Telehealth Therapy for OCD and Anxiety

Why Consider Telehealth Services?

Have you been considering seeking therapy, but just can’t find the time?

• Or maybe it’s difficult to find a qualified therapist nearby?

• Have you been put off by a long commute, especially if you live in a remote area?

• Are you unable to drive?

• Are you a parent of a teen who needs therapy, but you can't drive them to the appointments because of work or scheduling constraints?

• Do you need specialized treatment for an anxiety disorder or OCD but can’t find a therapist with the right expertise?

If any of these apply, telehealth may be a practical and effective solution.

Our Video Therapy Clinic

Our Video Therapy Clinic allows you to schedule sessions online and meet with your therapist from the privacy of your own home. Telehealth removes many of the logistical barriers that can make accessing high-quality therapy difficult, without compromising clinical effectiveness.

What is Online Therapy?

At Turning Point Psychological Services, online therapy is delivered via videoconferencing. Sessions are conducted in real time, face to face, using a secure platform.

Benefits of Video Therapy                            

Research consistently shows that videoconferencing is as effective as traditional in-office therapy for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety disorders and OCD.

Additional benefits include:

• Accessing therapy from the comfort of your own home, without commuting or parking

• Greater scheduling flexibility compared to in-person appointments

• Continued access to therapy if you are disabled, housebound, or managing physical or psychological limitations

• Consistency of care if you travel frequently or live outside major urban centres

Our Experience with Telehealth

We have been providing telehealth services, including video and phone-based counselling, since 2013. Our therapists are experienced in delivering evidence-based treatment through videoconferencing, and most clients report feeling more relaxed and focused when attending sessions from their own environment.

Telehealth and OCD and Related Disorders

Telehealth offers particular advantages for the treatment of OCD and related disorders.

Many exposure and response prevention (ERP) exercises are most effective when carried out in real-life settings, such as the home, workplace, or community. Telehealth allows therapists to guide and support exposures directly within these environments, without the cost and logistical challenges of in-person home visits.

Even clients who usually attend sessions in person often choose to schedule video sessions to practise ERP in context.

Some ERP exercises are also easier or more appropriate when conducted over the phone rather than in person or on video, such as exposures involving bathrooms, driving (including hit-and-run OCD), social situations, or workplace settings. Telehealth accommodates this flexibility.

Clients with OCD-related disorders, such as body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs), emetophobia, or paruresis may also find it easier to engage in therapeutic work from home, without the constraints of an office environment.

Telehealth further makes it easier to involve family members in treatment when appropriate, as they can join sessions from their own home.

Telehealth allows us to extend evidence-based OCD and anxiety treatment beyond geographic barriers, including to underserved regions. When regulations permit, this also allows us to work with clients internationally while maintaining high clinical standards. In our experience, OCD treatment is often particularly effective when delivered via video.

Before the Session

• Your therapist will direct you to our online consent forms to complete before your first appointment

• Payment is typically completed via Interac e-transfer prior to the session

• Receipts are issued and emailed following payment

• Your session link opens directly in your browser; no software installation is required

How to prepare for a Video Therapy Session

• Choose a quiet, private space where you will not be interrupted during the 50-minute session

• A desktop or laptop is recommended over tablets or mobile devices

• Ensure you have a stable, high-speed internet connection

• Close unnecessary programs or browser tabs to improve call quality

• Restart your computer before the session if possible

• Position lighting in front of you rather than behind

• Headphones or earbuds with a microphone are recommended

• Test your audio and video settings before the session

• If call quality issues arise, use the “Optimize Quality” option within the platform

Get Started

You can schedule an online session directly or contact us if you have questions about telehealth services and whether they are a good fit for your needs.