Online Psychotherapy: Effective, Tailored Therapy
According to the American Psychological Association, one out of every four adults in the United States needs mental health services but only 13% get treatment. The rise of online therapy has given many people the chance to get the treatment that they may not have had when limited to visiting a therapist in a physical location.
This translates to higher numbers of people receiving psychological care than in the past and a better understanding of the process and benefits of psychotherapy among people otherwise unfamiliar with treatment.
While the impact can’t be disputed of the effects of COVID-19 on our mental health and the privilege to treatment that online therapy provided during that time- there are many other factors that continue to contribute to the growing popularity of online therapy.
The benefits of online therapy
Online therapy has a wide range of benefits for those who choose to pursue it.
Unidentified patient
While much of the stigma formerly attached to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD has largely been removed, there are still some conditions that cause hesitation regarding therapy. Many are still uncomfortable with discussing sensitive topics including, but not limited to, drug addiction or sexual abuse with another person.
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These concerns are largely eliminated with online therapy, as the location of sessions is at the patient’s discretion. There is no need to be physically present in an office or other location. This can be very helpful for individuals who experience difficult conditions such as borderline personality disorder or PTSD.
Patient convenience
For some patients, it isn’t easy or even possible to attend weekly therapy sessions in an office environment. The potential reasons for this are many and may include work scheduling or difficulty traveling.
Also, people who live with depression, PTSD, or anxiety disorders may find it challenging to find the energy or motivation to attend in-person therapy. They may find it difficult to get out of bed on some days, let alone get in the car and drive to an in-office therapy appointment across town. This is one of the most common reasons why people who need therapy end up not getting the help they need. Being able to get therapy from the comfort of your own home in the form of online therapy is a big benefit for those people.
Proven approaches to care
Additionally, online therapy services with a licensed counselor may help to give you the help and guidance you need to make positive progress. After an initial consultation, your behavioral health professional will employ cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, psychodynamic therapy, and other behavioral health methods based on your unique needs.
Online therapy provides face-to-face contact between therapist and client via video sessions. If the client prefers, they can communicate with the therapist via live messaging and phone calls at any time from anywhere with an internet connection or cell phone service.
Cost considerations of online therapy
A therapist working out of an office practice typically has a more limited amount of time to schedule patients. Add wasted productivity due to canceled appointments and time lost for reviewing client notes to prepare for sessions, and this limits a therapist’s time that they could be potentially seeing clients- and earning money. This sometimes translates to a rate hike for clients.
In contrast, an online counselor offering therapy via instant message can potentially work with several patients simultaneously. Some patients doubt the therapeutic benefits of such an arrangement, but studies show that it has been proven as an effective therapeutic modality for treating many mental health issues.
Furthermore, a professional working out of a therapy office often must pay rent, utilities, insurance, and sometimes staff. These costs are often passed on to the clients. Online therapists do not need to rent commercial space, while counselors who are semi-retired or otherwise prefer to work part-time can continue to practice.
All these factors combine to lower online therapy cost for those who choose to switch therapists and speak to a mental health counselor online.
Enhanced ability to reach therapist
With online therapy, you can contact your therapist outside of sessions. Simply send them a message anytime, and they’ll respond when they are able. Since messaging does not necessarily require real-time responses, online therapists can take their time reviewing their notes and previous conversations before composing an answer.
If you have a question or want to clarify a point you made during a session, this feature of online therapy allows you to get in touch with your therapist without waiting for your next appointment. You can also refer to these messages when you’re looking for guidance or want to track your progress.
Does health insurance cover online therapy?
As it grows more popular, more insurance companies may begin to cover online therapy. In the US, health insurance providers may cover part, or in rare cases, all of your mental health care, but insurance coverage usually does not cover online therapy. You may have to check with your insurance company to find out.
Even so, because online therapy is often more affordable than traditional in-person therapy that accepts insurance, many people prefer to pay out of pocket. This is an easier and sometimes cheaper option than paying through health insurance because the cost of online therapy is sometimes less expensive than the average copay.
Is online psychotherapy effective?
Efficacy of online psychotherapy
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Connect with a mental health professional online
If you are ready to take the first step toward better mental health but find that there are barriers preventing you from seeking treatment, choosing online therapy may be an excellent solution.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
Can psychotherapy be done online?
Yes, licensed therapists are available for online therapy. There have been providers who pioneered this approach decades ago; but during the COVID-19 pandemic, online therapy has taken off as people find that it is convenient and offers access to those who have previously had difficulty attending in-person sessions.
What is online psychotherapy?
Therapy online is the same therapy that you can get with in-person sessions. There are a number of licensed specialists available across a wide range of therapeutic approaches who offer their therapy services partially or wholly online.
Is virtual psychotherapy effective?
Research has shown that working with an online therapist can be just as effective as meeting with a therapist in-person. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most common therapeutic approaches and has had robust research on its efficacy in both in-person and telehealth settings.
What is the best online platform for therapy?
One of the best online therapy platforms to find a therapist is BetterHelp. By filling out a simple online questionnaire you get matched with a therapist or other mental health care specialist (like social workers, psychologists, or family therapists) that meets your individual needs.
Can I do psychotherapy on myself?
Psychotherapy is also known as “talk therapy”. For it to be effective, it can be important to build a therapeutic relationship with a professional. Even someone with a strong knowledge of different therapeutic approaches would not likely be successful at giving themselves therapy, though they may learn to recognize or understand certain thoughts or feelings. Even therapy and counseling professionals often participate in therapy with another person.
Is online therapy safe?
You should work with a trusted online therapy platform to find a therapist, or find one through a resource like the APA.
What is the purpose of psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy, also commonly known as talk therapy, was developed as a collaborative approach between a professional and their client that offers a supportive environment to improve mental health, facilitate personal growth, and learn tools to help relieve emotional stress and mental health challenges.
Is it better to see a therapist in-person or online?
There are both benefits and challenges to in-person and online therapy, and which one you choose may depend entirely on your situation and personal preferences. For example, if you require close medication management, or have more complicated challenges like eating disorders or personality disorders, you may choose to see your therapist in-person.
However, online therapy services have been found to be as effective as in-person therapy for things like anxiety, depression, marriage and family counseling, and stress management therapy. Online therapy can be more convenient and effective for busy people who would not otherwise stay consistent with attending in-person therapy sessions. It offers a wider range of choice for people who live in rural areas. It also allows greater access to people who would find it physically difficult to travel to a therapy office.
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