While some still meet the concept of online therapy with a bit of skepticism, the norms are changing. Many people are beginning to view it as a first-choice solution. You probably won’t believe it, but the demand for online therapy sessions has skyrocketed in recent years. 50% of psychologists in the US are offering virtual counseling, something that was quite unheard of previously.
However, having a session at home can be a bit of a nuisance if you live in a crowded or noisy home. Also, you may consider therapy some much needed time out of the house. Now that this isn’t necessary to receive care, you may find yourself utilizing online therapy but missing the in person experience. Introverts may view this as a blessing in disguise. But, it could also ruin your chances of improving your social skills.
Like everything else, there are some pros and cons of online therapy that you need to be aware of, whether or not you’re considering it. You’re in for a nuanced, unbiased approach, my friend. So, let’s head right into it.
What Is Online Therapy?
Online therapy is a counseling session that takes place from the comforts of your home, through your phone, laptop, or tablet (whatever you prefer) to make the most of your mental health.
When we talk about online therapy vs traditional therapy, the most fundamental difference between the two forms of counseling is how they are accessed. One is accessed through the means of the internet and technology. This provides access to therapy any time and at any place (with proper wifi and planning, of course). The other one requires you to come to an office in person. However, this approach may offer a more intimate and understanding experience.
You can schedule a meeting on Google Meet, Zoom, or whatever platform you and the therapist prefer as long as it is HIPPA-compliant, and make the most of your appointment in that period. If you’d rather not have a face to face session, there are also voice call and chat options available for those who are comfortable with off screen conversations. These options vary depending on the therapist you’re using.
The cost of online therapy varies according to the therapist you are using. Each has their specific method of scheduling and way of dealing with clients. Also, you can hold one-on-one sessions with therapists, many of whom offer online counseling services on their websites.
That being said, there are plenty of options for you to explore when it comes to online therapy. All you need to do is find one that suits you best.
What are the Benefits of Online Therapy?
There are benefits of online therapy that can’t be just swept under the rug.
One of the first and foremost is convenience. Taking out the time for your mental well-being can be hard, thanks to busy schedules and a never-ending pile of tasks that are constantly breathing down your neck. With traditional therapy, you need to be present in-person at the office of the therapist to have your session. This is not required in online therapy. Online therapy can also offer a pretty flexible schedule, allowing you to book a session anytime, anywhere.
Traditional therapy can also be more daunting, especially for newbies. The barrier between the counselor and the person receiving therapy might be beneficial in this scenario, as the patient might be more comfortable opening up behind the screen rather than in person.
Online therapy creates more privacy by eliminating the chance of running into someone in the waiting room. It allows you to more discreetly seek support and reduce the stigma in seeking mental health counseling. Online therapy gives you the flexibility to receive care while you travel around the state or if you have health issues that prevent you from coming in person.
Online therapy is worth checking into, as it can be more affordable than booking a traditional therapy session. Even if you’re approaching the therapist one-on-one through their website, the cost of online therapy can be lower than it would be in a traditional session.
What are the Drawbacks of Online Therapy?
Certain things can be picked up in traditional therapy sessions that may be missed in online ones, including body language. The involuntary signals you give with your body may be louder than you could ever express with words, allowing the therapist to address the root problem or even additional ones that you might not be aware of. When engaging in an online therapy session, counselors are deprived of the ability to assess your body language. They have to rely mostly on what you tell them.
Although insurance policies are improving when it comes to mental health, not all of them cover counseling fees. You need to be on the lookout for this when seeking therapy services.
There are also unprecedented concerns when it comes to online therapy. These include unexpected glitches in the middle of the session due to poor wifi, weather, or malfunctioning apps and software systems. Also, your data might not always be safe while sharing information during a session. This is why you need to be extra careful when choosing a medium for communication.
Serious mental health conditions can not be treated online.Online therapy may not be the solution for everyone, and a trip to the counselor becomes inevitable when dealing with more severe diagnoses.
Conclusion
Is online therapy worth it? That mainly depends on whom you’re asking. People who should try online therapy include those living in remote areas with mild conditions or those with extremely busy schedules in which mental health care becomes more of a luxury.
Traditional vs online therapy is not a battle but a way to provide people with options. The goal is making sure everyone has the ability to choose what is most convenient and beneficial for them. The pros and cons of online therapy are debatable for everyone, but it’s a debate worth exploring.
Despite being a convenient option, making therapy much more accessible to the masses with increased comfort, online therapy might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Some people may require extra attention or simply enjoy in-person sessions. This is nothing to feel at fault for, as each person is unique and the approach required must match the individual.
At the end of the day, all that matters is your mental well-being.ters is your mental well-being.
Our Services
At Calming Transformations Counseling, we offer supportive, personalized online therapy designed to fit seamlessly into your life, ensuring effective and compassionate mental health care. We also offer walk-and-talk therapy, which combines the therapeutic process with physical activity.
Online therapy is primarily conducted via video conferencing, but we can discuss appointments or general information via online messages. Therapy services are not provided via messages and will always be conducted in a live setting. Take the first step toward lasting emotional well-being, and contact us today to learn more.
