Is Online Therapy Effective? Impact On Mood, Behavior, And Overall Mental Well-Being
Online therapy is a more modern invention, starting with the popularization of the internet in the 1990s. Over the years, it has become a more widespread option for mental healthcare, with four out of ten Americans connecting with online therapy providers instead of face-to-face mental health services since 2021. However, some people might have reservations about using an online therapy platform for mental health issues, as it can seem that online services may not be as effective as those used in person. Understanding the statistics surrounding online therapy can help you decide whether it would be effective for you.
What can online therapy do for you?
Some people may wonder if an online therapy platform can be as effective and safe as traditional in-person therapy. To understand its effectiveness, looking at the types of mental health conditions often treated using an online platform can be valuable.
Participating in online therapy sessions can help you learn healthy coping mechanisms, help in treating mental illness, and make positive changes in your life. A licensed online therapist may address several concerns, including but not limited to the following:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Depression
- Unhealthy relationships
- Health challenges
- Chronic pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Decisions surrounding your career
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Other mental illnesses
Is online therapy effective in addressing mental health concerns?
People who have never tried online mental health care may be wondering, does online therapy work? Online therapy has been endorsed by the American Psychological Association (APA) and many other reputable psychological organizations. In addition, many studies have backed up the effectiveness of virtual therapy. Below are a few statistics and experiences with online therapy that may offer further insight into this form of mental health treatment.
Statistics demonstrating the benefits of mental health care through online therapy
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of studies on online therapy. However, several significant studies have been consistently cited and reviewed. Studies have determined effectiveness for multiple mental illnesses, stress, and relationship challenges. Below are a few statistics showcasing the effectiveness of online counseling:
- Depression: One meta-analysis of over 17 studies found that online therapy was more effective than in person intervention options for treating depression.
- Anxiety: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) can be done online, and one study found that it was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety.
- Bipolar Disorder: Researchers found that 95% of participants with bipolar disorder had an increased quality of life after using online therapy.
- Couples Conflict: Research has shown that couples prefer online therapy over videoconference to in-person options due to the level of comfort it provides.
- PTSD: Internet-based treatment helps facilitate a strong therapeutic alliance for clients with PTSD and achieves a sustained reduction of symptoms.
- User experience
In addition to the above studies, specific studies have examined unique online platforms to discover user experience metrics. One study looked at the online platform of BetterHelp and asked participants to rate quality, convenience, effectiveness, achievement, affordability, and availability. Clients rated the online platform:
- 71% more effective
- 78% higher quality
- 76% easier to progress in
- 90% more availability
- 100% more convenient
- 80% more affordable
Online therapy modalities
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Gestalt therapy
- Rapid eye movement and desensitization reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
- Exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP)
- Mindfulness-based therapies
- Couples counseling
- Integrative therapy
- Internal family systems (IFS)
Comparing the benefits of online and in-person therapy
Convenience
Cost
Efficacy
Why reaching out to a therapist can be more comfortable online
In psychotherapy, the therapeutic process often makes it easier to approach, reflect, and recognize challenging life topics with an open mind. However, choosing a therapist, making appointments, and attending sessions can be stressful for some people. Below are a few reasons people might not contact an in-person therapist.
Fears about starting counseling
For some, the prospect of seeking professional help may bring up unacknowledged fears of stigmas. Some people may fear that something is wrong with them, that they will be judged, or that they cannot be helped. Although you may feel nervous about taking this step, mental health providers are trained to provide objective, supportive guidance, including online.
In-person counseling can feel daunting
Many people with anxiety, social phobias, severe depressive symptoms, and a history of trauma can find it challenging to attend in-office therapy appointments. They may fear being judged, rejected, or further traumatized during in-office therapy sessions.
These fears may also be due to the many steps involved, such as potentially meeting with several therapists, choosing one, getting ready, driving to an in-office therapy session, filling out paperwork, attending a session, and then driving back home. Online therapy may remove these barriers, increasing its efficacy.
Online therapy options
In some cases, online therapists have found that clients can open up and experience relief of symptoms more quickly than in an office setting. This result may be due to the client being present within the safety of their home and the distance between them and the therapist. For some clients, there can be an unconscious desire to be liked by the therapist or please the therapist, which can lead to self-censorship, the omission of information, or avoiding talking about challenges.
Takeaway
With online therapy services at BetterHelp, you can still have personal contact just like in face-to-face therapy in an office, as you can connect with a therapist via videoconferencing. Connecting with a therapist, scheduling a session, and attending therapy can be more effective or efficient than in-person therapy. If you feel uncertain about online counseling, you can investigate the studies above or contact an online therapist for an initial appointment. You’re not alone, and high-quality support is available.
Frequently asked questions
Is online therapy effective for improving mental health compared to traditional in-person therapy?
Yes. A comprehensive review published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research suggests that internet-based psychotherapeutic interventions can be just as effective as in-person therapy for a variety of mental health conditions, including depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
How does the effectiveness of online therapy depend on the therapist's approach and use of technology?
The therapist’s approach and ability to use technology is critical to the effectiveness of online therapy. Success depends on the therapist’s use of video conferencing tools to overcome physical limitations of internet-based communication.
Can online therapy be an efficient option for addressing mental health concerns?
Yes, online therapy is suitable for treating many different mental health concerns and for teaching coping skills for everyday stressors. Still, it may not be effective for everyone. Severe or complex mental health conditions may require traditional therapy. You can learn more about telehealth services, including professional support for mental health on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website.
What factors influence whether online therapy is effective for a particular individual?
There are many potential factors that may influence the effectiveness of online therapies for an individual. Some of these include the type or severity of mental illness, their comfort level using technology, and their ability to interpret non-verbal cues during an online session.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be effective, but it depends on the person and their specific mental health challenges.
Should I try online therapy for mental health care?
Whether you decide to try online therapy for mental health care is a personal decision, but there are many benefits of receiving therapy via online delivery methods. Some of these may include convenience, affordability, and the ability to receive mental health support from the comfort of your home. Moreover, people who live in rural or remote areas may find therapy more attainable when it’s delivered online rather than from a therapist’s office.
What types of therapy are utilized most frequently?
The most commonly used type of therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy. Other popular therapeutic methods include dialectical behavior therapy and integrative or holistic therapy.
Which type of therapy is best?
Many experts consider cognitive behavioral therapy to be the best all-around treatment, but it depends on your specific mental health condition. CBT is not recommended in all cases.
How do I choose a therapist on the Internet?
There are many things to consider when choosing the best online therapy provider for you. Here are some examples:
- What are the therapist’s credentials?
- Does your insurance company cover online therapy?
- Does the online therapist accept insurance?
- What is their appointment availability?
- Does the therapist provide therapy for your specific mental health concern?
- Is text therapy available? What about online support groups?
- Does the therapist adhere to the required legal and ethical codes to practice online?
Do therapists hug their clients?
Some therapists may hug their clients, but it depends on the therapist and the patient. Many patients may appreciate physical touch, but others may prefer to set physical boundaries.
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