FAQ

Virtual Therapy

Find answers to questions about how therapy works, preparing for a visit, and more.

About virtual therapy

First Stop Health virtual therapy provides you with short-term, solution-focused support. During this type of therapy, you’ll focus on identifying immediate solutions to the issue you are facing. With First Stop Health virtual therapy, you will work with your therapist to:  

  • Gain new strategies for navigating life’s challenges. Your therapist can help you make sense of difficult situations, learn new coping strategies, and develop healthy habits to adapt to challenges. 
  • Solve problems and make changes to improve your life. Life is constantly changing and so are you. Your therapist will work with you to solve the problem at hand and provide guidance so you can get back to feeling your best.   
  • Get referrals to longer-term care, if needed. If you know you need support but aren’t sure where to begin, virtual therapy can be a great place to get started. Generally, those who use First Stop Health have about 3-5 visits with their therapist — but your experience will be personal to you. Therapists can provide referrals to in-person, in-network therapists, support groups, and more when needed. 

Primary members and their adult eligible dependents (18+) can request visits on our mobile app, website, or by calling 888-691-7867.

Primary members should request visits on behalf of minor dependents through their primary profiles.

When you schedule a visit through your account, you'll be able to pick a day and time that works for you. Appointment times may be available as soon as tomorrow! 

Knowing when you should reach out for guidance can be tough. While there is no one right reason to seek support, you might want to consider it when you: 

  • Have run out of advice from friends and family. 
  • Are going through a change in your career, relationship, or living situation. 
  • Are experiencing new feelings of depression or anxiety.   
  • Are ready to get support for alcohol or substance use.  
  • Have recently lost a loved one or close friend.  
  • Just feel like you need to talk with someone. Trust yourself. 

Virtual therapy can address a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, work/life stress, relationships, substance use, grief, and more. 

Therapists are here to help you with depression and anxiety, work/life stress, marital or relationship concerns, substance use, grief, and more.

You will work with your therapist to gain the tools and skills you need to feel better. The number of visits you have will depend upon your progress and level of need. 

You will meet with a therapist with a Master’s-level degree or above in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related mental health profession. 

If you currently have an established relationship with a mental healthcare provider, we believe it is in your best interest to continue that ongoing relationship. Their deeper understanding of your current mental health and the history you've established will allow them to provide you with personalized support and guidance. 

In-the-moment guidance is available during times of immediate crisis, as well. You can also call the 9-8-8 hotline for emotional support and crisis counseling. 

Before my visit

  1. Log in at firststophealth.com or on the mobile app and click ‘Support your mental health’. 
  2. Select who the visit is for and answer our questionnaire 
  3. Finally, you'll select the best day and time for your first visit

Please note: In rare cases, a member of our care team may contact you to get you scheduled with your first therapy visit. 

First, you'll have a brief intake call with a counselor to learn about what you’re going through (such as depression, anxiety, or relationship concerns). Together, you’ll work on planning the next steps. In-the-moment guidance is also available if you need support in a moment of crisis. 

After this, each visit is 45-60 minutes, on average. The intake call will likely be shorter. 

Here are a few ways to prepare for your virtual therapy visit: 

  • Think ahead about what you'd like to focus on. Anxiety, stress, depression, marital or work issues, and substance use are just some of the issues therapists are trained to address. Together, you’ll work towards a solution to get you feeling better. 
  • Find a space that feels comfortable and private. Whether its your bedroom, office, or living room, think about where you will talk to your therapist. 
  • Jot down a few things. If you are worried you may forget what you want to say, take a few minutes to prepare a list or jot down some thoughts. Having something in writing that you can refer to can help you make the most of the time you have with your therapist.  

Read more about getting the most out of virtual therapy here.

After my visit

If you didn’t connect well with your therapist, don’t worry! Reach out to our care team and request a new therapist. We'll call you to schedule your next visit with a different therapist.

During your visit, you and your therapist will book your next session for a time that’s convenient for you. If you need to reschedule your upcoming visit, contact us