in the health industry.
Does Insurance Cover Virtual Therapy in Ontario?
Yes, many insurance companies in Ontario cover virtual psychotherapy services. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to determine if your policy covers virtual counselling sessions with Upstairs Counselling virtual therapists, who are registered social workers.
Virtual therapy with a registered therapist from Upstairs Counselling is a great option for individuals seeking mental health care to work through life changes or low self-esteem. Are you feeling stressed or dealing with depression? We can help. Our virtual platform ensures your privacy and security while allowing you access to counselling from home.
Is Virtual Therapy as Effective as In-person Therapy?
Yes, studies have shown that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy when treating many mental health concerns. However, there may be times when in person therapy is recommended. You can discuss your particular needs with us to help determine the best course of therapy for your needs.
All of our counsellors are qualified and experienced mental health professionals who can work virtually. Ali, Alexandra and Todd are also seeing clients in person at our west end location in Toronto.
You are welcome to book a meet and greet to see who may be the right fit for your needs.
What kind of therapy is available virtually?
Many of the approaches used in in-person therapy are used with transferable ease in virtual therapy. Counsellors at Upstairs Counselling have been trained in a number of approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Gestalt, EFT, PACT, Gottman Method, Family Systems, Internal Family Systems and Family Mediation.
Virtual Therapy with Upstairs Counselling Services
Virtual therapists can help you tackle stress and anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, substance abuse, parenting struggles, relationship problems and more. Many insurance companies provide coverage for virtual sessions with our virtual therapists. If you're interested in learning more about virtual therapy or have questions about online counselling with a registered social worker at Upstairs Counselling, don't hesitate to get in touch! We’re here to answer all your questions and help you on your journey toward improved mental well-being.