Family Mental Health: Benefits Of Family Therapy & Counseling Online
Note: This article covers information about online family therapy. Please note that at this time, BetterHelp does not offer family therapy
Regardless of your family's concerns, family therapy can be a valuable tool. You and your family can arrange a time to meet for family therapy with licensed therapists to discuss conflict, communication, mental health challenges, and other concerns.
One challenge for many families interested in family counseling services is finding a time for sessions when everyone is available. In these cases, online family therapy can be beneficial. Multiple family members can meet with a licensed therapist from separate locations through internet-based counseling. You only need an internet connection and a non-public space to chat comfortably.
With the increase in the popularity of online healthcare, there are many options for finding family therapy counseling online. Online family therapists have been proven more effective than in-person family therapists.
Benefits of online family therapy
One of the best online family therapy benefits is that it can make booking appointments more convenient and flexible for everyone. You may not have to rearrange your schedule to make an appointment. In addition, unlike with in-person sessions, you won't have to take time out of your schedule to drive to an in-person clinical practice across town.
What can you address in family therapy?
During family therapy sessions, a mental health care professional, such as a family counselor or a licensed marriage and family therapist, can address any concern in your family. You do not have to have a mental health diagnosis to attend virtual family therapy. Several of the most common reasons for attending therapy may include the following:
Communication during family therapy
For the families with adolescents or broad political differences, these generational divides and divergent perspectives can be challenging to talk through constructively. In addition, differences in communication styles or differing values might come up. Family therapy can allow everyone to feel heard, and expert mediation can help establish healthy boundaries and guide the conversation, helping family members improve their communication.
Substance use disorders
Blended family challenges
Bringing together two families through remarriage has the potential to enrich everyone's lives. It can also stir up feelings of grief, resentment, or jealousy as step-siblings and step-parents learn to combine their lives. This situation may benefit from the support of a licensed marriage and family therapist. Talking through these issues in family therapy sessions can help individuals understand each other's emotions and concerns and develop a plan for the healthy integration of families. Marriage and family therapists can provide blended families with the tools to resolve conflicts and move forward into the next stage of their lives together.
Abuse
If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.
Traumatic or adverse events as part of family therapy
All families can experience the impacts of loss or traumatic events differently. Online or in-person family therapy can give each person the space to grieve or discuss their trauma in their own way, helping the family move forward as a caring, compassionate team with closer family relationships.
If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
Behavioral concerns
Some children and adolescents may require additional support to overcome behavioral issues at home, school, or other environments. For example, those who experience eating disorders or other challenges may benefit from online family therapy. The adults in the family might also benefit from family therapy as they navigate their emotions about their children. In family therapy, the family can devise a treatment plan together, involving everyone in supporting the child's needs. This is just one of the many benefits of family counseling.
Infidelity discussions in family therapy
In a family, infidelity may cause distress for everyone involved. Online couples therapy can support each party through the necessary discussions, even if one or both partners are no longer comfortable in the same location. Children or other families might be included in these discussions.
What techniques can a therapist use online?
Benefits of online family counseling
Online family therapy and counseling since COVID-19
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, online therapy has become more and more popular in the United States. With an impact just as strong as in-person therapy and the advantage of far greater convenience, people are turning to online therapy. If your family is struggling to communicate or get along, or if you think that no one in your family understands you, online counseling may be a great fit for your family. Getting professional help does not have to be difficult or inconvenient. Plus, without the added effort of leaving your home, families are more inclined to turn up to that first session—and hopefully continue if your family wants to. While BetterHelp does not currently offer family therapy, it does other counseling services that can help individuals seeking to work through family-related issues. Also, couples therapy is available at Regain, which is BetterHelp’s partner platform for couples who want to work on their relationship. At Regain, couples therapy can be provided completely online via videoconferencing.
You can obtain family therapy from a number of other online providers; the best online family counseling services are provided by someone with whom the entire family is comfortable. No matter with whom you choose to work, it’s wise to research their educational background and review their credentials before you begin regular sessions together. It’s also a good idea to check what is covered by your insurance company. Your health insurance provider may cover certain types of online therapy and not others, so it’s worth looking into ahead of time.
Online counseling and mental health support
Though not currently able to offer family therapy services, the flexibility of online therapy with a platform like BetterHelp allows individuals to find support and guidance with family-related concerns. Individual therapy and mental health services are available through various formats, such as live video, phone, and chat sessions. In addition, individual online therapists are trained in addressing various concerns, including family challenges and conflict.
Beginning online marriage and family therapy sessions
Online family therapy is a proven way for people to get the help needed. Therapists can provide families with some of the best online family therapy techniques that can help address different concerns. It is easy to schedule and can be a great way to help everyone feel more comfortable while discussing difficult issues. Every family faces challenges. With the right tools, you can overcome a great deal of family conflict.
Takeaway
Online family counseling can be effective and may help families address communication issues, behavioral concerns, and other family-related challenges. Many families use online therapy to resolve conflicts related to parenting, boundaries, and relationship struggles. These sessions provide a safe space to explore concerns and develop solutions in a structured way. Virtual therapy services also allow a family to participate from their own home, making it easier to stay consistent with treatment and accommodate busy people and schedules.
You can find online platforms that offer free mental health support through chat or messaging. You can also consider joining online peer support groups. While these may not provide full treatment, they can be helpful for those needing immediate guidance. Some platforms also offer a free first session, allowing individuals to assess if online therapy is right for them.
Yes, therapy sessions can be conducted virtually through online therapy platforms. Many people find that online therapy sessions help them stay consistent with their care, especially when dealing with major life transitions or mental health challenges. Being able to receive therapy from the same place each time can create a sense of stability, helping individuals and families feel more comfortable discussing their concerns.
Is online therapy through BetterHelp free?
Therapy through BetterHelp is not free, but they do offer affordable subscription plans. Prices can range from $70 to $100 per week, depending on your location and preferences. These sessions can be scheduled at times that fit busy schedules, making therapy more accessible for those with demanding lifestyles. Some individuals may also benefit from structured online therapy to resolve conflicts and work on mental health issues.
What are the disadvantages of family therapy & counseling online?
While online family therapy work does have many benefits, it also has some drawbacks. For example, a therapist might not be able to spot body language cues during online sessions. A skilled therapist can help improve communication despite these limitations by using structured exercises that encourage open dialogue.
How can I talk to a therapist for free?
There are several ways to find free or low-cost mental health care, including checking your insurance coverage, reaching out to local community organizations, or asking your employer if they have an employee assistance program. Support groups and non-profit organizations may also provide a supportive environment for those needing immediate help to help them resolve conflicts and overcome challenges.
What are the goals of marriage and family therapy sessions?
The goals of marriage and family counseling may include improving conflict resolution skills, learning how to set and maintain healthy boundaries, improving communication, and building trust among family members. Sessions often focus on addressing current challenges and working through past conflicts to strengthen relationships. Family therapy can also help parents work together to resolve conflicts, rebuild trust, and create a supportive group for their children.
Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help family members work through conflict and develop healthier relationships with each other.
Yes, online family therapy work and counseling may be conducted online. It may even be the preferred method for families that are geographically distant. Engaging in sessions from your own home allows for greater flexibility and helps improve communication in a comfortable setting. Families experiencing trauma may find that online therapy provides a structured space to address emotional wounds and rebuild their family dynamic. While online therapy may not work the same way as in-person sessions, it still offers valuable tools to support healing and connection.
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