7 Online Therapy Benefits and Characteristics
Technology has made everything easier, including attending a therapy session. You don’t have to be physically near where your counsellor is to have a session with them, thanks to online therapy. Many digital platforms have been invented to aid online meetings, providing an alternative to traditional face-to-face therapies.
Online therapies can be as effective as physical with plenty of benefits to anticipate. However, it may not be favourable to everyone, as some still prefer traditional face-to-face therapists. Some factors to evaluate when considering online therapies include the severity of the matter, personal preferences, and legal issues.
So, what are the benefits to expect when you embrace online therapy, which may be due to relocation or other reasons?
Benefit #1: Easily Accessible
Many people may have limited access to therapy and counselling services because they don’t have time to visit the doctors. Thanks to developing technology, online therapy is easily accessible regardless of the distance between you and the counsellor.
There’s more advantage to those who must use public transport to get there. Provided you have a stable internet connection, you can access therapy services as long as you desire. Counsellors also don’t have to establish a physical office, which means rent expenses for the services.
Benefit #2: Online Therapy is More Comfortable
Online therapy translates to exceptional comfort, especially on the client’s side. Imagine you’re already mentally unstable and still have to catch a bus to the therapist or counsellor. It’s disturbing, right? Even worse, the environment itself can be a bit uncomfortable, whether it’s your first or fifth time.
With online therapy, you must open your laptop or phone in your office or bedroom and let your heart out. You will also completely control the environment and whatever happens around you. A comfortable therapy session is a fruitful one.
Benefit #3: Exceptional Discretion
No one has to know you’re heading to a therapy session, but it’s nearly concealable with physical services. Online therapy offers exceptional privacy since you can enjoy the assistance from the comfort of your compound.
If you have kids and pets over, you can stay in your bedroom until the session is over. That’s how discreet this is, especially for those who like to keep their ‘issues’ to themselves.
Benefit #4: Wide Availability of Therapy Services
Nearly every therapist or counsellor has established online services, whereas only a few have physical offices. That makes online therapy widely available; clients are just spoilt for choice.
You don’t have to worry about the opening and closing times because you will hardly miss a professional who works overnight or past the ordinary hours (8 am-5 pm). The broader availability also increases the quality of services offered as each therapist tries to beat the high competition.
Benefit #5: High Security
Online therapists are secure. They protect all their clients’ details, including identification and information. Many online therapy platforms are designed to ensure the client’s details don’t go beyond themselves and the counsellor.
Others allow anonymity, meaning attendees don’t have to reveal their faces or further information but just let their feelings out anonymously. You should review the ratings and reviews of an online therapy platform or service provider before enrolling for sessions.
Benefit #6: Affordability
Online therapies are affordable, saving clients a big deal. Having not to spend on transport and fuel costs means you have more money left for other priorities. Furthermore, many platforms have a lower registration fee than their physical counterparts.
You will also pay slightly less for the sessions than you would with a physical therapist. The high competition due to the rising demand for online therapies has also made them more affordable.
Benefit #7: Easy to Approach
Remember how many times you’ve postponed going to the therapist simply because you lack the courage to face them physically? Forget the hassle because online therapies are easy to approach.
Research has shown that many prefer online therapies over physical ones. Their privacy also makes them more approachable since you don’t have to explain where you’re going (someone might want to accompany you).
Drawbacks of Online Therapy
Yes! Online therapies bear a few drawbacks which everyone should acknowledge before embracing them. For instance:
Interruptions
It’s nearly impossible to hide from your kids and pets when having an online therapy session. They may still find their way in and interrupt an ongoing session, which is inconvenient.
Insurance-unfriendly
Many health insurance service providers don’t cover online therapies as part of mental and emotional treatments. Instead, they prefer a physically established therapist, while many online therapy providers discourage insurance coverage.
Geographical coverage
Some countries do not allow online therapies out of their territory. Therefore, you may not move with your favourite online therapist to a different country in case of relocation or vacation.
Direct assistance
Unfortunately, online therapies may not offer direct assistance to their clients. For instance, if the client is experiencing a personal tragedy, the therapist can go as far as listening and reassuring, but not physical help.
Other shortcomings of online therapies include facing legal and ethical concerns in various states, lacking physical appeal, and overlooking privacy and confidentiality.