Online Counselling Available In Okanagan
Online Clinical Counselling Available
Orchard Valley Counselling Services is pleased to provide our clients with
We offer Online Counselling Available In the Okanagan. These clinical counselling options will allow for therapeutic interaction with a qualified counsellor. Sometimes it’s not possible, or it’s difficult, or inconvenient to attend sessions at the office in person. For the convenience of our clients, we now offer Online or Telehealth clinical counselling options below:
- Online Video Conferencing through a PIPEDA* Compliant app such as Doxy, Medeo Virtual Care, Zoom; etc. Talk to your specific counsellor about what they use. (What are the rules in Canada when it comes to patient or client privacy? Canada’s federal law, the *Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) indicate that to obtain an individual’s consent when we collect, use or disclose that individual’s personal information.
Benefits of Online Counselling
For Remote Locations
Online therapy offers access to mental health information to people in rural or remote areas. Those who live in such areas simply might not have access to any other form of mental health treatment because there are limited or no mental health practices in their geographic area. E-Counselling gives these individuals access to treatment that they might not have otherwise.
Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities
Online therapy provides accessibility to individuals who are disabled or housebound. Mobility can be a big issue when it comes to accessing mental health care.
Individuals who are unable to leave their homes for various reasons, such as physical or mental illness, may find online therapy a useful alternative to traditional psychotherapy settings.
Convenient & Affordable
Online therapy is usually fairly affordable and convenient. Since you will be attending therapy sessions online in the comfort of your own home, you can often schedule your therapy sessions for times that are the most convenient for you.
Today, many provinces require insurance providers to cover online therapy just as they would traditional therapy sessions. Contact your insurance company to learn more about how e-therapy treatments will be covered by your insurance plan. Online therapists may offer affordable treatment options for those who are not covered by health insurance.
Accessible Information & Resources
The internet makes mental health information and resources far more accessible. Individuals may feel comfortable talking to friends and family about health care issues but may not feel the same discussing mental health concerns.
Educational
E-therapy can be an important tool to help people learn more about their psychological health. Even if you feel like your mental health and well-being are strong, online therapy can help you become psychologically stronger. You can learn more about health behaviors and coping strategies that will lead to better psychological health and improved quality of life.
While online therapy can potentially be very helpful for people in certain situations, at this point in time it does not come without some risks or disadvantages over traditional therapy options.
If you are interested in attending online counselling, please complete all of the following forms below:
Concerns About Confidentiality, Privacy, and Unreliable Technology
Keeping your personal information private is a major concern in counselling, but online treatment adds a layer of complexity. Confidentiality is just as important in online therapy as it is in more traditional forms of treatment delivery. Since information is being transmitted online, the situation makes privacy leaks and hacks more of a concern. Technology problems can also make it difficult to access treatment when you really need it.
Online Therapists Cannot Respond to Crisis Situations
Since online therapists are distant from the client, it is difficult to respond quickly and effectively when a crisis happens.
If a client is experiencing suicidal thoughts or has suffered a personal tragedy, it can be difficult or even impossible for the therapist to provide direct assistance.
Personal information can only be used for the purposes for which it was collected. If an organization is going to use it for another purpose, they must obtain consent again. Personal information must be protected by appropriate safeguards. – Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, 2019
Should you or someone else be in a crisis or any other danger, please don’t use this site. Call 911, if you need immediate help.
