How to Start Online Therapy in Florida

Step one: be in Florida for your sessions

Online therapy follows the rules of the state you are in during the session. Florida's telehealth law, section 456.47 of the Florida Statutes, says that for its purposes the delivery of health care services is deemed to occur where the patient is located at the time, or in the patient's county of residence.

Our Florida therapist is licensed in Florida, so you need to be physically in Florida during each video session. That includes year-round residents and people who spend part of the year here. If you split your time between states, tell us your dates so we can plan sessions for the months you are in Florida.

Step two: get matched with a Florida-licensed therapist

Each therapist on our team is licensed in specific states, and we match each client with a therapist licensed where they are. For Florida, that is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker on our team who works with adults.

The Florida Department of Health explains that Florida licensees can provide telehealth to patients in Florida without any extra license, while practitioners licensed only in another state must register with the Department first. You can check any Florida license yourself with the Verify A License tool on FL HealthSource, the Department's consumer site.

Step three: book a free consultation

The first conversation is a free 15-minute consultation. It is a chance to describe what is going on in your own words, ask how therapy would work and get a feel for whether this is a good fit. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests considering a provider who offers a free introductory session for exactly that reason.

Good questions to ask include how the therapist approaches your concern, what a typical session looks like and how you will both know whether therapy is helping. If you are coming as a couple, both partners can join the consultation, and both will need to be in Florida for sessions.

Step four: insurance or self-pay

Coverage depends on your plan and the state. For clients in Florida we are in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare plans, including their related plans. Before your first session, our administrative team verifies your benefits and tells you what we found. If you prefer not to use insurance, or your plan does not cover the care, self-pay is available. Our insurance and fees page explains how this works.

If you would like to check on your own as well, the National Institute of Mental Health suggests confirming with your insurer that telehealth appointments are covered, since policies vary from state to state. Ask whether outpatient therapy is covered, what your copay or coinsurance will be, and whether your deductible applies first.

Step five: your first video session

You book a time directly from the therapist's online calendar. On the day, you join a secure video link from a phone, tablet or computer. There is no office to visit and no drive across town. Florida law says a telehealth provider must meet the same standard of practice as a professional who sees patients in person, and that records of telehealth care are confidential.

1. 1Find a private spotThe National Institute of Mental Health notes that video visits can feel less private if others can overhear. A closed door, a parked car or headphones can help.
2. 2Check your connectionA steady internet connection and a charged device make the session smoother. It helps to agree with your therapist on what to do if the video drops.
3. 3Expect to talk about youThe first session usually covers what brought you in, some background and what you hope will change. You set the pace and can ask questions at any time.
4. 4Agree on next stepsBy the end, you and your therapist will talk about goals and how often to meet. If something did not feel right, it is fine to say so: a good fit matters.

What we offer in Florida

In Florida, our therapist works with adults on anxiety, depression, grief, couples concerns and career or life transitions. Sessions are online only, by secure video, and in English. Read more on our Florida online therapy page.

When you are ready, book your free 15-minute consultation on our booking page. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services. In Florida, 988 reaches the 988 Florida Lifeline, a free, 24/7 service managed by the Department of Children and Families.