Have you heard of online counseling? Online therapy, also known as e-therapy, e-counseling, teletherapy or cyber-counseling, is a relatively new development in mental health in which a therapist or counselor provides psychological advice and online grief counseling. This blog will give you a better understanding of online counseling and its benefits.
Mental health disorders are often undiagnosed and untreated. Technology is evolving and changing our lives every day. Online therapy is a new frontier, and it can lessen symptoms associated with mental health. Here are some of the noteworthy benefits of online therapy.
1 – Flexibility
You’re a busy working parent running kids to after school activities on a daily basis, you have no idea how therapy sessions will fit into your already packed schedule. Online therapy allows for maximum flexibility. You are able to get on the phone or video chat with a therapist at a time that works for your schedule.
2 – Comfort
Don’t like the feel of anxiously sitting in a waiting room? Therapy in a familiar environment will keep your comfort level stable. Online therapy gives you the option to find a comfortable place at home, grab your favorite blanket and computer, click a button, and be connected with your therapist. Online therapy can also help with removing the social media stigma associated with therapy.
3 – Openness
Face-to-face meetings are more difficult for you to open up. If this is the case for you, online therapy is a great option. Online therapy, gives you the option to speak on the phone or video chat with a therapist. This can help you to enhance how open you are with the therapist.
4 – Affordability
Online therapy will give you the same results as going to see a therapist in their office. Insurance has covered video sessions for most states for over a decade. Online therapy reduces the price by not having to pay for gas and eliminates travel time to an office.
5 – HIPPA Compliant
For many people, the issue of privacy may be hard to overcome. Online therapy ensures privacy every time with encrypted and secure connections. You can feel at ease knowing your personal and confidential information is secure.
6 – Accessibility
Mobility can be an issue when trying to access mental health care. Are you unable to leave your home for various reasons? Online therapy provides access to disabled or housebound individuals who are unable to participate in traditional therapy settings.
7 – Access for Remote Areas
Those who live in rural or remote areas may not have access to mental health treatment in their geographical area. Online therapy is a great option for these individuals to get the treatment they need.
8 – Barrier to Entry
Finding and attending initial appointments are the biggest challenges for prospective clients. Patients often times go to the initial appointment, never go back for various reasons. Online therapy allows you to attend on your time, every time.
Conclusion
Online therapy, also known as e-therapy, e-counseling, teletherapy or cyber-counseling is appealing to mental health consumers, who often view it as a convenient, economical and accessible alternative to traditional face-to-face therapy
Online therapy is not for everyone and it has limitations; however, it is quickly becoming an important resource for a growing number of people looking for mental health treatment. Despite a lack of research on the effectiveness of treatment, online therapy offers mental health professionals another way of providing services to clients.
