Improving Mental Health Through Online Psychotherapy
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 can't be disputed, there are many other factors that continue to contribute to the growing popularity of online therapy.
The mental health 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
Can I find a therapist online?
Yes, licensed therapists and providers specializing in mental health treatment are available for online therapy. There have been psychiatric providers who pioneered this approach decades ago. Still, during the COVID-19 pandemic, online therapy has taken off as most people find it convenient, and it offers access to those who have previously had difficulty attending in-person sessions or face-to-face therapy. It also allows individuals to have live sessions in a personal space, making it easier and more convenient for others to follow a specific, structured therapy plan. Research, including this meta-analysis, shows that online therapy can be highly effective, especially when it matches the individual’s symptoms and is supported by evidence-based treatment approaches.
What is online psychotherapy?
Therapy online is a form of mental health treatment and has the same therapy benefits that you can get with in-person sessions or face-to-face therapy but through digital platforms only. There are a number of licensed specialists and providers available across a wide range of therapeutic approaches, including psychiatry, who offer their therapy services partially or wholly online. Many mental health professionals create a personalized plan for their clients to match the individual’s symptoms. This will ensure adequate care for the clients. Research, including meta-analysis, supports the effectiveness of virtual or online therapy sessions as they can be convenient and accessible through the help of an established network of professionals and specialists. Different online platforms offer flexible payment options for you to pay them.
Is online therapy more effective than in-person therapy?
Research has shown that working with an online therapist can be just as effective as meeting with a therapist in person. Psychiatry has also embraced online therapy, with studies supporting its effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions. 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. Additionally, online therapy offers a more convenient way to connect and get support. It allows individuals to switch providers easily if they need a better fit.
What is the best online therapy platform?
One online therapy platform where you can 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 is 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 psychotherapy 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 for your mental health?
Psychotherapy, also commonly known as talk therapy, was developed as a collaborative approach between a provider or professional and their client that offers a supportive environment to improve mental health, facilitate personal growth, and learn tools to help relieve emotional stress, symptoms of various conditions, and mental health challenges. It is essential to psychiatry, helping clients and individuals manage their mental health challenges effectively. Many individuals find support and guidance through a network of professionals.
Is it better to find a therapist online or through in-person therapy?
There are both benefits and challenges to in-person or face-to-face therapy and online therapy, and which one you choose may depend entirely on your situation and personal preferences. For example, suppose you require close medication management or have more complicated symptoms and challenges like eating disorders or personality disorders. In that case, you may see your provider or therapist in person at a therapist’s office.
However, online therapy services are as effective as in-person or face-to-face 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 choices for people living in rural areas and a broader network of specialists. It also allows greater access to people who would find it physically challenging to travel to a therapy office. It is more convenient and makes human services more accessible.
How do I start psychotherapy?
Before you start your psychotherapy, it is important to assess your mental health needs and think about whether you want to have face-to-face therapy or consider an online session. Research a list of psychiatric providers or therapists who offer and deliver quality care that matches your concerns. If you have an insurance plan, check whether it is in-network to reduce your overall costs.
If this is your first time and first therapist, consider their treatment approaches and whether they are therapist-licensed to guarantee they can give the professional support you need. Some therapists can prescribe medication if there is a need. After the first few sessions, if you think that they are not a good match to what you are expecting and a good fit, there is always a chance for you to switch providers.
Before you start and confirm your sessions, don’t forget to ask about the monthly fee, whether this includes online sessions, live sessions, or face-to-face therapy only, and even for further follow-ups. If you think about discretion, like personal information and details, you can always ask for HIPAA-compliant measures to protect yourself and your rights.
Can online therapists prescribe medication?
Choosing online therapy is also choosing convenience, and yes, some psychiatric providers prescribe medication. Not all can prescribe medication, as this depends on their qualifications, credentials, and the implemented local regulations. A licensed therapist, licensed mental health professional, or psychologist can give mental health support, but only certain providers specializing in psychiatry can provide and handle medication management. It is always important to check and get enough information on whether they offer services that fit your mental health needs. At the same time, ask whether they are in-network with your current insurance plan to help with the pay.
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