If you’re like most, you have searched for local services through Google or Bing by typing in whatever you’re looking for with the added phrase “near me”.
Obviously, the hope is that the results you get will show specific options near you so that you can actually access them.
No point in looking for a hair stylist a few states over when you have plenty of local options much closer to you, right?
However, times are changing. As technology has advanced, some services don’t require searching “near me” anymore.
The reason? You can access the same quality service through the internet.
This includes counseling and therapy services, which are very well supported in the scientific literature as delivering equivalent therapeutic outcomes. That’s a fancy way of saying that research shows telehealth counseling is just as effective as in-person counseling.
So, you no longer need to type “find a counselor near me”.
A Better Way to Search for a Psychologist
In Texas, psychologists providing services through telehealth (aka, “online” or “virtual” visits) can see patients anywhere in the state of Texas.
So, instead of searching “therapist near me” when looking for mental health counseling in Texas, search using the terms “telehealth” and “in Texas”.
This is not just semantics. This will help you find a better “fit” with a therapist and their specialization(s) by prioritizing their expertise rather than just their location.
Focus your search on the type of counseling or topic you need assistance with (rather than the location of the therapist).
This should feel rather intuitive…the idea that finding support based on the nature of your concern rather than just how close someone is to you.
Just like you would call a close friend that has been through a similar challenge rather than speaking to a random neighbor simply because they’re nearby (but may not have the experience, expertise, or “fit” with your needs).
Still, many people are still limiting themselves to their local community options when they could potentially get more specialized or experienced options via telehealth. This all starts with how you search for a new therapist.
Expand your talent pool by exploring all of the options rather than narrowing exclusively by location. There may be a psychologist that really understands the nuances of your situation, but you may miss the opportunity to connect with them by only searching “near me”.
Therapy in the Cloud
At Health Psychology Texas, Dr. Lippe specializes in assessment and therapy for people undergoing stress related to their medical conditions. Dr. Lippe can see any patient in the state of Texas via telehealth.
So, the search phrase “near me” now includes anywhere in the state!
Try searching the topic of your concerns, along with “telehealth” and your state, and you may open up a wonderful range of expertise that no longer requires driving long distances to go see that specialist.
If you are interested in learning more about psychotherapy in Texas, check out healthpsychologytexas.com for more information. Here, you will also find that Dr. Lippe offers online appointment scheduling, so you get to pick the time that’s best for you.
Whomever you find to get the support you need, make the most informed decision you can.
There are options out there, you just have to search. Only…you no longer need to only search “near me.”
The author generated a portion of this text in part with GPT-3, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model. Upon generating draft language, the author reviewed, edited, and revised the language to their own liking and takes ultimate responsibility for the content of this publication. It has also been edited and reviewed line by line for accuracy, but in the spirit of full disclosure, Health Psychology Texas felt that this should be noted.
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