It's no secret that the pandemic has forced many counselors to convert their in-person practices to virtual ones.

While this has been a difficult transition for some, it has also opened up new opportunities, such as teletherapy work-from-home counselor jobs.

In this blog post, we'll show you how to get a teletherapy job so that you can continue helping your clients from the comfort of your own home.  

Qualifications Needed 

To qualify for a teletherapy job, you will need at least a Master's degree in counseling and be licensed in the state in which you reside.

Some employers may also require you to have experience in a specific type of counseling, such as marriage and family counseling or substance abuse counseling.

Once you have all of the necessary qualifications, you can start searching for open positions. 

Where to Look 

There are a few different places where you can look for teletherapy jobs.

The first place to check is indeed.com or any other job search website.

You can also contact your state's licensing board to see if they have any recommendations for teletherapy job openings.

Finally, you can reach out to your personal network of contacts to see if anyone knows of any open positions.

Hint, Overcomers Counseling is a great place to consider for your next teletherapy job. 

The Interview Process 

Once you've found a teletherapy job that you're interested in, the next step is to apply and go through the interview process.

The interview process for a teletherapy job is similar to that of an in-person position; however, it will likely be conducted over video chat instead of in person.

Be sure to dress professionally and present yourself in a positive light so that the interviewer gets a good impression of you.

Common Skills That are Needed for Teletherapy Counseling Jobs

The ability to establish rapport with clients is essential for any counselor, but it is especially important for those working in teletherapy.

Rapport is the relationship of trust and understanding that forms between a counselor and a client. It is important for counselors to be able to establish rapport quickly so that clients feel comfortable sharing personal information.

Active listening is another important skill for counselors working in teletherapy.

Active listening involves giving full attention to the client, taking time to see their perspective, and responding in a way that shows that understanding.

This type of listening can be difficult to do over the phone or computer, but it is essential for building a trusting relationship with clients.

Counselors working in teletherapy must also be able to effectively communicate non-verbally.

This includes using facial expressions and gestures that convey empathy and concern, as well as maintaining eye contact when possible.

Additionally, counselors should use a calm and soothing tone of voice, which can help to put clients at ease.

Another important skill for teletherapy counselors is the ability to build trust with clients.

Trust is essential for any counseling relationship, but it can be more difficult to establish when working remotely.

Counselors can build trust by being consistent in their communication, being open and honest about their own experiences, and by maintaining confidentiality.

It is also important for counselors working in teletherapy to have strong boundaries.

Boundaries are necessary to maintain a healthy counselor-client relationship and prevent burnout.

Teletherapy counselors should make sure to set aside time for themselves outside of work hours, avoid sharing too much personal information and refrain from becoming too emotionally attached to clients.

FAQs

What is teletherapy?

Teletherapy is the delivery of therapy services via video conferencing.

This type of therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Teletherapy can be an effective treatment option for people who are unable to access traditional in-person therapy, such as those who live in rural areas or who have transportation difficulties.

What are the benefits of teletherapy?

There are many benefits of teletherapy, both for therapists and for clients.

Therapists who offer teletherapy services can reach a larger number of clients than those who only offer in-person services.

This can be beneficial for therapists who live in rural areas or who want to expand their practice beyond their local area.

Clients who receive teletherapy services also have greater flexibility in terms of scheduling and location.

They can receive therapy services from the comfort of their own home or office, and they do not need to take time off work or miss school to attend appointments.

What are the risks of teletherapy?

There are some risks associated with teletherapy, but these are typically low.

The most common risk is technical difficulties, such as a poor internet connection or problems with the video conferencing software.

These difficulties can usually be resolved quickly and do not typically result in any long-term negative effects.

There is also a risk that confidential information could be shared unintentionally if the therapist and client are not using a secure video conferencing platform.

However, this risk can be minimized by using a platform that offers end-to-end encryption, such as Zoom or Skype for Business.

How do I get started with teletherapy?

If you are interested in starting a career in teletherapy, there are a few things you will need to do.

First, you will need to obtain a license to practice therapy in your state.

Next, you will need to find a video conferencing platform that meets your needs and that is compatible with your computer system.

Finally, you will need to market your teletherapy practice to potential clients.

What type of training do I need to provide teletherapy?

You will need to complete the same training requirements as those necessary to provide traditional in-person therapy services.

This includes completing a master's degree in counseling or a related field and completing a supervised clinical internship.

Once you have completed these requirements, you will be eligible to take the licensure exam required in your state.

Conclusion

If you're a counselor who is looking for a way to continue helping your clients during the pandemic, then getting a teletherapy job may be the perfect solution for you.

With a few simple steps, you can easily transition into this growing field. So what are you waiting for?

Start your search today!