Online therapy and counselling service
Get in touch for fast access to help online
Introducing online therapy with Priory
Priory now offers online therapy and assessments to help meet the needs of our patients. This means you can talk to therapists online from the comfort of your own home, at a time that is convenient for you. All you need is a mobile or tablet device with web access.
Market-leading service
Our market-leading online therapy service provides quick access to mental health treatment, such as online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), with accredited Priory therapists, at a time and place to suit you.
Whether you would prefer to access therapy in your own familiar surroundings, are unable to attend a Priory location due to time constraints, or do not live near a Priory treatment centre, online therapy means you can gain fast access to high quality therapy in a flexible and convenient way. We have day time, evening and weekend slots available, and we’ll quickly connect you with one of our experienced therapists so you can start your recovery journey as soon as possible.
Key features of online therapy with Priory
Our online therapy service has been designed with input from former and current patients, to ensure that you receive the best possible service that meets your needs. Key features include:
- Confidential video therapy sessions
- Tools to manage your mental wellbeing day-to-day
- Flexible appointment times, including day times, evenings and weekends
- Tried and tested therapy techniques, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Access to your session notes and progress at any time
Further information
Benefits of online therapy
There are many benefits to online therapy, for those who don’t require medication or more intensive residential treatment.
Convenience
Video therapy removes the need for travel, therefore reducing the impact on your other commitments, minimising stress around your treatment routine and generally taking up less time.
Being able to attend online therapy sessions is also convenient for those who are physically unable to leave their home, or are less capable of doing so. For example, if you have a mental health condition, reduced mobility or any other issues that make going outside the home difficult.
You may also just live too far from a therapy or counselling location. In this case, your mental health needn’t be at a disadvantage due to your address – online therapy truly opens up your options for accessing treatment.
Comfort
However comfortable or accepting you are about undergoing mental health treatment, there may naturally be nerves around your first session, or around addressing some challenging issues. Being in the comfort of your own home can make you feel more at ease with yourself, the situation and your therapist.
There are various advantages to attending therapy in this setting. Wearing comfortable clothes, having a hot drink, blanket or pet by your side can all bring extra comfort as you work through your session.
Privacy
The fact that you won’t run into other people, on the way to your appointment, outside the building or in a waiting room, is another benefit of online therapy. Whether it’s worry around seeing someone you know, or simply being around strangers when you feel emotionally vulnerable, this can be eliminated when you attend treatment at home. You also have the freedom to choose a time when you know you’re unlikely to be interrupted within the home.
Outcomes of online therapy
Our online therapy service has already been successful in relieving the symptoms of mental health conditions for many people.
As the world increasingly relies on technology in daily life, the statistics around the success of online therapy will be reassuring to many who need to (or prefer to) access mental healthcare through digital platforms.
In addition to this, research has shown that online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is just as effective as face-to-face CBT.*
Studies have also shown that mental health assessments from online therapy are as reliable as face-to-face therapy assessments.**
Online therapy outcomes are often informed largely by the relationship between therapist and patient. At Priory, you’re able to speak to our site teams to help identify a suitable therapist who can deliver your online therapy.
Sources: *ScienceDirect and **World Journal of Psychology
Online therapy FAQs
Here are some common questions about online therapy with Priory. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any further questions.
Using our online therapy service
What is online therapy?
Our online therapy service gives you access to therapists over video. This means you can attend appointments remotely at home, with little impact on your other commitments and general free time. It also means that you can receive leading treatment with Priory even if you don’t have one of our treatment centres in your area.
Who will deliver my online therapy?
Your online therapy will be delivered by one of our highly-qualified Priory therapists. All of our specialists have extensive experience working with many different mental health and behavioural conditions. You can speak to our site teams to help identify a suitable therapist who can support with online therapy.
What conditions can be treated in online therapy?
Our online therapy service offers evidence-based treatment for most major mental health conditions, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Bereavement
- Panic attacks
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Eating disorders
Can anyone use online therapy?
Some people and conditions would be better suited to another service, rather than online therapy. These include:
- Anyone under 18
- Those categorised as high risk or who need emergency attention
- People needing a consultant diagnosis
- Those needing medication
- People whose needs would be better met by inpatient (residential) treatment
If you fit any of the criteria for these exceptions, you will need a separate assessment with a consultant psychiatrist. Please call us for more information, and to discuss your needs.
General online therapy questions
How does online therapy work?
Online therapy (also called remote therapy, video therapy or digital therapy), is essentially therapy delivered over the internet. It follows the same process as face-to-face therapeutic treatment, with the same recovery goals and mostly the same techniques. You speak to your therapist over a video call, using your chosen device, at whichever location you choose – meaning you are free to attend appointments at home.
Is online therapy effective?
There is plenty of evidence, dating back over the last decade, which shows that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy. Many of our patients, in particular, state that they are satisfied with our online therapy service and its outcomes.
What’s the difference between online therapy and face-to-face therapy?
The main difference is that there is no requirement to go to a physical location for your appointment. You connect with your therapist over a video call, instead of going to see them in a traditional treatment setting. Mostly everything else about online therapy is conducted just as a face-to-face appointment would be.
Payment-related questions
How much does online therapy cost?
The cost of online therapy at Priory varies depending on lots of different factors. Our friendly team can provide more information on this, so don't hesitate to get in touch.
Technical questions
Will the details I share be confidential?
Yes, your personal details and treatment information will be completely confidential. All data we keep is stored in line with data protection requirements.
Do I have to have my camera on when using online therapy?
If you’re more comfortable turning off your camera for your online therapy session, our specialists will be more than happy to speak to you over audio only. Sessions can also be taken over the phone if required.
