Online Counseling Specialist

What is online counseling?

Online counseling is just like in-person counseling, but instead of coming into Dr. Messina & Associates, you log on to a secure video chat program. 

You can still see the Doctors while you talk, which can help you focus on your conversation instead of trying to multitask while you’re on the phone. 

The doctors can also visually evaluate your mental health, monitoring your expressions and gestures as well as what you say and how you say it. 

Our Doctors offer child, adolescent, and adult online counseling. We can help you learn to cope with emotional problems, such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Social anxiety disorder
• Insomnia 

We also help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). 

We can provide support and tools when you are facing family and marital challenges and is committed to helping you develop the skills you and your family need to thrive even in the hardest of times. 

What happens during an online counseling session?

Dr. Messina & Associates sends you an email with a link to the video conference program before your appointment. When it’s time for your appointment, you log on. Make sure that you allow access to your camera and microphone, so you can see and hear each other. 

Then, you and your Doctor have your regular counseling session. Our Doctors use cognitive behavioral therapy during most online sessions. He works with you to help you identify negative feelings and distorted thoughts so that you can learn to change how you respond to them. 

You continue to learn and practice different coping techniques and behavioral changes to help you stay mentally and emotionally well. 

During your online counseling session, you learn and practice strategies and problem-solving skills to cope with challenging feelings, thoughts, and situations. 

What are the benefits of online counseling?

Online counseling provides several benefits. First, you can continue to receive the mental health care you need when you can’t make it out of your home or when you simply need access to care in a more convenient way. 

For example, you can schedule your appointment during your lunch hour at work, as long as you have a private room to talk to your Doctor. 

Additionally, you can have your counseling appointment without having to arrange for child or eldercare. You can also save money on gas and other transportation costs. 

All of these benefits are available without sacrificing your quality of care; online counseling has been found to be as effective as meeting in person.

Dr. Messina & Associates has therapists licensed in Texas, Illinois, Kansas, and Kentucky, and so online counseling is available to individuals who live in these states. If you’re interested in online counseling, call Dr. Messina & Associates or schedule an appointment online today. 

The Texas Board of Psychology requires the following statement and information to be provided in writing when rendering telehealth services:
"Be it known that the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists receives questions and complaints regarding the practice of psychology. For assistance please contact: Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 305-7700, or 800-821-3205." Dr. Messina’s license number is 36673. Licenses can be verified on the Board's website here.