1Who can make use of HealtheMinds’s therapy and counselling services?

We are here to serve anyone who needs us!

However, if it is an emergency, we strongly urge you to call an emergency helpline or visit the nearest hospital.

2If I sign up for a consultation with a HealtheMinds expert, does that mean something is wrong with me?

Not at all. Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes! You can sign up with HealtheMinds if you are interested in your personal growth; are having trouble adjusting to changes in your life; facing developmental concerns, academic or career pressures; feeling anxious, lonely, depressed or angry.

Our experts are trained professionals who will help you explore alternative coping strategies and ways of dealing with your thoughts, feelings and environment.

3Isn’t it better for me to solve my own problems?

Therapy and counselling don’t solve your problems for you – rather, they help you clarify issues so you can solve your problems on your own with the guidance, support and expertise of a trained professional. The goal of therapy is not to make you more dependent; it is to make you self-sufficient and resilient.

4I know my problems are insignificant when there are so many huge challenges facing the world. Why should I go to therapy?

There is no problem too small or too big for counselling. It’s a safe environment where you can be completely yourself and find your inner core of strength and peace to face your problems, regardless of size. Therapy will also give you the tools to face life in general with more equanimity and confidence.

5I’m not sure about counselling… is it safe talking to a stranger?

Starting therapy or counselling is uncomfortable – it’s difficult to share sensitive, highly private information with someone you don’t know. It’s completely normal to think you won’t be able to open up, that you don’t think it will help you, or that you don’t know where to start. Your therapist is trained to handle these feelings.

You may also worry about what people may think; there is a lot of social stigma associated with mental illness. But it’s important to remember two things: first, that going to counselling doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It’s a safe, confidential space where you will be heard, understood, validated and never judged. Second, that those who love you and care about you – and there’s always someone – wants you to be happy and well, and if counselling can help you achieve that.

6Will you tell anyone I signed up with HealtheMinds?

No. Effective therapy is all about confidentiality and trust, and we will not release information regarding our interactions with you without your permission except in a few excepted areas, for example if your counsellor believes you are in imminent danger of harming yourself or someone else. You can read about them in our PRIVACY POLICY. If you are eighteen years old or over, it is your right to choose whether to discuss your interactions with HealtheMinds with parents, friends, colleagues, academic or professional advisors and supervisors, or anyone else.

7Why do people consider going to therapy?

Therapy is a partnership between an individual and a professional trained to help people understand and change their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. People may consider going to therapy when:

  • They feel a prolonged, overwhelming sense of sadness or helplessness.
  • Their emotional difficulties make even day-to-day activities hard to do.
  • Their actions are harmful to themselves or to others.
  • They are troubled by the emotional problems of their family members or close friends.
  • They just need to talk to someone who won’t judge them.
8What can I expect from my first therapy session?

Before you begin a therapeutic consultation, you will be asked to provide some background information about yourself. This will help the therapist gain a basic understanding of what you are going through and how best they can help you. At your first session you will be asked questions to clarify your current situation and history.

HealtheMinds makes every effort to ensure that whatever you may be going through, we give you the best available care.

9If I do start therapy, what can I do to get the most out of it?

There are many approaches and formats of therapy, but all therapy is a two-way process which is built on open communication and trust. You are as responsible as your therapist for establishing and maintaining a good working relationship. Be clear about your concerns. Attend all scheduled session and give some forethought to what you want to discuss during each session. If your therapist gives you “homework” to do between sessions, do it diligently. If you are prescribed medication, take it on time and in the right dosage.

Therapy is often hard to get through, but if you are willing to work closely with your psychologist or counsellor, you will find relief from your emotional distress and achieve a more productive, fulfilling life.

10How do I know if therapy is working?

When you start, you should establish clear goals with your therapist or counsellor, who will help you evaluate them to make sure they are realistic and break them down into smaller, achievable pieces. Depending on what you discover about yourself during therapy, you may adjust your goals. After a few sessions, if you feel that you and your therapist are on this journey together, it’s a great sign. But if you feel stuck or lacking direction, you should be open with your therapist about it.

You may feel a wide range of emotions as you go through therapy, especially if you are discussing painful experiences. Don’t be disheartened – it can be a positive sign that you are starting to explore thoughts, emotions and behaviours that you had kept hidden inside. Review your progress with your therapist periodically. Although there are other considerations affecting how long you should attend therapy, success in reaching your primary goals is a major factor in deciding when to stop.

11What is the difference between online and in-person counselling?

Online counselling is live, face-to-face, video counselling using a video conferencing software. It’s the same as in-person therapy, except that you can have your consultation in a private space of your choice. All you need is a computer or other mobile device, a decent Internet connection, and a quiet place where you are comfortable.

Many kinds of mental issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, seasonal affective disorder, and panic disorders, among others, can be treated just as effectively online as in person. However, there are some situations in which in-person consultations are required. Your therapist will advise you of this if necessary. For example, online therapy isn’t recommended for people who are suicidal or struggling with psychosis.

If you are thinking of ending your life, don’t! You are loved and needed. Call an emergency helpline or visit the nearest hospital.

12How do I use HealtheMinds services?

You can chat with one of our Client Care Coordinators, who will gather some basic information about you and provide you with a list of specialists to choose from. Or you can select a specialist on your own by viewing the Our Experts page.

Book an appointment and pay online through our secure payment gateway, and you’re all set to attend your consultation!

13What qualifications do the panellists have?

All our experts are fully qualified counsellors, psychologists or psychiatrists. You can see the full list of their qualifications and expertise in their profiles. Many of them are internationally renowned as both therapists and educators. We check every single panellist we work with to ensure their qualifications are valid, current and relevant.

What’s the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

A psychiatrist is a physician, which means they can prescribe medication for mental health concerns. Psychiatrists understand the client’s situation by looking at their history and decides whether medication is necessary.

A psychologist is a professional is a trained professional who works with clients in a therapeutic relationship to give them a better understanding of themselves, their problems and their engagement with others and the world.

Psychiatrists and psychologists often work together to support and treat their clients.

14How secure is online counselling?

Online counselling is as secure as the video conferencing software you are using for it. Please see the terms of use and privacy policy of the application you are using for your consultation for more details.

15How much does a consultation or therapy session with a HealtheMinds expert cost?

Our panellists set their own session rates, and some also offer package rates for a fixed number of sessions. Visit the Our Experts page and follow the process to book an appointment with a specialist to see their per-session rate, or visit the Packages page to see the available package rates and book one.

16Is any special software required for online counselling?

That depends entirely on which video conferencing application you are using. Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox Internet browsers support almost all web-based video software. You may also be able to attend a session using communication applications like Skype.