COPE fees are set based on treatment specialties and standard rates for doctoral level clinicians. Although our rates vary depending on the clinician and the specific services you are requesting, generally speaking our individual therapy rates begin at $250. Lower fee slots do occasionally become available. We welcome you to contact us to discuss your specific treatment and financial needs. If we are unable to accommodate you, we are happy to provide you referrals to lower fee mental health centers. For specific group rates or rates on IMPROVE: Outpatient Substance Use Treatment Program, please contact us for more information.

Do you take insurance?

COPE is not affiliated with a particular insurance panel and is considered an out-of-network provider. However, Dr. Rubin is a Lyra provider and can see individuals with Lyra benefits. Please check with your insurance company to inquire into possible out-of-network benefits and rates for reimbursement. Upon request, COPE providers can provide a monthly statement documenting services received that can be used for possible reimbursement from your insurance company and/or healthcare spending accounts. Some questions that may be helpful to ask your insurance company: Do I have mental health benefits? Do I have out-of-network benefits? If so, what are the benefits? How would I obtain reimbursement for an out-of-network provider? How many sessions will be covered per calendar year? What is my deductible and has it been met?

How long does therapy last?

Treatment length varies greatly depending on your specific concerns. However, research has shown that significant improvements can be made within 12 weeks and sometimes less. Some concerns may require longer-term treatment and some individuals choose to continue coming to therapy even after initial treatment gains to maintain skills, prevent backsliding, and manage weekly stressors. Your therapist will work with you closely in the initial sessions to clarify your presenting concerns and an expected treatment duration.

How do I know if therapy will work?

Finding the right therapist mixed with the right treatment can sometimes feel like finding a unicorn for those looking to begin therapy. However, at COPE we try to make this process a reality with a number of talented, specialty trained clinicians who work with you to customize a course of treatment that suits your needs.

What can I expect from the first few therapy sessions?

The initial therapy sessions are a great time for your therapist to get to know you and for you to get to know your therapist. Both are equally important. Your therapist will use this time to ask you a variety of questions in many different domains to understand as much breadth and depth of your life as possible in order to develop a thorough treatment plan. It is important to develop a set of goals that will guide treatment during these initial sessions.

Healing from Home: 5 Benefits of Online PTSD Counseling

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can feel isolating, and the journey to healing is often long and challenging. Traditional face-to-face therapy has been a cornerstone of PTSD treatment, but with the rise of digital tools, online PTSD counseling is becoming an increasingly popular and effective option. Offering therapy from the comfort of your own home, online counseling can provide essential support, flexibility, and privacy that traditional in-person sessions may not.

What is Online PTSD Counseling?

Online PTSD counseling is therapy conducted through digital platforms such as video calls, messaging apps, or email. These virtual sessions allow clients to connect with licensed mental health professionals from anywhere in the world, removing geographical barriers and offering more flexibility for individuals seeking help. Whether through one-on-one therapy, group sessions, or self-paced support, online counseling makes it easier for those affected by PTSD to get the help they need.

5 Benefits of Online PTSD Counseling

Comfort and Privacy of Home

One of the most significant advantages of online PTSD counseling is the ability to access therapy from the comfort and privacy of your own home. For many individuals with PTSD, traveling to an in-person appointment can be overwhelming. The act of leaving home, driving to a clinic, or sitting in a waiting room may heighten anxiety or trigger flashbacks. Online therapy eliminates these barriers, allowing individuals to engage in therapy where they feel safest.

Example: A person experiencing PTSD from a car accident may find it less stressful to attend therapy from home, where they are not exposed to potential triggers like driving or waiting in a public space.

Accessibility and Flexibility

Online PTSD counseling offers a level of flexibility that traditional therapy may not. With virtual sessions, clients can often schedule appointments outside of regular office hours, allowing them to find a time that works best for their personal life and schedule. This flexibility is especially helpful for those with busy routines, mobility issues, or those living in remote areas where in-person therapy may not be readily available.

Example: An individual with PTSD who works long hours or has family obligations may find it challenging to attend in-person therapy during typical office hours. Online counseling offers the flexibility to find a session time that works for them.

Reduced Stigma

For many people dealing with PTSD, the stigma associated with seeking mental health care can be a significant barrier to starting therapy. Online PTSD counseling offers a level of anonymity and privacy that may make individuals feel more comfortable seeking help. By participating in therapy from home, there is less fear of being seen entering a therapist’s office or having to explain why they are attending therapy sessions.

Example: Someone struggling with PTSD from military combat or sexual trauma may feel more at ease attending virtual therapy without the worry of encountering someone they know, reducing the shame and embarrassment that can often accompany seeking help.

Tailored Therapy Approaches

Just like in-person therapy, online PTSD counseling can be personalized to fit the individual’s needs. Therapy can be adapted to include various treatment modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or trauma-focused therapy. Many therapists specializing in PTSD offer these therapeutic methods through online platforms, ensuring that the treatment is just as effective virtually as it would be in a physical office setting.

Example: Someone struggling with negative thought patterns and anxiety related to their trauma may benefit from CBT, which can be done online using secure video platforms to help identify and challenge those thoughts.

Ongoing Support for Those in Crisis

Another advantage of online PTSD counseling is the ability to receive more frequent and immediate support. Clients experiencing acute symptoms or in crisis can often schedule appointments more quickly with online therapy, making it easier to address issues before they escalate. The ability to have more consistent check-ins with a therapist can be incredibly helpful in managing PTSD symptoms and preventing relapse.

Example: A client experiencing heightened PTSD symptoms after a triggering event (e.g., an anniversary of a traumatic incident) can access an online session more quickly, receiving timely support to manage their distress.

Is Online PTSD Counseling as Effective as In-Person Therapy?

Yes, online PTSD counseling can be just as effective as in-person sessions for many people. Research has shown that virtual therapy, especially when conducted through secure and HIPAA-compliant platforms, can yield similar results to face-to-face counseling. The key to effectiveness lies in the connection between the therapist and the client, which is possible regardless of the setting.

Therapists trained in trauma-focused therapies are equipped to deliver care through digital platforms, ensuring that clients still receive high-quality, evidence-based treatment. Many therapists use video sessions, which allows them to observe non-verbal cues and engage in a deeper therapeutic conversation—just as they would in an in-person setting. Additionally, online counseling offers a level of convenience that may increase consistency and engagement in therapy, which can contribute to better outcomes.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often develops after traumatic events such as actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. About one in three individuals who experience a severe traumatic event will go on to develop PTSD, which can manifest as intrusive nightmares and flashbacks, feelings of isolation, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. Left untreated, these symptoms can persist for many years, and PTSD is linked to a range of physical and mental health issues.

A study conducted in the UK included 196 participants diagnosed with mild-to-moderate PTSD, 92% of whom were White. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group received supported online CBT-TF (an 8-step online program with up to 3 hours of therapist contact and 4 brief telephone or email check-ups), while the other group received up to 12 face-to-face CBT-TF sessions, each lasting between 60 to 90 minutes. The severity of PTSD symptoms was assessed at the start of the study, again at 16 weeks (end of treatment), and one year later.

Key findings from the study include:

PTSD symptoms improved equally in both the online and face-to-face groups at 16 weeks. There was no significant difference between the two forms of therapy.
These improvements were sustained for up to one year in both groups.
Drop-out rates were low, with only 10% of participants discontinuing online therapy.

When researchers interviewed 19 participants and 10 therapists about their experiences, they found that participants appreciated the flexibility offered by online therapy. Therapists saw online therapy as an effective option for individuals who were hesitant about attending traditional face-to-face sessions.

Why Is This Important?

The findings from this study are significant because they demonstrate that therapist-supported online therapy can be just as effective as in-person CBT-TF for individuals with mild-to-moderate PTSD. Not only was online therapy effective, but it was also considerably cheaper to deliver, freeing up resources for therapists to focus on individuals with more severe or complex PTSD symptoms.

Moreover, online therapy offers key advantages in terms of accessibility and flexibility. It allows individuals to access treatment sooner and on their own schedule, accommodating work and childcare commitments. For many individuals with PTSD, particularly those who struggle with leaving their homes due to their symptoms, online therapy may be more acceptable and easier to access than in-person sessions.

This study is especially important because the online therapy program was co-designed with individuals living with PTSD, ensuring that it met their needs and preferences. The success of the online program suggests that it could help address the long waiting times for traditional face-to-face therapy, offering a practical solution to the mental health care gap.

However, the study’s participants were predominantly White, and further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of online CBT-TF in individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, as well as those with more severe PTSD.

How Online PTSD Counseling Works

Online PTSD counseling typically begins with an initial consultation, where the therapist evaluates your needs, background, and goals for treatment. After that, you and your therapist will agree on the best course of action, which could include weekly video sessions, text-based support, or a combination of both. In addition, your therapist may provide resources like worksheets, journaling prompts, or guided meditations that can be completed between sessions.

Finding the Right Therapist for Online PTSD Counseling

When seeking online PTSD counseling, it’s important to find a therapist who specializes in trauma and is comfortable using digital platforms. Look for a licensed professional who is experienced with PTSD treatment and offers a secure, user-friendly platform for virtual therapy. Many therapists offer a free consultation, which can help you determine whether the therapist is a good fit for your needs.

At COPE Psychological Center, our licensed therapists specialize in trauma and PTSD and are experienced in delivering high-quality care through virtual sessions. We understand that healing from PTSD can be a complex journey, and we are here to provide the support and care you need, wherever you are.

Ready to Heal from Home?

If you’re looking for a safe and comfortable way to start healing from PTSD, online counseling might be the solution you need. At COPE Psychological Center, we offer secure and effective online PTSD counseling sessions with licensed therapists trained in trauma-focused treatment methods. Begin your healing journey from the comfort of your own home—schedule your consultation today!