Telehealth Counseling
Serving All of Georgia
We are happy to offer telehealth counseling via our secure, HIPAA compliant software. Telehealth or online counseling allows people to access addiction counseling, alcoholism counseling, and trauma counseling from the convenience of - wherever. There’s no longer a need to commute to your therapist’s office. Online counseling may be new to some, but it is actually very simple. As most phones and computers have built-in cameras, you can virtually chat with your therapist from any device. The process is simple. We’ll email you a link to our private client portal. From this portal, you can complete your intake paperwork, access your appointments, billing, and securely message your therapist. Once you are signed up, you’ll be emailed a link to each session. Just click. That’s it.
Serving All of Georgia
Though we are based in Athens, GA, we are able to offer telehealth counseling to clients anywhere in the state of Georgia. We are excited to be able to offer our specialized services to individuals who may not have local access to trauma-informed addiction care. Historically, individuals in rural areas have had a serious disadvantage when it comes to accessing quality care, and we are proud to be a part of the movement to resolve this social issue.
Telehealth Counseling Services
Substance Use Counseling
There are many causes for substance use including genetics and environmental factors, such as a chaotic home, parental use, peer pressure, and many more. Individuals with a substance use disorder experience intense focus and cravings despite known harmful consequences. This can cause a “rewiring of the brain” which impacts judgment, decision making, learning, memory, and behavior.
Our telehealth substance use individual counseling uses an evidence-based intervention for substance use disorders called Motivational Interviewing (MI). Motivational interviewing is a treatment modality designed to help clients move through the process of change, rooted in the belief that clients are capable experts of their experience. With ongoing meetings and complete confidentiality, you and your therapist will work through different aspects of your personalized treatment. The road to lasting change is a process that includes emotional and behavioral states like ambivalence, preparation, action, relapse, and maintenance. Motivational interviewing focuses on increasing a person’s internal motivation to keep moving through these stages of change. If you’re experiencing a substance use disorder, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Trauma Counseling
PTSD stands for post traumatic stress disorder. PTSD is considered “Big-T Trauma” and is a mental health disorder that triggers nightmares, uncontrollable thoughts, flashbacks, or severe anxiety regarding a traumatic experience the individual has either witnessed or experienced first hand.
Telehealth is a practical and convenient option for those experiencing trauma. Our telehealth counseling is available for those experiencing all types of trauma, from shock trauma that we normally associate with military veterans (PTSD) to the complex trauma that results from exposure to childhood abuse, toxic stress, attachment injuries, and dysfunctional relationships. The effects of trauma can impact many areas of your everyday life. Trauma therapy can help patients not only better understand the triggers of trauma but also how to effectively respond.
Opioid Dependence Counseling
Our Opioid dependence telehealth counseling is a combined approach involving therapy with Medicated-Assisted Treatment (MAT). While MAT does much to reduce suffering, it isn’t a cure for opioid dependence. You and your therapist will work together to overcome the obstacles to a full recovery. Those who invest time and are committed to the counseling process can overcome their dependence on opioids.
Relapse Prevention & Care
Relapse prevention and care are primary goals for those in treatment. The reality is that relapse affects up to 85% of those seeking recovery in their first year. The greatest predictor of long-term success is continued participation in treatment for the first 12-18 months of recovery. For many, this participation comes in the form of 12-step groups or their primary treatment facility’s aftercare program. These are great options that we support. For those without the availability of 12-step groups, we offer ongoing individual counseling through telehealth to help you stay engaged in the recovery process.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you’re ready to begin your journey of recovery, the first step is a free ten-minute video (or phone) consultation with Charlie. This consultation is not a therapy session, but an opportunity to help you make an informed choice about your care. Here are some of the questions we may address during your consultation.
1) Are we the right fit for you?
2) Where is the best place to start?
3) Billing options and rates
Reaching out can be a difficult decision to make, especially when opening up to a stranger about personal matters. It can be intimidating. We understand. First, know that we are here for you. Second, we won't be strangers long. Third, focus on the outcome. The lasting benefits of recovery are waiting. Be encouraged in this decision and know that we celebrate it with you. This is the first step in the process of lasting change. On the other side are help, hope, and community. We’re here to guide you along the path.
Telehealth Counseling Advantages
There are many advantages to telehealth counseling. The truth is, you have options and there is no need to feel alone. Whether you pursue local individual counseling through a physical visit or online treatment, you should consider the following advantages of telehealth before making a final decision.
Convenience
Video conferencing opens a doorway to a wider selection of days and times people can be available for appointments. Often, people avoid treatment due to thinking they don’t have the time for self-care. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Those with busy personal lives or heavy work schedules will find the flexibility they need with telehealth counseling.
Expands Access of Care
Therapy and relapse care aren’t only for those within driving distance to a therapist or who live in a big city. Teletherapy grants access to numerous options that only years ago weren’t available. As long as you have internet access you can receive the quality care you deserve and live the life you’ve always wanted. Telehealth grants care to those without transportation or who may live in another location.
Preferred Option in a COVID-19 World
With the advent of COVID-19, telehealth is rapidly becoming the safest option for those requesting assistance. A virtual visit ensures that even those experiencing colds, the flu, or even COVID-19 who still want to have a meeting, can do so without risking exposure to others.
Fewer Missed Appointments
Everyone knows that therapy is important, but sometimes other things get in the way. Telehealth counseling statistics show that patients miss fewer appointments than with a traditional meeting schedule. There are so many unknowns in the course of a day, from traffic jams to working late. The flexibility of telehealth says that people can meet with their therapist whenever they want. With the click of a button, the session begins.
Improved Patient Engagement
Telehealth releases the patient from all of the hurdles of a traditional appointment. They don’t have to drive to a new area, wait in a waiting room, or experience the initial anxiety of meeting someone new in an unfamiliar environment. Telehealth allows you to be in the comfort of your own home. This reduces stress and allows you to be open and have a quality discussion without the roadblocks.
Expands Practice Hours
Many telehealth providers have expanded practice hours due to convenience. The rigid structure of traditional appointments means that you have to stay within the lines, but with telehealth, not so much. This provides therapy options to those with unusual work hours or who have limited availability. Many people believe they don’t have time for therapy, which leads to learning to live with it instead of taking steps that lead to recovery.
Improves Client Satisfaction
When putting all of these factors together, patient satisfaction is improved with telehealth. The quality of care remains high, but the ease of access, availability, and comfort of appointments ensures that clients can meet from wherever they want and be themselves.