FAQ

1. What is online counselling?
Online counselling is live, video counselling using your web browser. Either face to face or through call or through chats or email. Online Counselling is the same as face-to-face interaction and therapy; the only difference is that you get to have your consultation from the comfort of your own private space. All you need is a smart mobile phone, a decent internet connection and a quiet private space to start.

2. What does online therapy treat?
Online therapy can be an effective treatment for many different mental health issues. Keep in mind that you don’t need to have a specific reason to seek help. Many clients benefit from processing their feelings with a safe and trusted professional. Therapeutic support can be invaluable in helping you feel validated and understood. If something is bothering you, we are here to assist you and guide you to safest place and a peaceful mind.

3. What are the advantages of online counselling?
Online counselling allows you to see a therapist or a counselor from the comfort of your own place via video, phone call, or chat. You are able to book an appointment at a time that’s most convenient for you. Or, you can also choose to speak with a professional as soon as possible — you’ll probably hear back from a therapist directly in a short period of time.

4. What should I expect in my consultation with a therapist?
During your first consultation, you will be able to choose any topic you wish to discuss with the online therapist. Then, the therapist will collect information about you and your history to appropriately evaluate your concerns and arrive at a plan to help, guide and offer a treatment plan. The duration of the session usually depends on the intensity of your issue.

5. Can a counselor or a therapist prescribe medications?
Counselors, psychologists or therapists do not prescribe any medications because they are not medical doctors. The treatment often consists of talk therapy, CBT, and other communication-based methods.

6. Can I see the same therapist every time?
Yes, in order to choose the same therapist, you will have to mention your preference when booking an appointment.

7.  What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors that specialize in mental health and psychiatric disorders. They undergo additional training and licensing so that they are able to diagnose and treat mental illness. Psychiatrists focus on the physical causes of mental illness as well as the mental health aspects and can prescribe medications.

Psychologists, however, are not medical doctors. Psychologists often focus on therapies and other behavioral strategies to guide and asssit client in his/her recovery process. Psychologists cannot prescribe medications.

8. What degrees or qualifications should my therapist have?
A counsellor needs master’s in psychology and added expertise to work in their specific specialty. A clinical psychologist requires an M Phil from a RCI recognized University. Clinical Psychologists are the only authorized personnel to conduct assessments and treat mental health disorders with clinical symptoms. A therapist can be a counselor or a clinical psychologist who has gained the required therapeutic expertise by doing additional workshops, attending seminars, and doing expertise courses in the concerned therapy.

A clinical psychologist can play the role of a counselor, a therapist and as well a clinical psychologist but a counselor can work only with clients who do not have issues which are clinical in nature.

9. How will I be assigned to the best therapist after I sign up?
During the process of getting started, you will fill a counseling requisition form (link form) and the details you fill in are used to allot a therapist or counsellor to you. In this mode, your success in matching to a therapist depends largely on how thoroughly you answer the questions asked. At any time, if you feel the therapist is not fit for you, you can email your mentor and request for a change.

10. Who is a mentor?
Mentor is the person assigned to you who will be selecting a therapist or counsellor for you and who will be closely looking at how you progress and work with the counsellor. He or she may play the role of a supervisor and will see that you are happy with your sessions and how the sessions are helping you out.

11. How do I pay for an online counselling session?
Once you fill the counselling requisition form (link this to contact page form) to schedule your first session, one of our mentors will select a therapist/counselor for you based on your issues or requirement. You will be informed via email and if you are willing to proceed with the allotted therapist or counselor you need to pay through Google Pay or any mobile banking app as per the charges listed in the email.

12. How much does online counselling cost?

Our therapists and counselors set their own session rates. But they will be far cheaper than the industry rates and the rates starts from Rs. 1600 per session. The rates increase based on the experience and expertise of the therapist allotted. Each professional values their time and expertise in a different way but we can assure you the best and most economical rates as our motto is to keep counselling affordable to all.

13. Is any special software required for online counselling?
Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge are the only browsers that support the technology we use for your online counselling session. By using these web browsers, you don’t need to install any other software, regardless of whether you are using a computer, a tablet or a smart phone. These browsers are widely considered the best web browsers available.

14. What questions should I ask my new therapist to ensure she or he is right for me?
Keep in mind that you are allowed to ask your therapist anything you want. They may not answer every question, but most therapists want to ensure that you feel comfortable and supported. Some questions to consider include:

1. How often will we meet?
2. What issues do you specialize in treating?
3. What experience do you have in treating my particular issue?
4. What kind of outcomes can I expect in my work with you?
5. How will I know if I’m progressing?
6. How long do you typically work with clients?
7. How will we collaborate on my treatment goals?

15. What types of questions can I expect therapists to ask me?
Every therapist is different and the types of questions depend on your individual therapy goals. Most therapists will ask questions about your thoughts and feelings. They will also ask you about the critical parts of your life: your relationships, school, work, and health. If therapists are unsure about your goals from therapy, they’ll likely ask questions to gain clarity.

16. Can I switch therapists if I don’t like the one assigned to me?
Yes, we allow you to switch therapists. Most of the time, you can make this switch instantly. You are never obligated to continue working with a therapist who seems to be unfit for your requirement. If you feel that your therapist isn’t the right fit for you, we encourage you to contact your assigned mentor.

17. Can I chat with a therapist online or via text messages?
Yes, we allow you to leave messages for your therapist whenever you need to talk. Additionally, we offer various communication methods for corresponding with your therapist. Typically, you may choose between:

1. Live video conferencing
2. Messaging (similar to instant messaging or text messaging)
3. Phone sessions

18. Can I use online counselling on a tablet or a smart phone?
By using Google Chrome as the web browser on your tablet or smart phone, the full functionality of our online counselling service is available to you on all types of devices. Providing that your connection to the internet is fast enough the online counselling session will work perfectly.

19. How is my privacy protected?
Therapists maintain privacy via encrypted devices & private spaces. In case of face-to-face therapy, professionals are guaranteed to provide a client a safe space in which to share their thoughts, stories, and emotions. And, these locations are chosen and set up to ascertain complete privacy for the client. But, online counselling changes this dynamic by getting rid of the physical space.

As far as online counselling is concerned, the therapist maintains privacy via encrypted devices and private spaces. As the client, you must also ensure that you also have access to the same level of security and privacy offered by the therapist. This includes setting up or locating a space that’s private, one where you are not overheard by others. Your sessions with your therapist must preferably be done via a device that’s not shared with others. If these options are difficult, it’s better to discuss some privacy options with the therapist in the first session.

20. What happens if I miss a schedule session?
We have very simple rules in place for appointment cancellations. If you can’t make an appointment your appointment fee is refunded based on how much notice you give us:

1. If your counsellor or psychologist cancels the appointment, you are refunded 100% of your appointment fee.
2. Cancelling within less than 48 hours’ notice but more than 24 hours’ notice, you receive 70% of your appointment fee refunded.
3. Cancelling with less than 24 hours’ notice, you will receive 50% of your appointment fee refunded.

21. How can I tell if the therapy is working (or if I should try something else)?
Therapy can be subjective, but it’s crucial that you feel like you’re progressing and growing throughout the process. Here are some common ways to tell if therapy is working:

1. You feel comfortable talking about your feelings with your therapist.
2. Your therapist maintains appropriate boundaries with you (they don’t try to be your friend or tell you what to do).
3. You know your goals and you believe you’re making some positive movement towards achieving them.
4. You feel like your therapist really listens to your concerns.
5. You generally feel like you are functioning better in life.
6. Your self-esteem is improving.

22. How hard is it to cancel or pause sessions with my online therapist?
Clients always have a right to cancel or pause their sessions. You can talk to your therapist directly or leave a message to your mentor.