Private clinician Monica Farrar, LMHC, CASAC, CRC, is expanding her Williamsville-based business to offer online mental health counseling.
This practice, known as telemental health therapy, is growing rapidly across the country. Utilizing a mobile phone or internet access, patients can receive online counseling at a mutually agreed upon time and from any location through a secure video conferencing platform. There is a fee for this service (not insurance-based).
Telemental health therapy offers patients convenient access to counseling and expertise without having to travel to a traditional office setting. In circumstances where time or distance can be a challenge, telemental health therapy allows access to services that would otherwise be unattainable.
“According to medical experts who have studied this field, this unique approach to counseling may allow individuals to feel less stigmatized about receiving therapy in a typical office setting,” said Farrar. “Online counseling clearly offers the client a degree of anonymity that may reduce anxiety and prompt them to obtain counseling when they might otherwise have hesitated or completely neglected treatment. Individuals no longer need worry about being seen or recognized by others in a therapist’s waiting room.”
Individuals with severe mental health issues that may require emergency services are not appropriate for this form of counseling and are better served in a traditional office setting for safety reasons, Farrar noted.
For those who prefer a traditional setting, Farrar also maintains an office at 1967 Wehrle Drive, Suite 1, in Williamsville. To reach her by phone, please call 250-9831.
