Does traditional in-office therapy not fit into your busy schedule? Do you want to go to therapy but find the travel to the counseling office an additional cost you can’t afford?
Online therapy, also known as teletherapy or e-therapy, is a rapidly growing field among mental health professionals that offers many benefits over traditional in-person therapy. In this blog post about the benefits of online therapy, we’ll explore some of the critical advantages of online therapy and how it can help improve mental health and well-being.
Benefits of Online Therapy
Online therapy can offer several benefits for individuals seeking further mental health treatment and support. Some of these benefits include:
Accessibility:
Online therapy can make many mental health care services accessible to individuals without leaving their homes. This can be especially helpful for people with mobility issues, who live in remote areas or have busy schedules.
Anonymity:Â
Some people may feel more comfortable seeking therapy online, as it provides greater anonymity. This can be helpful if you struggle with the idea of therapy in general, as sometimes it can hold a challenging stigma for some individuals.
Convenience:
One of the most significant benefits of online therapy is convenience. With online therapy, there is no need to travel to a therapist’s office or take time off work.Â
Instead, therapy sessions can be conducted from the comfort of one’s home or even on the go using a mobile device.
Cost-effective:
Online therapy sessions are often less expensive than in-person therapy and may be covered by insurance. Additionally, because online therapy eliminates travel, it can save individuals money on transportation costs to access mental health care.
Effectiveness:
Online therapy can be just as effective for mental health concerns as
traditional therapy. Research has shown that online therapy is equally
effective as in-person therapy for various mental health issues,
including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. In some cases, online therapy can be more effective than in person therapy.
Flexibility:
With online therapy, individuals can choose from a wide range of therapists and treatment options. Individuals can also schedule sessions with online mental health professionals at times that are convenient for them and can choose to engage in therapy in the most comfortable way, such as text, video, or audio.
Therapy types:
In-person therapy often only has one form of therapy to offer, but the virtual world (phone, computer, or tablet) provides various options to receive treatment, such as chat-bot therapy, video conferencing, phone call therapy, and even virtual reality therapy. Therapy options available differ with each therapist or office.
Some things to keep in mind if you choose online therapy
Now that we talked about the benefits of online therapy and why it is a great option, here are some points to keep in mind before you make your first appointment:
Find a Licensed Therapist:
Before you start online therapy with any therapist, it’s important to check that the online therapist is licensed in your state and that their platform is secure and HIPAA compliant.
Record Keeping:
Online therapy sessions are often recorded, allowing the therapist and the client to refer back to previous sessions and track progress over time.
Online Therapy Isn’t For Everyone:
It is important to note that online therapy is not appropriate for everyone and should not be used as a replacement for in-person therapy in cases deemed necessary.
Also, Online therapy may not be appropriate for individuals experiencing severe serious mental health conditions or problems, such as psychosis or suicidal thoughts. In these cases, it’s crucial to seek help from a trained medical professional immediately.
Conclusion
Online therapy offers many benefits over traditional in-person therapy, including convenience, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and a more comprehensive range of therapeutic options. By removing barriers like time and distance, online therapy can help more people access the help they need to improve their mental health and well-being. If you want to improve your mental health, it may be worth considering online therapy.
If the benefits of online therapy appeal to you, don’t hesitate to call us or make an appointment to start the process. We are so excited to work with you to begin your healing journey today!
Check out some more blog posts we have about online therapy services:
10 Types of Online Therapy and How They Are Important in the Healing Process
Online Couples Therapy: The First Step Towards a Stronger Relationship
Start Online Therapy at Makin Wellness with Highmark Insurance Today: 3 Easy Steps!
