Online Therapy in Arizona

Teletherapy FAQs

• Is virtual therapy available when traveling outside of Arizona?

  In the United States, therapists and mental health professionals are required to be licensed in the state where the patient is physically located at the time of service. For example, if you are an Arizona resident but are traveling for work or vacation in California, your therapist is not allowed to provide you therapy until you come back to Arizona – unless they also hold a current counseling license in California. Some therapists do hold licenses in multiple states but it’s not too common, so it’s essential to check the licensing of your therapist to ensure they can legally provide services in the state you’re traveling to should you want to maintain counseling services while you’re away.

  FUN FACT! So long as your therapist holds a current license to provide behavioral counseling in the state of Arizona, they may provide teletherapy to you from wherever they are – including overseas! It’s just YOU that needs to physically be in Arizona!

• Is online therapy as effective as in-person counseling?

  There is research to support it is just as effective, depending on the individual’s needs. Numerous studies have found that online talk therapies like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are just as effective as face-to-face talk therapies for a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Research also shows that online therapy can be particularly effective for treating anxiety disorders, depression, and stress-related issues. The therapeutic alliance between a counselor and the client, which is a critical factor in the effectiveness of therapy, has been proven to be successfully established and maintained via online therapy just as well as in-person. Ultimately, it comes down to the client’s needs, preferences, and goals.

• Can you do deeper trauma-informed modalities via tele-therapy?

  Yes, the most common trauma therapies we utilize are equally effective over virtual video counseling sessions, such as DBT, CBT, TF-CBT, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, Attachment-based Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and other Parts Work approaches. And, yes, we can successfully and easily do EMDR Therapy sessions over video using visuals like a bilateral moving “dot” in a browser tab, butterfly taps that you perform on yourself, or auditory stimuli like left and right finger snaps. Somatic Experiencing can also be done remotely by verbally guiding clients through body awareness exercises, breathing techniques, and gentle movement exercises. However, some Exposure Therapies, Sand Tray, and Art Therapies are examples of modalities that may be better suited for an in-office setting.

• Are there limitations and considerations for teletherapy?

  Yes. While online therapy is effective for many, it may not be suitable for individuals with severe mental health issues, those in crisis, or those who lack access to stable internet connections. Technical difficulties or lack of familiarity with digital tools can also be a barrier for some clients. You also need to presently be located within the state of Arizona to participate in an online therapy session with your Arizona-licensed therapist.

• What happens if I have technical difficulties or a poor internet connection?

  If you face tech issues when trying to join or during a remote counseling session, reach out to your therapist via the Client Portal if you can, or text them as a backup if you can’t access the Portal, or call or text the main line at 480.485.8824. Note that if connecting via mobile, please make sure the Simple Practice telehealth app is installed and up to date on your phone before the start of each session. Refunds/charges for any significant portion of session missed due to technical issues will need to be addressed on a case-by-case basis as every situation is unique and deserves appropriate consideration.

• How will my therapist help me if I have an emergency during a telehealth session?

  One of the first things we do during a remote therapy session is to confirm and document your location. This way, if something arises during a session where you needed emergency services, we can call and have them dispatched to you right away.

• What should I do if I feel online therapy isn’t for me after I’ve already started working with a therapist online?

  If you find that teletherapy isn’t working for you, let your therapist know. They will be able to offer some potential solutions or adjustments based on your specific dislikes and concerns or help you transition to in-person therapy. This may mean transitioning to another therapist if your current therapist only offers online sessions or if their in-person office hours don’t match your availability.