Online therapy isn’t new, but it’s growing in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite some concerns, this type of virtual care has some significant benefits for those who choose to utilize it.
Before you jump in, know what to look for when selecting an online therapist, and make sure your sessions are free of distractions like kids, pets, or phone calls.
Accessibility
Online therapy eliminates many barriers to counseling that often prevent people from seeking help. It removes the need for people to travel to appointments, worry about parking or public transport, pay for child care, and take time off from work. Many also prefer to connect from the comfort of their homes, where they can feel more at ease and relaxed.
Online counseling platforms also typically offer a more comprehensive range of specialists, meaning finding someone with the right experience for your needs is more accessible. However, it is essential to remember that online sessions only work if you put the time in and are willing to open up.
Some counseling services allow you to communicate with your therapist between sessions through instant messaging and email. This may be synchronous, where you speak to your counselor in real-time, or asynchronous, where you can send a message, and your counselor will respond when they are available – usually within a predetermined number of hours. This can be useful in keeping up with your progress or if you need to share something quickly. If this is exactly what you’re looking for, you can check out telemedicine louisiana.
Convenience
Whether you have limited mobility or need to get to counseling sessions on your terms, online therapy is a convenient option. In-person sessions are no longer necessary, and you can connect with a counselor from any device with a camera and internet connection. This can benefit clients who live in rural areas with few therapists or those with limited schedules that make it difficult to travel.
The most common type of online therapy is video sessions, and many therapists offer this service through their private practice websites.
Depending on the terms of your therapy, you can also communicate with your therapist in Los Angeles, California, via email or text messages. This can be helpful if you need to ask a quick question or want to discuss something that happened in between sessions. Communicating with your therapist can be just as effective as in-person therapy. It can benefit clients who are uncomfortable sharing their problems in person.
Flexibility
Online therapy offers more flexibility than in-person sessions. This makes making appointments around your schedule easier, allowing you to attend more sessions and get more support over time.
The accessibility of online counseling is changing how people think about mental health care. It is also providing new options for those who may have previously avoided getting help because they couldn’t find a therapist nearby or didn’t have the means to afford in-person treatment.
Plus, if you have a fast and reliable internet connection, you can access counselors in different areas of the country or even outside. While this isn’t an option for everyone, it’s essential to consider if you feel comfortable connecting with someone who might not live in your immediate community. Some people say the quasi-anonymity that comes with being behind a screen helps them open up and be more honest in their sessions.
Confidence
Online therapy provides a sense of anonymity that can be helpful for people who are concerned about the stigma associated with mental health. It can also be a more comfortable way to communicate than in-person sessions, where you might be distracted by the physical presence of your therapist.
Some people can build trust with their therapists over the screen, which is essential for progress in therapy. However, this can only happen if there is strong communication between the two parties and good rapport.
The convenience of online therapy eliminates a lot of barriers to getting help. There are no longer the worries of fighting traffic, finding public transportation or parking, taking time off work, and dealing with child care or other responsibilities. Plus, with many therapists offering subscription plans and shorter session times, it is more affordable than in-person visits. However, internet speed and reliable devices are crucial to ensuring a quality video call. If you are considering online therapy, run a speed test to ensure your home’s network is fast enough.
Privacy
Online therapy provides anonymity, making it easier to talk about sensitive topics. Plus, clients can use their personal space at home, which can help them feel more comfortable during sessions. For example, they might curl up on the couch or sit in their office.
In addition, online therapy removes barriers that could prevent a client from seeking mental health care in the first place. For instance, waiting for an appointment at a traditional clinic can be stressful, especially for people with social anxiety. Additionally, finding a therapist nearby can be difficult for people who live in remote areas.
With online therapy, patients can access therapists statewide or even nationwide. This allows them to be more selective in their therapist selection, improving their chances of finding a great fit. And since there are many affordable options for e-therapy, a person does not have to worry about the financial burden. Some telehealth services are even covered by insurance so you can check with your provider for options.
