What is online therapy?
Online therapy, also often referred to as web therapy, is a mental health service offered through the Internet. During an online therapy session you talk to a therapist with video or text chat on a computer or mobile device.
How can Talkcircle improve my life?
Whether you are searching therapy for a particular difficulty or to improve your life in general, our network offers highly skilled professionals to help you reach your goals.
By increasing your self-awareness and self-acceptance, psychotherapy helps you work on a specific difficulty as well as reach your full potential. Asking for help is not sign of weakness, failure or that there is something wrong with you; self-development and confronting your difficulties requires courage and is the biggest gift you can give yourself.
What’s the difference between video & text therapy?
Video therapy is similar traditional face to face therapy, it is a one-on-one therapy session whereby you talk to your therapist through a video screen on a computer, smartphone / device, you can book either 30 or 60 minute sessions.
Text therapy allows you to write to your therapist with your computer or smartphone. You can keep daily contact with your therapist, just drop a quick message in the moment and address it later that day.
Send unlimited text messages with daily responses.
What is the purpose of the questionnaire?
The questionnaire will help you explore how you are feeling and also get the help you need more effectively.
What happens with the results of the questionnaire?
Once you have completed the questionnaire you will be suggested a therapist based on your preferences. Our Community Manager is also there to help guide you to find the right therapist.
Does Talkcircle have an age restriction?
Yes, you must be aged 18 or above to use our services. If you are under 18 and seeking psychological support, we suggest you speak to your parent or another trusted adult, for example a school counsellor or your local doctor.
When will somebody respond to me?
At Talkcircle you will talk to real people and not bots. The best way to get a response is to chat to one of our Community Managers. They are available during the most popular times of the day and if they are not online, you can leave message they will respond at their soonest availability.
You can also directly contact a therapist by sending them a message and their typical response time is within 24 hours.
How do I sign up?
Registering on our home page takes a moment and can be done anonymously. You will then be able to chat to our Community Manager, send messages to our therapists and book sessions. Signing up is free.
Is Talkcircle anonymous?
Yes, you can seek help completely anonymously, all you have to do is use a nickname upon registration. Talkcircle does not have access to credit card details as this is handled by a third party so we’re completely anonymous. You also have the option to deactivate your video in sessions, with an audio only therapy session for total anonymity.
How do I contact Talkcircle directly?
Email us at support@talkcircle.com to clarify anything that may be on your mind, we’re always here to help.
How do I choose a therapist who is right for me?
Therapy takes place in the client-therapist relationship. Therefore, the two most important aspects of therapy are that you feel comfortable with your therapists and that you trust them.
To find the right therapist you can chat to our Community Manager for guidance in selecting a therapist who is specialized in the areas you may need, or in the areas where you would like to grow and develop. The Community Manager may suggest a few therapists that are a good match for you.
You also have the option to browse our
Therapist list
and book or message a therapist directly. Keeping in mind that most therapists have experience in working with a wide range clients and difficulties.
How long will therapy last?
Your therapy is defined by your goals, and you always have the choice to stop therapy. Your therapist will work with you towards your goals and when they are clearly defined, therapy can last weeks or months. Should you wish to work on a wide range of issues and reach a deeper understanding of yourself and your life, therapy may take longer. You can also choose to work with a therapist for a set number of sessions. Let your therapist know about your preferred timescale and your therapist will take this into account when planning your sessions together.
Often a good way to start is to book text therapy for a week or a single session, and then you’ll have a better idea whether or not therapy is for you, and how much you’d like to commit to it.
What if I want to stop therapy?
You are free to stop therapy at any point. It is often helpful to discuss your wish to stop with your therapist and review your progress and experience of therapy. It can also be beneficial to be able to say goodbye to each other.
What if I’m not happy with my therapist?
You can change therapists as we want you to be as comfortable as possible. You can either cancel your session and rebook another therapist directly from a therapist’s profile. or contact a Community Manager who will guide you through the process.
Role of the Community Manager
Our Community Managers are highly trained Talkcircle professionals who can help you select a therapist who specialises in the areas you need, or where you would like to grow and develop.
What happens in the chat with the Community Manager?
Our Community Managers will ask you some questions to help you find a therapist that may be a good fit to your current needs.
Do I have to talk to the Community Manager before I can book a session?
No, our Community Managers provide guidance if you are not sure what you are looking for. Feel free to search and browse through the available therapists, you can message therapists or check their schedule and book direct.
Is TaIkcircle secure?
Client data is protected as rigorously as the client data in face-to-face therapy. This means that our technology is up-to-date and performs as per best practice on data security. We do not store any audio or video from the online sessions. All shared information is safe with us. Everything you communicate to us is confidential, and therapy is strictly between you and your therapist.
We suggest that you have your therapy session in a private, quiet space
Do I have to give my real name when I sign up?
Therapy can be more successful when you can be yourself, however if you prefer to use a nickname you can stay anonymous.
What if I do not want to be seen during a session?
You can switch off your video and keep the audio on at the click of a button, while still being able to see your therapist.
Are credit card payments safe at Talkcircle?
Yes it’s safe, we use Stripe for all our payment transactions. Stripe is a US technology company operating in over 25 countries, with a focus on providing fraud prevention and security to the highest levels required to operate on-line payment systems.
How much does therapy cost?
Therapists set their own rates based for video therapy on their experience and areas of specialty. Session costs are visible on their profile pages. Text therapy is a fixed weekly and monthly rate.
How can I pay for my sessions?
We accept all major credit and debit cards. All transactions are secure, as we use Stripe, a trusted third party being rated America’s number one payment gateway.
Do I get a discount if I commit to a series of sessions?
Yes, we offer package based discounts on multiple sessions booked. Please check your dashboard to see discount packages or chat to our Community Manager.
Who do I contact if something goes wrong with my payment?
You can contact help@talkcircle.com with payment related questions.
Can I see an account summary?
You can view your account history from the “MY ACCOUNT“ section within your dashboard.
What about hidden fees?
Signing up to Talkcircle is free, and you get 10 free message to get to know your therapist. You only pay when you book a video session or subscribe to a text therapy package, there are no hidden fees.
Does my insurance cover therapy sessions at Talkcircle?
We recommend you check with your insurance company regarding your cover and their reimbursement requirements. Currently we only offer pay and claim, Talkcircle email all receipts upon payment.
Are all Talkcircle therapists licensed?
Yes, all Talkcircle therapists are licensed psychologists or psychotherapists in their home countries and/or country of residence. This is a strict requirement for therapists to join Talkcircle.
How are Talkcircle therapists accepted in the network?
All therapists go through a multi-levelled assessment process and their credentials are verified.
Can I choose my therapist myself?
Yes, although our Community Managers can guide you with their suggestions, but the final decision is made by you.
How do I sign up to Talkcircle?
Signing up to Talkcircle is easy and free. We ask for your basic information, so you can login and connect with your therapist without waiting.
What is your cancellation policy?
As we understand that situations can change, we offer a flexible cancellation policy:
- Full refund for cancellation beyond 48 hours
- 50% payment if you cancel within 48 hours
- 100% payment if you cancel within 24 hours
How long will my account be kept active after I finish therapy?
When your account has been inactive for six months, we will send you a reminder before officially disabling your account. You can reinstate your account any time in the future by emailing us.
How do I reset my Talkcircle password?
Click on the 'forgot you password?’ link from the login screen and you will receive reset instructions to your registered email address.
Do you offer refunds?
You will be refunded if you cancel your appointment within our cancellation policy. You will also be refunded if your therapist cancels a scheduled appointment.
