When something is on your mind, talking about it can make a big difference. You don’t always have to spend months or years in therapy to get unbiased, confidential support. In some cases, you may benefit from virtual therapy. Many employers offer no-cost options, such as First Stop Health virtual therapy.
What is virtual therapy?
First Stop Health virtual therapy provides you with solution-focused support. During this type of therapy, you’ll focus on identifying immediate solutions to the issue you are facing. With First Stop Health virtual therapy, you will work with your therapist to:
- Gain new strategies for navigating life’s challenges. Your therapist can help you make sense of difficult situations, learn new coping strategies, and develop healthy habits to adapt to challenges.
- Solve problems and make changes to improve your life. Life is constantly changing and so are you. Your therapist will work with you to solve the problem at hand and provide guidance so you can get back to feeling your best.
- Get referrals to longer-term care, if needed. If you know you need support but aren’t sure where to start, virtual therapy can be a great place to get started. First Stop Health therapy can provide referrals to in-network therapists, support groups and more when needed.
When should I use virtual therapy?
Knowing when you should reach out for guidance can be tough. While there is no one right reason to seek therapy, you might want to consider it when you:
- Have run out of advice from friends and family.
- Are going through a change in your career, relationship or living situation.
- Are experiencing new feelings of depression or anxiety.
- Are ready to get support for alcohol or substance use.
- Have recently lost a loved one or close friend.
- Just feel like you need to talk with someone. Trust yourself.
Virtual therapy can address a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, work/life stress, relationships, substance use, grief and more.
How First Stop Health virtual therapy works.
First Stop Health virtual therapy is confidential care provided by your employer. You will work with your therapist to gain the tools and skills you need to feel better. The number of visits you have will depend upon your progress and level of need. To get started, you'll schedule a visit for a day and time that works best for you. You can schedule your visit through your First Stop Health profile here.
Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing for your upcoming visit:
- Think ahead about what you'd like to focus on. Anxiety, stress, depression, marital or work issues, and substance use are just some of the issues therapists are trained to address. Together, you’ll work towards a solution to get you feeling better.
- Find a space that feels comfortable and private. Whether it’s your bedroom, office, or living room, think about where you will talk to your therapist.
- Jot down a few things. If you are worried you may forget what you want to say, take a few minutes to prepare a list or jot down some thoughts. Having something in writing that you can refer to can help you make the most of the time you have with your therapist.
- You can learn a few more tips here.
In some cases, a therapist may evaluate that you would benefit from longer term therapy. In that case, our care team will help you find options for long term support.