Frequently Asked Questions
What is online therapy?
Online therapy is therapy that takes place through a virtual platform. Online therapy is also referred to as e-therapy, teletherapy, telehealth, and e-counselling.
How does online counseling work?
The first step is reaching out to book an appointment. You can contact us via phone, whatsapp, email, or through our website. You will receive a booking confirmation with all the details you need for your session.
All you need to do is find a comfortable and private space for your session, join the secure HIPAA-compliant meeting. You'll find your counselor or psychiatrist ready to support you as always.
What are the benefits of online therapy?
There are several benefits to online counselling. First and foremost, it is convenient. You can continue to get mental health support wherever you are in the world. Second, it works. People see improvement in their wellbeing. Third, it is safe and secure - especially when you use specially designed telehealth platforms with the highest level of international data security like we do at Thrive.
Is online therapy effective?
Researchers found that online therapy was just as effective as face-to-face therapy for people across 60 studies. The clients in these studies were seeking treatment for one of the two most common mental health challenges - anxiety and depression - or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Can you do online therapy for children and teenagers?
It depends. Online therapy can work for certain ages, personality traits, and presenting problems. We usually find that online counseling is more effective for older children, who are less susceptible to distractions, and for cognitive and behavioral therapy interventions as opposed to interactive modalities like art therapy, play therapy, and sandtray therapy.
Does online therapy work for couples?
Absolutely. Couples can sign in from the same location or come together for their counseling session from different places.
Are there any technical requirements for online counseling sessions?
All of our online counseling appointments are conducted via our HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform called JaneApp. They have several brower and operating system requirements that you can read up on and arrange prior to your first session.
What should I do if my therapist and I get disconnected?
The first step is to try to reaccess the link. The second step is to reach out to our responsive front desk team, who will promptly assist you with a back-up link and liaise with your therapist to minimize disruption to your counseling or psychiatry appointment.
Does online therapy cost the same as in-person sessions in Dubai?
Yes. The fee is the same because the service is the same. The only difference is the medium.
How can I make the most of my online therapy sessions?
There are several things you can do to have a smooth telehealth appointment. These include:
Making sure you meet the technical requirements ahead of the appointment time
Signing on a few minutes early, in case you need to restart or shut down your connection or device.
Find a private, comfortable space.
Close all other browsers and silence all other devices, as you would in a face-to-face session. This will help to minimize distractions and stay focused on therapy.
Prepare yourself for the online counseling session the same way you would for a face-to-face appointment. You wouldn't show up to the clinic in pajamas, lie down on the couch while you're speaking, or use substances during your appointment. Don't do it online either.
Can I alternate between online counseling and face-to-face sessions?
It depends. Most of our clinicians offer face-to-face and online appointments. It's easy to shift back and forth with them. We have a few psychologists that offer online appointments only.
What are your clients saying about online counseling?
We have received positive feedback from many of our clients about how convenient the online sessions are for their hectic schedules, and how effective the therapy sessions are.
