A therapy appointment and a course can both involve learning, but they are different services. Understanding what each includes can help you decide what to ask for without treating the choice as a test you have to pass.
What therapy provides
Psychotherapy involves a clinician working with you on troubling emotions, thoughts or behavior. A treatment plan is based on your needs and should include a way to discuss progress. You can ask about the clinician’s approach, experience, confidentiality and what happens if treatment is not helping. NIMH explains psychotherapy and questions to ask.
What a self-paced course provides
A course gives you educational material to work through on your own schedule. It can offer explanations, examples and practice resources. It does not assess your symptoms in real time, provide an individual treatment plan or monitor an emergency.
| Question | Individual therapy at Bloom | Bloom’s self-paced courses |
|---|---|---|
| Who guides the experience? | You work with a clinician. | You work through the educational material. |
| Is it personalized clinical care? | Yes; care is based on assessment and agreed goals. | No; it is education. |
| How is it purchased? | Therapy rates vary; Jana Rundle Psychology is out of network. | See the course overview for current prices and access terms. |
| Where can I check details? | Fees and insurance or the free consultation. | Course overview for current contents, prices and terms. |
You do not need to diagnose yourself to ask for therapy
If you are concerned about mood, anxiety, intrusive thoughts or how daily life is going, you can speak with a health professional. A shopping comparison cannot determine what level of care you need. You also do not have to prove that self-help failed before seeking assessment.
During a consultation, you might ask: “I am interested in learning more, but I also wonder whether I need treatment. What would an assessment involve?”
Can they be used together?
Some people choose to use educational material while attending therapy. Ask whether the material is relevant to your goals and bring questions to the clinician. You are not required to buy a course to receive therapy at Bloom, and purchasing one does not create a therapy relationship.
What if cost or logistics are the barrier?
Ask about options rather than assuming a course has to substitute for needed care. Your insurer may help locate an in-network provider. Bloom’s free resources and the support-options guide can help you explore information and community support.
For a non-emergency conversation about therapy, book a free 15-minute consultation. For immediate danger, use 911 or the nearest emergency department; call or text 988 for suicide or crisis support. A course or routine consultation is not an emergency service.
Frequently asked questions
Is a self-paced course the same as therapy?
No. A course provides educational material. Therapy involves a clinician assessing your needs and working with you on goals and progress. A course does not provide individual clinical care.
Can I use educational material while attending therapy?
You can ask your clinician whether particular material fits your goals. You are not required to purchase a Bloom course to receive therapy, and buying one does not create a therapy relationship.
How do I choose if I am unsure what support I need?
Ask a health professional about assessment and options. You do not need to diagnose yourself or demonstrate that self-help failed before seeking care. A routine consultation is for non-emergency questions.
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Dr. Jana Rundle
Clinical Psychologist
