How to Start Online Therapy in Pennsylvania: What to Expect

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Reaching out for therapy is one of the hardest steps, and often the most uncertain. If you’ve never done it before, “online therapy” can feel like a black box. Who will you talk to? What happens first? How long until you actually have an appointment? Alignment Behavioral Health provides virtual therapy in Pennsylvania, with Maryland, Ohio, and Virginia coming soon, and we built our process around making that first step feel less intimidating, because we’ve seen firsthand how hard it can be when the mental health system doesn’t make room for you. Here’s exactly how to start online therapy in Pennsylvania and the surrounding states, step by step.

Step 1: You reach out. Call us or fill out a short form, and Hope or Savannah from our care team gets back to you within one business day. You don’t need a diagnosis, a referral, or the “right words” to describe what you’re going through. A few sentences about what’s on your mind is more than enough to get started.

Step 2: You talk with a triage therapist. Next, you’ll speak with a triage therapist who will ask you some questions about what’s bringing you in and what you’re hoping for. This isn’t a test. It simply helps us understand where you’re at and how we can best help, so you’re matched with the right person from the start.

Step 3: We match you and set your appointment. Your triage therapist will talk with you about the therapist we’d like to match you with, and then set your first appointment. In most cases that appointment is within 72 hours, and often sooner. No long waitlists, no wondering when someone will call you back.

Step 4: You get set up, with a care coordinator in your corner. Before your first session you’ll receive a series of simple instructions so you know exactly what to expect. You’ll also be assigned a care coordinator, a dedicated point of contact who can help you, and your family too if you choose to involve them on this journey. You don’t have to navigate any of it alone.

Step 5: You start therapy. Day one is about you and your therapist getting to know each other and getting clear on the outcome you want. You’ll also complete a full assessment at this time, which means a few more questions, all aimed at building a complete picture of you. From there, you and your therapist set up your regular schedule.

Online therapy is real therapy. Research consistently shows telehealth therapy is just as effective as sitting in an office, with the added benefit that you’re more likely to keep your appointments when there’s no commute, no waiting room, and no time off work.

Ready when you are. If you’ve been putting off reaching out, consider this your sign. Starting is the hardest part, and we’ve made it as simple as we can.

Complete our quick contact form or call (302) 316-1226 to get started. We’re currently accepting new clients.