Now you can utilize Online Counseling! You can have more access to our therapists so you can achieve your goals more quickly and conveniently.
(for established clients within the state of Texas)
Technology has become an essential part of our lives and it can be useful in personal growth work, marriage counseling, and parent coaching. While using the telephone or Internet for therapy is not ideal, online video conferencing can be an effective and convenient addition to face-to-face sessions.

At AchieveBalance.org© we have just begun using the Internet with great success to work with established clients in Texas who are occasionally unable to attend sessions in person or who are using our innovative AchieveYourGoals plans. You can have sessions with your therapist through Skype, a free, high quality video conferencing program that allows us to see and hear each other using your computer and a web cam (and headset if you choose). Skype is free to download from the Internet, easy to install and set up, is free of adware/malware/spyware etc., and most importantly, is confidential.

If you are interested in counseling ‘virtually’ on Skype, talk to your therapist who will help you set things up.

FAQ ABOUT ONLINE COUNSELING:

Is Skype Confidential?
Yes, all Skype sessions are encrypted to ensure privacy and confidentiality. You can read more about it on Skype’s website here and here.

Can I use video counseling if I am out of state?
No. Your counselor is only licensed to practice within the state of Texas so you may only utilize video counseling while you are in Texas.

Can I use video counseling for my first counseling session?
No. Your initial session must be face-to-face for several reasons. At your first session you will be asked to sign a service agreement and you and your counselor will discuss what counseling can and cannot do to help. Also, you will establish a method of payment and confirm your address and identification.

Can I use video counseling for all of my counseling sessions?
No. Face-to-face counseling is still considered best practice for the counseling profession. We prefer to use video counseling to supplement face-to-face counseling, not as a stand-alone modality.

To Get Started with Skype:
1. Go the Skype website and download the latest version of Skype for Windows or Mac, then install it on your computer. For help and any questions you have about setting up or using Skype, click here.
2. Open Skype and add me to your Contact List. My username is drk8walker
3. You will need a web cam if your computer doesn’t have one built in, and possibly a headset. To take a look at the web cams and headsets that Skype recommends, click here.
4. All teleconferencing sessions will be pre-paid.