The advent of COVID pandemic changed the dynamics of in-person therapy sessions. The demand for online therapy grew tenfold, with record numbers of people genuinely seeking these sessions. A few years post-COVID, many people are relying on these online services for their mental health.
Over 50 million Americans face mental health issues. Governments, charitable organizations, and health experts increasingly advocate for mental health awareness. Most individuals seek cost-effective avenues to access these health services.
Can the new online therapy format replace the old tradition of in-person therapy? Can an online app help solve your mental issues?
What Is It?
Online therapy is carried out using web-based technology. It’s similar to when submitting papers from masterpapers on online portals. Only here, users sign up to access a licensed professional.
Mostly, online therapy best tackles existing conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression. Other related conditions treated through teletherapy include addiction, eating disorders, anger management, and interpersonal relationship conflicts.
The online therapist engages with their client through text or video calls. These online therapists are licensed professionals with credentials and training for mental health issues. Moreover, these licensed professionals follow the doctrines of the American Psychological Association.
Pros and Cons
The changing dynamics of therapy call for an in-depth look at the potential of teletherapy in advocating for mental health awareness. Here is a look at what users stand to gain from it:
Pros
Accessibility
Accessing traditional therapy is quite restrictive due to the distance barriers involved. For example, people living in remote areas can’t get access to these services. However, online therapy breaks these barriers; even people in remote areas can connect with an online therapist via text or call. Users can easily subscribe to different online therapy services that suit their needs.
Affordability
Traditional therapy was a major deterrent for most people due to the high costs related to it. Individuals without health insurance coverage spent an arm and a leg to access these services. Fortunately, online therapy services offer various affordable packages depending on the user’s spending power. Each package comes with features that suit your needs. Furthermore, it cuts down any transportation costs to access an online therapist.
Convenience
E-therapy is convenient for users who can access these services from their homes. Users can easily schedule sessions that work well with their work schedules or other obligations. Therefore, you set an agreed-upon time with your online therapist for your sessions without interrupting each other’s regular scheduling.
Privacy
Therapy is private, and most people seek privacy during their sessions, like when you buy essays online discreetly. Initially, users used to drive to physical buildings and book appointments. It meant interacting with other people or bumping into co-workers. However, online sessions are more private, and users can enjoy complete privacy when sharing their thoughts and emotions.
Cons
Technological Barriers
Even though there aren’t distance barriers when accessing online therapy, technology might limit it. Users need a good internet connection and a good device capable of handling teleconferencing. Blackouts and poor Wi-Fi connection might interfere with your sessions and limit their efficacy in addressing your mental care.
Varying Insurance Coverage
Some insurance policies do not cover online therapy; such services should be paid out of the client’s pocket. More so, this may be expensive, pushing away the users‘ possibility of using the services any longer. Therefore, it is better to check with your insurance company and determine whether the services are claimed as the covered ones.
Not Suitable for Psychiatric Conditions
Online therapy is more appropriate for cognitive behavioral therapy as it is known to solve common health issues such as depression, eating disorders, anger management, anxiety, or stress. It is not effective to closely monitor the progress of any prelude conditions like bipolar or schizophrenia.
Online Therapy vs In-Person Therapy
It is said that talking to a psychologist in the office is more effective than having an online session. However, research has found that internet therapy is as effective as this other type of therapy, especially when handling CBT.
In-person therapy typically occurs in sessions where a licensed therapist assists clients in examining their feelings and working on their personalities.
Perhaps the thing concerning the psychotherapy office that people think about is the physical speech, including lighting and furniture. However, e-therapy is defined by online conversations typically organized in advance in a similar arrangement.
Recent research shows that more people are likely to take virtual appointments than physical ones. Much of this is attributed to lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both methods offer an effective way of handling mental health care. It all boils down to a matter of preference based on your needs.
How to Find the Right Online Therapist
Finding the right online therapist goes a long way in healing your childhood trauma and anxiety, restoring broken relationships, or talking to someone about your thoughts. Establishing a good bond with your therapist greatly improves your overall growth. Here are things to look out for when searching for your preferred therapist:
What Are Your End Goals?
What do you hope to achieve after attending these online sessions with your therapist? Having clear goals helps your therapist curate a work plan to focus on key areas for your growth and development. Your therapist can also prescribe medications to deal with your symptoms.
Check Insurance Directory
Most insurance providers offer a directory of licensed mental health providers within your avail. You can easily find qualified therapists who perform e-therapy. Afterward, you can research their credentials and record with other patients.
Ask a Friend
Chances are high that someone is already utilizing these online teletherapy sessions within your friend circles. Hence, they have prior knowledge of what to look out for. These individuals can recommend a particular professional to handle your sessions.
Search Online Databases
Multiple mental health organizations post updated databases containing a list of licensed professionals. These databases contain essential information and local referrals. Search your ZIP code to access a list of counselors in your vicinity.
Is It Worth It?
Taking mental care is the first step towards wellness and personal growth. E-therapy provides convenience in assessing counseling without any distance barriers. Studies suggest it poses the same effectiveness as in-person therapy.
