More and more people are choosing online therapy as part of their mental healthcare. Instead of visiting a practice in person, sessions take place through a secure video-calling platform. Many clients are surprised by how natural this feels, often from the very first session. This article explains how online therapy works at Mavera GGZ, who it tends to suit well, and what to keep in mind.
What does online therapy actually involve?
With online therapy, the content of your treatment stays the same, only the medium changes. Your therapist uses the same approaches as they would in person, such as CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), EMDR, ACT, schema therapy, or psychodynamic therapy. The only difference is that the conversation happens through a screen rather than in a consultation room. The quality of care, your therapist’s attention, and the structure of your treatment plan remain exactly the same. What disappears is travel time and the need to be physically present.
How does a video-call session work?
At Mavera GGZ, we use the ZSG client portal. At your scheduled appointment time, you log into the portal from home, work, or any quiet space to start your video call. From there, the session unfolds much like an in-person one: your therapist asks questions, you work together on your goals, and there is room to discuss whatever is currently on your mind.
Between sessions, the portal remains available. You can complete exercises, fill in questionnaires, or review preparatory material your therapist has set up for you. This keeps treatment active even outside of sessions, without requiring extra travel.
Who is online therapy a good fit for?
Online therapy works well for people who need flexibility, such as those with a busy work schedule, irregular shifts, or caregiving responsibilities at home. It also offers an accessible option for people who find travelling difficult due to physical limitations, or who simply feel more at ease in their own familiar environment.
Some clients even find it easier to open up about sensitive topics from home. This is not a fixed rule and varies from person to person, but it is something we see fairly often.
When is an in-person session preferable?
Online therapy is not the best fit for every situation. For more complex difficulties, certain forms of EMDR, or relationship and family therapy where multiple people need to be physically present, an in-person session can offer added value. The same applies when non-verbal cues are especially important, or when you simply feel you function better in a consultation room. We are happy to discuss this together during your treatment.
Is video calling private and secure?
A common question is whether video calling is actually safe. The platform we use through ZSG is specifically built for mental healthcare and meets the relevant privacy and data protection requirements. Sessions take place over a secure connection and are not accessible to third parties. As BIG-registered therapists, we are also bound by professional confidentiality, regardless of whether a session takes place online or in person.
Hybrid combinations are possible
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Many clients choose a hybrid approach: the intake and some sessions take place in person at Rozenlaan 115 in Rotterdam, while other appointments are held by video call. This allows treatment to adapt to whatever suits you best at a given time, whether that’s a busy week when travelling is difficult, or a phase where in-person contact feels more valuable.
How do you get started?
A referral from your GP (huisarts) is required for specialist mental healthcare, even when it is offered online. During the intake, we discuss together which format suits you best, online, in person, or a combination, and align this with your treatment goals.
Care at Mavera GGZ is available in Dutch, Turkish, English, Ukrainian, Polish, Uyghur, and Arabic. If you have questions about online therapy or want to know whether it could work for you, feel free to contact us on 010 – 254 38 96 or at info@maveraggz.nl.
If you are currently experiencing a crisis or an emergency, please call 112 (in the Netherlands) or go to A&E. Mavera GGZ is not a crisis service.
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