The irruption of online therapy in the world of psychological assistance has made more and more professionals interested in knowing the potential of this tool to work.

This is not surprising, given the many advantages that online psychotherapy offers to those who know how to take advantage of the features of this channel. However, getting a good position in this type of service can be somewhat complicated, because although the service offered is fundamentally the same, the medium is totally different.

So… how do you become an online psychologist? Let’s see what the main steps are.

How to become an online psychologist

The road to becoming an online psychologist is not excessively long, but it has its complexities. It is not simply a matter of advertising this service and improvising video calls with clients who ask for it, because by doing so we are missing out on a large part of its potential, as we shall see. Taking advantage of the options of this format is a process that, in part, requires a preparation and marketing plan on our part.

1. Learn about the different modes of payment online

Beyond bank transfers, online psychotherapy services are sometimes associated with other payment methods , such as Paypal. It is important that you know how they work, as not doing so could cause you to miss opportunities.

2. Familiarize yourself with the technical aspects of videoconferencing

Video calling (or video conferencing) is the default mode in which online psychotherapy sessions are conducted. Therefore, you should obviously know how to take advantage of it, and which digital platforms to use to establish these calls .

3. Adapt your marketing plan to include online therapy

If all you do is indicate on your website that you do therapy online, you will be missing out on a large part of the potential of this type of service.

What you should do is position yourself as an online psychologist beyond your website ; since you can now have patients from practically anywhere, you should make yourself known in places where there are usually people predisposed to go to the psychologist through online psychotherapy services. Doing this is not easy, and in fact whether you do it right or wrong will greatly influence your chances of success or failure.

4. Get to know the different types of services

In order to know how to use the Internet as a means to serve clients, it is necessary to take into account that people interested in your services do not always have to ask for the same kind of hours and dedication , and adapt to this.

As a psychologist, for example, I offer two types of online psychology services: remote consultation, in which specific doubts are resolved by email, and online psychotherapy itself, which is carried out via video call.

5. Prepare to make things easier for the patient

It should not be forgotten that there are many people who do not function perfectly in the use of the Internet or computer programs in general.

That’s why, as an online psychologist, you have to do what’s necessary to make this line of services you offer very accessible and not pose totally unnecessary obstacles, something that can happen if we don’t pay attention and don’t stop to think from the point of view of someone not familiar with our website. Small flaws in the internal linking or design of your page can mean that you lose many opportunities to establish contact with new clients.

Similarly, you must know all the features of online therapy to resolve the doubts and reticence of new patients, which means, once again, putting yourself in their shoes and not taking for granted that they know everything you know.

How can I learn more about online therapy?

If you would like to know more about how you can strengthen your online psychotherapy service, you may be interested in my online psychology counselling service , which offers you all the possibilities of this medium.

It is a personalized plan adapted to the needs of each psychologist in which I guide step by step the professionals who want to master the therapy at a distance and enjoy a good positioning in this field, so that clients from many parts of the country or the world arrive.

I am a psychologist with more than 25 years of experience, and I have been working in online psychology since 2011, to the point where it has become one of my most important client sources.

To read more about this counseling and coaching service for psychologists, access my contact information by clicking here, or visit my website: rizaldos.com .