Bring Mental Health Care To You: Telehealth For Therapy

For some seeking mental health support, telehealth has opened the doors to finding and engaging in therapy more conveniently. Smartphones, video calls, and online platforms have enabled new ways to connect with mental health professionals remotely, removing some barriers to in-person care for clients. If you're interested in seeking therapy online, you may be curious to learn more about telehealth, its potential benefits and drawbacks, and how online therapy works. 

Impact of telehealth for therapy

Telehealth for therapy, sometimes called telemental health, teletherapy, or online therapy, refers to a therapist or mental health provider's use of videoconferencing or digital communications to provide mental health services. Online therapy has grown in popularity immensely since the COVID-19 pandemic, with four out of every ten Americans using online therapy since 2021.   

With online counseling, mental health professionals can support clients from a distance with various mental health concerns. This distance can allow them to reach more people, such as those who are geographically isolated, lack transportation, or have difficulty finding childcare. It can also be a helpful option for individuals concerned about the stigma of seeking mental health services. 

According to a 2021 survey by the American Psychological Association, a vast majority of surveyed psychologists view telehealth as effective. 96% of psychologists responding to the survey believed telehealth could be therapeutically effective. The telehealth field is changing rapidly, and there are ongoing improvements to various aspects of care. 

Who can benefit from telehealth counseling? 

Telehealth counseling can be a convenient option for those seeking mental health support. If you experience the following mental health challenges, telehealth counseling may benefit you: 

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Anger management challenges 
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) 
• Panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Substance use disorders

Other benefits of telehealth for therapy

Telehealth counseling may also be helpful for people experiencing life transitions, marriage conflict, and work-related stress. Having a mental illness is not a prerequisite for going to therapy; it can benefit anyone interested in seeking support in the realm of mental health care. With telehealth for therapy, licensed therapists, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists can help clients from a distance, regardless of their challenges or goals.  

Understanding your unique situation or mental health condition

However, online therapy may not be the most effective option for all situations, and it may not be sufficient on its own in some cases. For instance, online counseling is not a solution if you are in a crisis. In addition, if you have a severe mental illness that requires medication, online treatment may not be sufficient, though it can be an addition to other treatment plans. Talk to a healthcare provider if you are seeking health services like medication management or primary care services. 

Does online therapy work?

A growing body of evidence demonstrates online therapy's effectiveness for various challenges. For instance, one study developed an overview of the effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) in treating psychiatric disorders. It concluded that ICBT was effective in treating and managing depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, substance use disorders, adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, and OCD. 

The research behind online therapy

Research has also demonstrated that online therapy can be effective for individuals of various ages, with one study finding that virtual psychiatric care was effective in improving depression symptoms for both younger and older adults at similar rates.

As clients are more likely to attend counseling, mental health outcomes can improve.

Online therapy vs. in-person therapy sessions

A potential benefit of online therapy is that it can be more convenient, particularly for those with difficulty attending in-person sessions. For example, living in a geographically isolated area, mobility difficulty, not having way to transportation, or a lack of childcare can cause individuals not to seek help. Online counseling can eliminate the requirement of a commute to an appointment, which may be more convenient for some people. In addition, the distant nature of online sessions can be more comfortable for those nervous to seek support in person due to social anxiety or other challenges. 

Challenges of online counseling vs. in-person therapy sessions

Contrarily, there may be drawbacks to online counseling. One potential challenge is that technical challenges may arise, which can cause disruptions to a session. For instance, an unstable internet connection, audio difficulty, or webcam issues can pose challenges. There are also concerns around telehealth equity, as 25% of low-income adults do not own smartphones, and around 40% do not have broadband internet or computers at home. 

Technical difficulties while chatting with a therapist

In addition to technical issues that may arise with an online therapist over video chat, phone call, or text therapy, some health insurance providers do not cover online treatment and some online platforms don’t accept insurance. Ask your insurance provider whether they cover counseling, psychiatry, and other healthcare services online before you attempt to find or choose your therapist or licensed professional for support. 

Tools and platforms for online counseling with a therapist

Picking suitable tools and platforms for online counseling may ensure your experience runs smoothly. To start, ensure you have a strong and reliable internet connection, audio quality, clear video, and a reliable device, such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Check whether you have a webcam if you'd like to partake in video counseling. 

BetterHelp

When looking for online platforms, you can also consider the type of therapy you want to take part in, how you'd like to communicate, the experience and expertise of the available therapists, the cost of the platform, and additional features. There are many platforms to choose from, including platforms like BetterHelp, which allow individuals to match with and meet with a licensed therapist online, wherever they have an internet connection. 

Maximizing the effectiveness of online therapy for mental health

Making the most of online counseling can involve staying engaged and connected during sessions. You might try these strategies to maximize your online experience:

Create a quiet space

Set up a quiet, comfortable space where you won't be disturbed, so you can focus and communicate openly with your therapist.

Be punctual and prepared

Be on time and have any needed materials or notes ready, so you can make the most of your sessions.

Communicate openly

Discuss your thoughts and concerns honestly, which can help your therapist better understand and support you.

Ask questions

If you're unsure or need clarification, ask your therapist by sending a message.