FAQ

Clinical FAQ

What is online counseling?

Online counseling (also named e-therapy, web counseling, telemental health, internet psychotherapy, and cybertherapy) is the use of electronic media and information technologies to provide services for participants in different locations. It is used by trained professionals (e.g., therapists, counselors) to address a variety of issues including addictions. Online counseling can include a range of services including screening, assessment, primary treatment and aftercare services. It can provide more accessible modes of treatment than traditional face-to-face treatment for those who actively use electronic means of communication including e-mails, instant messaging, text exchange (chats), videoconferencing and voice-over IP (VOIP). Online counseling can assist people in accessing treatment services who traditionally would not seek services because of barriers related to geography, shame, guilt, stigma or other issues. It can be provided as a sole treatment modality or in combination with other treatment modalities like traditional or existing programs. For more information, readers are encouraged to read Considerations for the Provision of E-Therapy, SAMHSA, 2005.

Is online counseling effective?

Although there is not yet many research studies on the effectiveness of online therapy, the initial reports are very encouraging.  According to a 2005 article on online counseling, “Thus far, research findings indicate that online counseling may be beneficial for clients who do not have easy access to traditional face-to-face therapy.” (Mallen & Vogel, P.767.)  Ninety percent of those who used online counseling felt it helped them, many of those eventually sought help through traditional face-to-face therapy (FtF), and many stated that they would not have initially sought FtF therapy. (SAMSHA, 2005)  Copeland and Martin, 2004, reported that interventions for alcohol conducted over the internet exhibited “promising results”.  They also stated, “There is good evidence that computer-delivered interventions for mental health and behavioral problems can be effective.”

What are the downsides of online counseling?

Potential problems with online counseling include: a lack of experience with the use of electronic equipment or electronic communication, the lack of non-verbal cues which provide added information about the emotional state of a client;  misunderstandings associated with written responses (e.g., lacking emotional cues, knowing whether something was said in jest/sarcasm, etc.), inappropriate training of counselors for text-based communication; technological failures and breakdowns, and the chance of web-based information being sent to the wrong address or of being hacked.

Who might benefit from online addiction counseling?

Individuals with mild-to-moderate levels of addiction severity may benefit.  It may be difficult to benefit if the person is using addictive substances daily for an extended period of time.  Honesty is also a prerequisite for successful treatment online.  If the person cannot be honest about lapses or difficulties with meeting their goals, there is little point in continuing this treatment approach.  Individuals with a sincere desire to change their addictive behavior may benefit from online counseling.

Those who feel comfortable regularly communicating online through e-mails, instant messaging, text messaging and consider themselves to be computer literate may benefit.  Decent typing skills and adequate communication skills are also helpful.

Are there books or articles to read about online counseling?

Yes. Readers are encouraged to go to our Journal and Book References tab to find a listing of related articles and books.

What provisions are made for clients of C2R in the event of an emergency?

We do require your address (which is kept strictly confidential) in the event that someone needs to physically get to you while you are home or to determine the nearest emergency services.  We also require the name and contact information for, at least, one significant other in your life (e.g., spouse, parent, sibling, friend, physician, sponsor, therapist, etc.) to contact in the event of an emergency.  Chat2Recovery provides all members with  a hotline number to call in the event of an emergency as well as contact information for your primary counselor at C2R.

Is C2R legal?

Yes.  Online counseling is recognized by professional licensing agencies such as the National Association of Social Workers, the American Psychological Association, the American Telemedicine Association, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to name just a few.  At the time of this writing, New York State law requires that mental health practitioners licensed to provide mental health treatment in New York State  only treat individuals who are located in New York State.

What is the philosophy of C2R?

Chat2Recovery believes that every person seeking treatment is a unique individual presenting with a unique set of circumstances.  Consequently, each person must be treated in an individualized manner taking into account their unique circumstances.  We do not believe that one approach fits all. It is our mission to assist you in determining what will assist you towards leading a more productive lifestyle.

What are the ethical standards of C2R for online counseling?

C2R subscribes to the American Counseling  Association’s “Ethical Standards for Internet Online Counseling.”  For further information, members can refer to the Patient Orientation Handbook.

Are C2R counselors qualified to provide these services? 

The management team of C2R considers the counseling team to be the product of the company.  As a result, a great deal of time and effort is placed upon hiring the most clinically competent counselors available.  All of the counselors are New York State licensed to provide mental health and substance abuse treatment in New York State.  They are also assessed for comfort level with online counseling and computer literacy skills.  Furthermore, all counselors are expected to obtain certification as an Online Therapy Specialist through 40 hours of training at the Online Therapy Institute.

Technical FAQ

What do I need to participate?

  •  Computer 3 years old or newer, Apple products, mobile device
  • Online broadband connection (DSL, cable or faster)
  • Webcam
  • Microphone – if not built in
  • Headset/headphones
  • Speakers

What can I use to do video conferencing?

  • You can use facetime through your ipad or iphone
  • You can use skype
  • You can use our video conferencing platform

What time do I need to sign in?

  • We recommend 15 minutes prior to your session.  This will ensure that all the necessary adjustments to your system are taken care of.

How do I connect to my session?

  • You will receive a meeting invitation.   You can also join by phone or VoIP – your computer audio system.  We will provide you a toll number.

Is this safe and secure?

  • Our meeting spaces are delivered through the CISCO Webex cloud, so you can count on superior performance.  Enterprise-grad security and high availability and scalability levels ensure that your meetings and content are secure.

Who do I contact if I can’t connect to my group?

Should I be concerned if I’m connected to the corporate network?

  • Yes, network administrators have access to your computer in your corporate network.

Can anyone see me during my group session?

  • No, you can only see your counselor and hear others.

Where can I access my sessions?

  • You have access to your sessions anywhere as long as you have internet connection.

 

Financial FAQ
What is the cost of the program?

Item Description Price
6-Week Program Package $899.00

(6 weeks of twice a week group, and 3 (30 minutes) individual sessions)

Item Description Price
Initial Assessment $250.00
Group Session $75.00
Individual Session (30 mins) $50.00

Do you take health insurance?

We do not accept health insurance.  We can provide you invoices for paid services to submit to your health insurance provider for out of network reimbursement.

What are your methods of payment?

Chat 2 Recovery accepts paypal, VISA, MASTERCARD, and American Express.

When do you require payment?

We require payment prior to the time of service.  If admitted to the program, we require payment for the entire program prior to the first session.

What is your termination and refund policy?

Termination of treatment may be made by telephone, email, or in writing. Forty eight hours notification is required to terminate your treatment. For termination with 48 hours notification, we will deduct standard fee rates from the amount paid.  No refunds will be issued beyond the halfway point (21 days) of enrollment in the program.

Do you have Make up session?

No make-up sessions for missed groups.
This service is only currently available to those who are twenty-one (21) years of age or older.