Is there video counselling for addiction problems?
Yes, video counselling for addiction problems is available through the digital cannabis counselling service. The DigiSucht platform connects you with a counsellor, and you decide for yourself whether you write, chat, call or speak by video. Whether the video call works for you depends mainly on your device and your browser. This article shows you the process, the technology and the limits of the offer.
How registration works
You need to register. Among other things, the platform asks for your postcode so that you can be assigned to a suitable counselling service. After that you can write a message straight away or, depending on availability, book an appointment. According to the platform, you usually receive a reply to your enquiry, or confirmation of your appointment booking, within three working days at the latest. For video appointments, you always need a booked appointment.
The counsellor always starts the video call. You need a camera, a microphone and speakers. You do not have to install an app, because the counselling runs in the web browser on a smartphone, tablet or laptop.
Which devices and browsers work
For video calls, the platform recommends current versions of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. The table below summarises what you should pay attention to.
| Device | Browser | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Windows PC or laptop | Chrome or Edge | use the current version |
| Mac | Chrome or Edge | use the current version |
| Android smartphone or tablet | Chrome or Edge | use the current version |
| iPhone or iPad | Chrome or Edge | limitations possible, test beforehand |
Test the technology in advance
It is best to test the video call before the first appointment. A short sequence helps:
- Open the browser and check whether it is a current version of Chrome or Edge.
- Test the camera and microphone, for example with a video recording in another app.
- Close programs that could be using the camera or microphone.
- Make sure the connection is stable, ideally over Wi-Fi.
- Choose a quiet room where nobody will disturb you.
If it still does not work, you can keep writing. Writing is an alternative if video is too much for you at the moment.
Preparing for the first video conversation
Note down two or three points you want to talk about before the appointment. This helps if you feel nervous during the conversation. Choose a quiet room where nobody will disturb you, and use headphones if others could hear.
You do not have to tell everything in the first conversation. It is enough to say what is on your mind at the moment. The counsellor will then ask follow-up questions, and you decide together how to proceed.
If the connection drops
Connections drop even with good technology. If the video call fails, first try reconnecting in the same browser. If that does not help, send the counsellor a short message saying that you want to continue the appointment, or use another channel. Note in advance what you wanted to raise next time, so that nothing is lost.
When a video call suits you and when in person is better
A video conversation saves travel. This helps especially if the nearest counselling service is far away or you have hardly any time during the day. You can talk from your own room, which can make getting started easier for some people.
There are limits, however. In acute crises, the route via the screen is not enough, because replies and appointments can take several working days. In an acute danger, call the emergency number 112. The article When is online counselling not enough and local help is needed? explains more. If you prefer to call, the article Where can I find telephone counselling about cannabis? gives an overview.
Data protection in the video call
According to the platform, messages are end-to-end encrypted, and this also applies to video calls. End-to-end encryption means that only the people involved can read the content. The counselling is anonymous on request. You can choose your username freely, and an email address is optional. The counsellor also cannot see whether you are online.
So choose a username that does not make you recognisable, and read the privacy policy linked in the footer of the site. More on data security is in the article How safe is my data in online counselling?
What to clarify before the first appointment
Before you book an appointment, it is worth looking at three points. First: how long does a conversation last, and are there fixed times? Second: how are counselling services assigned, and who is responsible for your region? Third: what happens after the conversation, for example at a follow-up appointment? You will find answers during registration and in the platform's questions and answers.
If the appointment you want is not free, you can write a message. You do not need an appointment for that. A short note in your first message about when you are best reached helps the counsellor plan accordingly.
Common misconceptions about video counselling
A common misconception is that video counselling is always available straight away. Appointments depend on the availability of the counsellor, and sometimes it takes a little longer until the first conversation. A second misconception is that a conversation on a screen is taken less seriously. Many concerns can be discussed well there, and you decide for yourself how much you tell.
A third misconception concerns anonymity. At DigiSucht, anonymous means that you use a freely chosen username and do not have to give an email address. How the platform processes technical data is set out in its privacy policy. Read it before you book your first appointment.
What you can do now
- Check whether your browser is current (Chrome or Edge), and test the camera and microphone.
- Register and have a suitable counselling service assigned to you.
- Write a message if no appointment is free at the moment. The offer can also be used in writing.
- For urgent matters, go to a counselling service on site. An overview is given in the article Where can I find an addiction counselling service for cannabis?
Frequently asked questions
Can I use video counselling from my phone?
Yes, a smartphone, tablet or laptop is suitable, because the counselling runs in the web browser. For video calls, the platform recommends current versions of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. There may be limitations on iPhones and iPads, so it is worth testing before the first appointment. The counsellor always starts the video call.
Does video counselling for addiction cost anything?
According to the platform, the digital cannabis counselling service is free of charge and anonymous. You can choose a username freely and do not have to give an email address. If you no longer need your account, you can delete it yourself. Final deletion takes place within 48 hours and cannot be undone.