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What To Look For In An Online Therapist in Hawaii – 6 Important Tips

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Picture of a person looking for an online therapist in Hawaii

Hawaii Online Therapist Search

In recent years, online therapy (also known as telehealth or teletherapy) has grown in popularity. The pandemic may not be something to be grateful for in itself; but it has shown people the importance of mental health. As result there has been a dramatic increase in access to counseling and psychotherapy provided online, by an online therapist. Thankfully it is easier than ever to find an online therapist in Hawaii.

Thanks to technology, more people have access to online therapy options than ever before. But, with as many options as there, it can be hard to know what to look for.

While it may be a challenge if you have never done online therapy (or any therapy for that matter) there are some simple things to look for in an online therapist. Knowing what to look for can help ease your anxiety over it and ensure that you are working with the best fitting online therapist in Hawaii for your needs.

What Do You Need Online Therapy For?

This is often the most important, yet overlooked, part of the search for an online therapist. In order to receive the best help possible, it’s important to search for a therapist who is trained in the area’s that you need help with. And the great thing with looking for an online therapist is that you can focus first on the training of the therapist, rather than the location of the therapist nearest you.

For instance, if you are looking for someone who can help you with life transitions such as coming out as LGBTQ + , going through a divorce or break-up, in the midst of a career change or move, you are best served to find an online therapist in Hawaii who who is trained in this area.

While therapy is a general term, not every therapist is going to specialize in being able to help with every problem you are facing. And it is also important to note that not every therapist is trained to be an online therapist.

Also, if you are looking for someone who can help you in multiple areas, such as anxiety, depression, or grief, you should ask those questions to any potential online therapist to make sure they can help you.

How Much Does It Cost To See An Online Therapist In Hawaii And Does It Work?

Another component of online therapy that you should look for in an online therapist is to make sure that you can afford it. Therapy should never be looked at as an expense, but as an investment in yourself.

After all, learning how to have a great relationship with yourself, is one of the greatest (if not the greatest) gift you can give yourself and therapy can make this possible in far less time than it might take if trying to do this on your own.

Still, the financial side of therapy is important. Does the online therapist in Hawaii you want to work with accept insurance? If so, which insurance companies do they accept? Or are they an out of network provider?

Regarding the effectiveness of online therapy, studies do prove that it is equal to that of in office therapy. In my experience as an online therapist and in office therapist, I have also found online therapy to be highly effective with my clients over the years.

Choosing The Right Online Therapist In Hawaii

Not every therapist will be the right match for you. And, that’s ok! When you are searching for an online therapist, you should definitely work with someone you feel comfortable with. Therapy can be uncomfortable at first for many people, but therapy can also be fun and uplifting too.

Some things to consider when choosing an online therapist are:

  • If the online therapist is a different gender to you, will you be comfortable talking to them?
  • Is the therapist from a similar or different ethnic background? Does this matter to you?
  • What timezone are they in and what hours do they offer appointments? Will it be possible to schedule regular appointments that work with your schedule? Or perhaps you would like the flexibility of having different appointment days and times.
  • What is their cancellation policy?
  • If you are in the LGBTQ+ community, you may also want to find a therapist who identifies as LGBTQ, as well. It can help you feel more “seen” and “heard” by someone who actually understands your struggles.
  • What kind of therapy do they practice? Can they describe it to you in words that make sense to you?
  • Does the therapist work short term or long term? Can they tell you what their average number of sessions is per client?

How Does The Online Therapist In Hawaii Conduct Sessions?

Most therapists will typically have their online therapy sessions via video call. However, there are other ways therapists will provide their services. Some therapists will offer phone options for clients who are not comfortable or do not have access to a laptop with a camera or in some cases, a phone. It is also important that if using video, you know what software they will be using as well.

Depending on your needs and what the online therapist can legally provide, they will more than likely be able to find an option that works for both of you. If you have any concerns about online therapy such as confidentiality or security, never hesitate to reach out to the prospective therapist and ask them about your concerns. It is their responsibility to help you understand these things so that you are in the best position to make the best choice for yourself.

Do They Offer An Initial Phone call or Video Consultation?

Finally, everything may look great to you about an online therapist you found through a search engine, your insurance website, or through Psychology Today. They seem like the perfect fit. But, sometimes, that isn’t always the case. And, again, that is absolutely ok! You should always see if they are willing to do a free 15 to 20 minute phone or video consultation with you to make sure they are the right fit.

Most therapists, in fact, will offer this! As much as you are choosing whether or not a therapist is a good fit for you, any online therapist in Hawaii worth working with will always want to check that you are a good fit for them in terms of their approach and expertise.

Searching for an online therapist can feel daunting, at first. But, when you keep all of the above in mind, it should ease your anxiety and make the process much more smooth. If you want to reach out, I offer online and am happy to offer you a free video or phone consult with you.

If you are ready to see what online therapy is all about for yourself, please book yourself in for an Online Therapy Test Drive or feel free to contact me at my Honolulu or London clinics with any questions you may have about online therapy or therapy in general. Please click to learn more about Online CBT and Online Therapy.

Thanks to online therapy, more people are willing to go to therapy. It is an effective, less time-constraining and easy access to therapists who are ready to support you on your journey. And the takeaway message here is that when choosing an online therapist in Hawaii, there are many options and it is smart to find the best fitting therapist for your needs so that you can begin making progress today and not later.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Hawaii and an Accredited CBT Therapist in the UK with over 15 years of experience. I specialize in online therapy. I have received advanced specialist training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy. Over the years I have had the privilege of providing online therapy in the UK, EU and USA. For UK based clients I accept BUPA, AXA, WPA and AVIVA. For Hawaii based clients, I accept HMSA, HMAA and UHA insurance.

CBT Test Drive

The right approach, tools and fit is a game changer. For this reason, I offer an Initial Test Drive session to see if working together could be a great fit for you. Each Test Drive lasts between 45-60 minutes and takes place within my Video Consulting Room. Based on the latest evidence, science, and my experience, I will aim to make concrete suggestions as to what I think can be most helpful for you.