I find that tele sessions are not as good as in person sessions, I don’t think they are as beneficial. I’m still paying the same price. I would quite like her to offer a reduced price. I know that therapy is her livelihood, but if I am still paying the same price for this reason, then I sort of feel that that should be made explicit. I’m in the UK, and I was thinking of asking her if we could do the session outside somewhere, her home office is close to a train station which has some wasteland behind it. I don’t know if she will think it’s a bizarre idea if I suggested meeting there.?

[emmaleemochizuki]

My T charges the same price too. I am in the UK as well. You could ask but I don't think it will be possible to do sessions outdoor, not with a psychotherapist that has psychoanalytic orientation definitely. There are some therapists that specifically do walk and talk therapies.

[MissUdy]

Originally Posted by emmaleemochizuki

My T charges the same price too. I am in the UK as well. You could ask but I don't think it will be possible to do sessions outdoor, not with a psychotherapist that has psychoanalytic orientation definitely. There are some therapists that specifically do walk and talk therapies.

Do you know why they won’t do outdoor therapy? Just curious. Thanks.

[LostOnTheTrail]

I'm not sure what the official line on it would be, but to think about it logically...it would open up a range of privacy issues.

There are (sensible) countries in the UK where this would not be possible due to lockdown.

[MissUdy]

Oh right, I thought there might have been another reason. Thanks. I hope you can get back to in person sessions soon Ocean, if the outdoor option isn’t possible. Can you ask about reduced price maybe, my T is really good with me when I don’t have much money.

[Lonelyinmyheart]

I'm in the UK too and I'd be surprised if any T offered outdoor sessions due to confidentiality regulations and severe lack of privacy - we are a crowded country.

I pay the same price. Skype sessions are nowhere near as helpful but to me better than nothing. You have the right to ask for a reduced rate although your T also has a right to refuse based on what she is able to offer at this time.

Originally Posted by Lonelyinmyheart

I'm in the UK too and I'd be surprised if any T offered outdoor sessions due to confidentiality regulations and severe lack of privacy

Walk and talk therapy is a recognised approach within some modalities, especially existential and humanistic. Many therapists offer it, although specific training is recommended to cover the different aspects such as confidentiality and safety. Of course things are different at the moment. My therapist has mentioned it as a possibility once our lockdown measures are changed. I won't be leaving the house so it makes no difference to me, but it is definitely a legitimate form of therapy.

[Lemoncake]

Originally Posted by Lonelyinmyheart

I'm in the UK too and I'd be surprised if any T offered outdoor sessions due to confidentiality regulations and severe lack of privacy - we are a crowded country.

I pay the same price. Skype sessions are nowhere near as helpful but to me better than nothing. You have the right to ask for a reduced rate although your T also has a right to refuse based on what she is able to offer at this time.

A CBT T i saw for one session had it listed on his profile.

They're out there!

[susannahsays]

I think she has a right to charge whatever she wants. You as the consumer have the right to purchase her services or not. Any time you purchase a product or service, you are paying because people need to make money and deserve compensation - so why would this specific instance be made explicit? She's not deceiving you in some way, so I'm not sure why what you already know needs to be spelled out. Plus, she's still putting in the same amount of work except maybe not having to commute (the one I see does still actually go into her office to do teletherapy). In fact, it's likely that she had to invest in a subscription service in order to provide teletherapy - unless she's providing it in an insecure manner with a free app.

As for outdoor therapy, I'm not sure how that would be much safer than therapy in her office since you would need to be close enough to have a private conversation and I doubt you want to wear a mask for therapy.

[nottrustin]

If I request going for a walk during an appointment she happily obliges. However the appointments are not yhe same as ons thar is in office. He office is in apretty busy city and the touristy part. So we do frequently stop talking doe a xouple of momentswhen passing people. Plus I dont go nearly as deep since there is not the safety of her office. Either of us could see somebody we know.

As far as the fee being reduced I suspect many won't because while it isn't the same right now, they are still providing the same service. On many cases they are working harder in order to offer some of their modalities electronically. My T has been taking classes on how to do EMDR more efficiently. She has been doing it but recognizes it could be better for her clients.

[*Beth*]

I think teletherapy stinks and that any therapist who charges the same fee for it as they charge for in-person sessions has one heck of a nerve

[LonesomeTonight]

Originally Posted by nottrustin

As far as the fee being reduced I suspect many won't because while it isn't the same right now, they are still providing the same service. On many cases they are working harder in order to offer some of their modalities electronically. My T has been taking classes on how to do EMDR more efficiently. She has been doing it but recognizes it could be better for her clients.

My T has been waiving fees for email/text communication that he might normally charge for (like longer exchanges). So to me, it helps make up for the deficits in teletherapy. He also seems to be trying to put a lot of energy into being very present for them. And as much as I miss seeing him in person, I feel I've adapted to the teletherapy thing.

[nottrustin]

Originally Posted by BethRags

I think teletherapy stinks and that any therapist who charges the same fee for it as they charge for in-person sessions has one heck of a nerve

Do you think people who work on say retail or businesses the slow down or change due to no fault of the employee should also take a pay cut when business is slow but they show up to work?

I have a cleaner who usually cleans my house once a week. I am still paying her even though she isn’t coming right now. Each week my cleaner sends me a text saying thanks after I have transferred the money to her account, I know that she appreciates the fact that I’m still paying her. Maybe my T should express the same appreciation?

[stopdog]

I don't think they should charge the same for sitting at home, but they are a business and will charge what the market will bear. I think they over-charge for what little to nothing they do at the best of times. Now, they are like everyone else, looking at the money they may be losing because of clients who stop hiring them, etc and charging what they know they can get away with.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by nottrustin

Do you think people who work on say retail or businesses the slow down or change due to no fault of the employee should also take a pay cut when business is slow but they show up to work?

No.

Retail employees and other businesses are not psychotherapists.

In addition, I am not referring to "business being slow." I am referring to therapists with the same number of clients as they usually see, since most clients are going to continue therapy with their T by video. The therapist is not losing clients, but there is a drastic change in the format of therapy.

I pay a therapist for therapy. I also pay for the in-person experience of being able to read each others' body language, etc. I pay for the privilege of using a safe, secure, and quiet office. I pay for a full session, not one that is (not infrequently) interrupted by tech issues.

Because of having to do teletherapy I have to deal with interruptions such as noise outside my window or someone knocking at my door. The environment in my home is not truly conducive to safety, security, and quiet, as the therapy office is.

Almost everyone is taking a financial hit right now. Most psychotherapists make a good (excellent?) salary. They are choosing to do teletherapy to stay safe, which is totally acceptable. But because of the loss of essential pieces of the therapeutic process - which may be especially important to those with mental illness - I believe that teletherapy sessions should be slightly less expensive than IRL therapy is.

In addition, I would call a therapist exceptional if (s)he gives clients a cost break on therapy because so many are suffering financially at this time.

I am sorry that you found my previous post threatening, nottrustin.

[ChickenNoodleSoup]

My T has to report to my insurance company whether time was used for a call or session, it's like that nationally for all health insurance companies/doctors. Rates are different for the two, I think, not sure though, never bothered to actually check.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by ChickenNoodleSoup

My T has to report to my insurance company whether time was used for a call or session, it's like that nationally for all health insurance companies/doctors. Rates are different for the two, I think, not sure though, never bothered to actually check.

I don't know about the rates, either.



Most insurance will no longer cover phone therapy sessions, but will cover teletherapy sessions. Which is something I strongly disagree with. There are elderly people who need supportive therapy, but cannot or will not use telemedicine. It's overwhelming and very uncomfortable to many older people. The VA (veteran's Administration) does do phone therapy, so good for them!

[nottrustin]

Originally Posted by BethRags

No.

Retail employees and other businesses are not psychotherapists.

In addition, I am not referring to "business being slow." I am referring to therapists with the same number of clients as they usually see, since most clients are going to continue therapy with their T by video. The therapist is not losing clients, but there is a drastic change in the format of therapy.

I pay a therapist for therapy. I also pay for the in-person experience of being able to read each others' body language, etc. I pay for the privilege of using a safe, secure, and quiet office. I pay for a full session, not one that is (not infrequently) interrupted by tech issues.

Because of having to do teletherapy I have to deal with interruptions such as noise outside my window or someone knocking at my door. The environment in my home is not truly conducive to safety, security, and quiet, as the therapy office is.

Almost everyone is taking a financial hit right now. Most psychotherapists make a good (excellent?) salary. They are choosing to do teletherapy to stay safe, which is totally acceptable. But because of the loss of essential pieces of the therapeutic process - which may be especially important to those with mental illness - I believe that teletherapy sessions should be slightly less expensive than IRL therapy is.

In addition, I would call a therapist exceptional if (s)he gives clients a cost break on therapy because so many are suffering financially at this time.

I am sorry that you found my previous post threatening, nottrustin.

I didnt find you post threatening I just disagree with it. I completely agree that therapy is different and agree with all the negative aspects yoi mentioned. Many are. ot choosing to stay home; in many areas it is required. That neing said the therapist is still providing the same service. They are still holding you space and peociding their expertise, skills and experience.

[Flinders40]

Originally Posted by nottrustin

Do you think people who work on say retail or businesses the slow down or change due to no fault of the employee should also take a pay cut when business is slow but they show up to work?

If anything the therapy business is booming at the moment. I know this for a fact.

[Flinders40]

Originally Posted by BethRags

No.

Retail employees and other businesses are not psychotherapists.

In addition, I am not referring to "business being slow." I am referring to therapists with the same number of clients as they usually see, since most clients are going to continue therapy with their T by video. The therapist is not losing clients, but there is a drastic change in the format of therapy.

I pay a therapist for therapy. I also pay for the in-person experience of being able to read each others' body language, etc. I pay for the privilege of using a safe, secure, and quiet office. I pay for a full session, not one that is (not infrequently) interrupted by tech issues.

Because of having to do teletherapy I have to deal with interruptions such as noise outside my window or someone knocking at my door. The environment in my home is not truly conducive to safety, security, and quiet, as the therapy office is.

Almost everyone is taking a financial hit right now. Most psychotherapists make a good (excellent?) salary. They are choosing to do teletherapy to stay safe, which is totally acceptable. But because of the loss of essential pieces of the therapeutic process - which may be especially important to those with mental illness - I believe that teletherapy sessions should be slightly less expensive than IRL therapy is.

In addition, I would call a therapist exceptional if (s)he gives clients a cost break on therapy because so many are suffering financially at this time.

I am sorry that you found my previous post threatening, nottrustin.

You hit the nail on the head here. If I didn’t have insurance there is no way in hell I would be paying $200 for 45 minutes - for all of the reasons you listed.

[nottrustin]

Originally Posted by Flinders40

You hit the nail on the head here. If I didn’t have insurance there is no way in hell I would be paying $200 for 45 minutes - for all of the reasons you listed.

would you pay $200 for in person sessions?

[ScarletPimpernel]

If you don't think your T should charge full price for teletherapy, then talk to them. If they disagree, then find another T. Or don't see your T until they can do in-person again. Simple.

I pay L the same price. She still provides basically the same service, and she still has her normal bills to pay. I think it's fair. If I didn't, we would talk about it.

I dislike teletherapy for many reasons. L has only agreed to see my once a month in-person. Tomorrow we will be discussing frequency on in-person sessions because I brought it up that it is bothering me. She seems to be open to a change, but my guess is it will be a compromise.

But that is what you do in a healthy relationship: you talk things out, you communicate.

[divine1966]

Both mine and my husbands therapists charge the same as normal. I only had one session as I don’t see my t regularly, just few times a year occasional .

My husbsnd has weekly appt and charge is the same as face to face. He has severe OCD and Tourette’s that are exasperated by being hospital RN during covid, he absolutely needs his sessions, he doesn’t find it different than regular sessions and I just asked him now, he doesn’t think people need to be paid less for working online versus face to face.