5 Reasons to Try Online Therapy
The last few months have been challenging in many ways. You may be experiencing increased anxiety, depression, or conflict in your relationships. Maybe it’s hard to find motivation to do your job or even do the things that once made you feel good. You may be wanting to try online therapy, but you aren’t quite sure what the benefits are or even what it really is. Online therapy (also called online counseling, teletherapy, telehealth, or distance therapy) can be anything that connects a client to a therapist virtually including video sessions, email, texting, or phone sessions. In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of online therapy and how to know if it’s right for you.
1) Online therapy is convenient.
You can do online therapy from your own space. Whether it’s your home, office, or even your car—you can do whatever works for you. Saving time commuting to and from your therapist’s office means you can have a session whenever you need. And, being in your own space can make the process a bit less overwhelming. It’s important that you do find a spot that works for you. Most people look for a quiet space in their home where they won’t be heard or bothered by other household members during their session.
2) Online therapy is effective.
Several studies over the last decade have shown that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy—especially for things like depression, anxiety, and general stress. People often feel more comfortable in their own space then sitting in a stranger’s office and therefore are often willing to be more open and invested in their time. Additionally, online therapy takes away some of the stigma people feel while waiting in a therapist’s waiting room and the anxiety of running into someone they know. This feeling of anonymity can help the work to be more effective.
3) Online therapy is accessible.
Live away from the city and find it hard to access the support you need? Have a disability that makes it hard to leave the house? Or maybe you have social anxiety that makes it a challenge to go to new places or meet new people? Are you a parent and find it hard to get a babysitter? Online therapy makes it easy for people to access what they need without having to worry about the many limitations that often get in the way of getting care.
4) Online therapy is flexible.
With a lack of commute, you can schedule a session at any time throughout your day. Oftentimes, it’s difficult to find therapists with evening availability, but online therapy makes it easy to schedule your sessions during a lunch break, before school, or while your kids take a nap. Also, online therapy means you have an extended pool of therapists to choose from- you can pick a therapist in another city if you feel they best fit your needs. But, it is important to note that most states require you to see a therapist that is licensed in the state you live in.
5) Online therapy is secure.
Much like when you use Facetime or Zoom, you’ll sit down with your computer or phone and connect to your therapist who is on their device. Make sure to ask your therapist if they are using a HIPAA compliant online platform. This means that your information and your video session will be kept private, secure, and confidential. This is really important in protecting your rights.
Online therapy can be a great choice if you’re looking for convenience and flexibility, especially as we continue to navigate new recommendations about face-to-face contact. As you make choices about your ongoing care, consider asking about online therapy!
*It is important to note that online therapy is not for everyone. It is not likely to be effective if you are experiencing a higher level of needs or symptoms of psychosis. If this is the case, contact your local crisis center or if you are in Denver, call 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255.
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