23,167 people sought online therapy help in Massachusetts in the last year

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Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +3 more
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +4 more

I believe in working collaboratively with my clients, meeting them where they are and utilizing strengths to explore solutions.

36 more therapist available in Massachusetts

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Stephen Medina

Hear from Stephen Medina, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

View Stephen Medina's profile

What is your go-to approach for online therapy?

My go-to approach for helping people in online therapy is a mixture of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and some mindfulness techniques. I usually start my sessions with a check-in to see how the week was, including the highs and lows of the week, and it usually dovetails into discussing what we need to in the session. I find the best benefit with CBT because it helps connect thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while also increasing some mindfulness to reduce autopilot.

What tools do you teach in online therapy?

I teach:

  • Cognitive restructuring - challenging negative thinking patterns and putting them to the test to create space for a more balanced way of thinking.
  • Behavioral activation - creating a schedule to assist with motivation
  • Coping skills identification
  • Problem-solving skills/communication skills building

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in online therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in online therapy when they report they were able to utilize the tools and strategies we talk about in our sessions and they can apply them outside of sessions.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement online therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in online therapy by practicing the coping skills we discuss outside of sessions, even when they are not feeling in distress, so they are more accessible when needed. I encourage some clients to watch or listen to some guided meditation exercises as well.

What should someone do to prepare for starting online therapy?

To prepare for your first online therapy session, you can think about what you are wishing to accomplish in treatment and set your goals. The first few sessions are more information gathering and goal setting to figure out where you want to go in and out of treatment. Additionally from a pragmatic standpoint, I would also encourage you to identify where you would like to hold your online sessions prior to your first appointment. It may be more tricky to find a secure and confidential space for a session.

Starting Online therapy

What is online therapy?

With Thriveworks, Online therapy is an effective alternative to in-person therapy services in which a client can speak to a Thriveworks therapist remotely via online video conferencing. Online sessions are just as effective as in-person treatment, but they can also provide added benefits like reduced travel time, saving money on transportation or childcare, and increased access to care.

How does online therapy work?

Online therapy works much like traditional in-person therapy but takes place through secure video conferencing. Clients can attend Online therapy from any safe place they choose that has access to the internet, whether that be their home or another easily accessible place. Like in-person treatment, a therapist will work with their client to address their concerns, create goals, and establish an effective treatment plan.

What is the best option for online therapy?

There is no best option for online therapy—instead, it’s best to focus on finding a provider that meets your specific needs and with whom you can form a professional connection with.

Is online therapy just as effective?

Yes, online therapy is just as effetive for many clients as in-person sessions.

How long does online therapy last?

Online therapy can last for a few months to years depending on the goals and symptoms of the client. The treatment process will be unique to each client and lend itself to their specific concerns, which means that the time it takes to treat them will always be different. Timing is also up to the client themselves; they are free to stop therapy whenever they please, especially if they feel they have reached their goals and addressed their concerns.

How much does online therapy cost?

At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

Need more help deciding?

Imagine: You are just cruising through life, everything is great, and you feel like nothing could go wrong. You are in a great relationship and your friends are always there when you need them. Then all of a sudden, life hits you with a myriad of challenges. Maybe you:

  • Find out you have a life-threatening disease or condition
  • Get let go from your job because of budget cuts
  • Have to grieve the loss of a loved one
  • Struggle with PTSD after a traumatic event
  • Get denied from a program you applied for
  • Found out you won’t be able to biologically have children
  • Get robbed while you are away on vacation
  • Break-up with your partner of three years because of communication struggles
  • Your child starts acting up at school and will not talk to you about their feelings

It feels like life may be targeting you. Between your busy work schedule and finding time to get your tasks done at home, all while balancing a social life, you feel like you can’t make it to another appointment. Luckily, Thriveworks Salem Counseling offers online counseling services to our clients. Our licensed clinicians have innumerable methods and tools to assist you through whatever challenges you are currently facing. Ready to get the well-deserved help you need? Contact Thriveworks Salem Counseling at (508) 392-4269 to get started.

Can Online Counseling Help Me?

The different scenarios listed above are just some of the different areas in which one of our online psychologists can help you. While some people prefer the traditional route of counseling by meeting with their therapist in-person, others find it greatly beneficial to receive counseling through teletherapy. If you are still on the fence about whether or not you would benefit from online counseling, consider these few perks:

  1. It’s effective: Some might think that online counseling might not be as effective as in-person counseling. That would be false! Research shows that clients who pursue online therapy have just as much meaningful progress in their lives as those who see their therapist in person.
  2. It’s comfortable: One of the greatest benefits of online counseling is how comfortable it is. You can have your appointment from wherever you feel is best. Have a safe space at home? Awesome! You can speak to your provider from there. Also, some of our clients feel more at ease when speaking with their therapist virtually because it takes some of the pressure off of meeting with someone in a shared space.
  3. It’s convenient: To go along with comfortability, teletherapy is convenient. You do not have to rush from your home or office to get to an appointment on time. You also don’t have to worry about added stressors like weather, traffic, and other unforeseen incidents.
  4. It’s affordable: Most major insurance carriers now cover online counseling and we accept most major insurance carriers! However, if your insurance doesn’t qualify, we have great self-payment options.

The short answer is yes, online counseling can help you. Our counselors are trained and licensed in many different fields and can help you work through most of life’s problems. Not only that, but they will provide you with the tools and skills you need to cope with what has happened in your past and prepare for anything that may come up in the future. At Thriveworks Salem Counseling, we want to be your partner in your mental health journey. Consider reaching out, we would love to help you.

What are My Online Counseling Options?

We offer two different types of online counseling here at Thriveworks Salem. Both are greatly beneficial to our clients. Those different options are:

  1. Phone Counseling: At your scheduled appointment time, your therapist will call you over the phone. All you have to do is answer!
  2. Video Chat Counseling: Prior to your scheduled appointment time, you will receive a link to a video chat room. Once it is time for your appointment, just click the link to be taken to the video chat!

Some of our clients like to test out both virtual options for their appointments. If you do not feel like one way is working out for you, just try the other option. We want you to feel comfortable and safe for every appointment.

Ready to Get Started? Schedule Your Online Counseling Session at Thriveworks Salem, MA

We understand how hard life can get sometimes. You never know what challenge is going to be thrown your way and put a wrench in your plans. Don’t feel like you have to tackle those challenges all on your own. The therapists here at Thriveworks Salem are dedicated to providing their clients with a safe and comfortable environment to work through their issues.

If you are ready to get started, give our office a call at (508) 392-4269 where you will be connected with a scheduling specialist. We have flexible scheduling options and offer appointment times in the daytime, evenings, and weekends. For any specific questions about our services beyond what is listed on our website, just call and ask. We can’t wait to help you thrive!

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Salem therapists and counselors accept 30 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health | Medicare Advantage

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

Show more
Self-pay costs at Salem
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
The therapist at Thriveworks ( Stephen Medina) is absolutely fantastic. He is very well educated and is able to get me to open up.
Read more The therapist at Thriveworks ( Stephen Medina) is absolutely fantastic. He is very well educated and is able to get me to open up.
Sharron Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Outstanding from first call to assigning me a therapist for my particular needs. I would recommend them to anyone. My therapist is top notch!
Read more Outstanding from first call to assigning me a therapist for my particular needs. I would recommend them to anyone. My therapist is top notch!
Sharron Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist, Stephen Medina is professional, caring, smart and is very good at gaining my trust. He is highly skilled in PTSD. I am starting to feel whole again.
Read more My therapist, Stephen Medina is professional, caring, smart and is very good at gaining my trust. He is highly skilled in PTSD. I am starting to feel whole again.
Sharron Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Celine is very compassionate and professional
Debra Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Salem is located in McIntire Historic District on Washington St. where it intersects with Lynde St. We share a building with MassHire North Shore Career Center - Salem, Koto Grill & Sushi, and other businesses.

Phone number

(978) 637-8213

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

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