Mental health issues are widespread in this modern world, yet so less talked about. Though terms such as \u201canxiety\u201d and \u201cdepression\u201d are part of multiple public discourses, most people have little to no definitive knowledge about these issues instead of more common health issues. The question is, is therapy needed for mental disorders, and how effective are these online therapists?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An online therapist can certainly diagnose you and treat your mental health concerns, thanks to the internet and technologies such as text messaging, video calling, etc. These therapists offer a range of healthcare services virtually, which include online consultations and telepsychiatry services.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger \u2013 don\u2019t use this site. These resources<\/a> can provide you with immediate help.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this post, we'll cover:<\/p>\n
Also called e-therapy, teletherapy, or e-counseling, online therapy<\/a> entails offering mental health support and services over the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The therapy could be provided via:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The therapy could be offered real-time (text messaging and phone conversations) or be time-delayed (email messages).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Distant interactions between a patient and a therapist is not necessarily a new concept. Back in the day when there was no internet or the now-ubiquitous smartphone, distant communication happened through letters. Self-help groups started to emerge online during the early 1980s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Numerous websites are currently providing mental health information, besides functioning as e-therapy clinics, such as Talkspace and BetterHelp.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To get started with online therapy, you must find the right therapist. How well the therapy turns out primarily depends on the doctor you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you choose to work with a random psychiatrist or psychotherapist without paying much attention to their credentials, the likelihood of you finding the therapy sessions effective or beneficial would be less. After finding the therapist for your needs, your online sessions begin as a phone call or online chat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Except for the communication format or the setting, pretty much everything works just like traditional therapy sessions. Instead of meeting the doctor in person, you could be participating in the therapy from within the comfort of your house or workplace. You can access the service via your desktop or laptop computer, or even your smartphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are different reasons why an individual could choose to take the online therapy route, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Online therapy, compared to conventional treatments, is convenient and affordable. As the therapy sessions are conducted online, scheduling them as per your convenience is pretty much the norm. Online therapy costs are low, too, as therapists treating patients over the internet are likely to have lesser overhead expenses, such as office space rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For individuals with physical challenges or limitations, online therapy is a lot more feasible treatment choice. People who are housebound or disabled can find it extremely difficult to access conventional mental health care. Online therapists bring treatment within reach of such patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Online therapy affords accessibility to mental health care and information to people living in remote or rural areas. These are folks who invariably have no access to any form of mental or psychological health treatment due to their geographical location. Not to mention, taking time out of their busy lives and driving long distances could significantly burden most people needing assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fortunately, online therapy comes to the rescue of these people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Online therapy poses several unique concerns that include client data confidentiality, the appropriateness of the treatment for certain disorders, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As online therapists<\/a> are located far away or perhaps in a different time zone, quick responses are not quite likely. This snail-paced process could sting big time if you are in a crisis and need immediate help. For instance, if a potential client is going through a personal tragedy or having suicidal thoughts, it could be extremely tough or not possible for an online therapist to offer direct assistance right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Personal data privacy can be a big concern in psychotherapy<\/a>. Like with traditional treatment delivery forms, confidentiality is essential in online therapies too. As client data is sent online, hack and privacy leaks are possible concerns to be wary of. Unreliable technology or poor internet connectivity could also be barriers to receiving proper treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on the state you live in and your health insurance cover, your e-therapy may or may not be covered<\/a>. Though psychotherapy services<\/a> do not cost a lot of money, the expenses could add up quickly if you\u2019re considering long-term treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Online therapy has received support and praise from several patients who have used and benefited from them. Multiple research reports have suggested that online therapy could help treat a variety of mental health concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For many people \u2013 particularly the ones living in rural regions where there are limited traditional mental health services \u2013 this is excellent news. In cities, online therapy can supplement or enhance the effectiveness of regular treatment choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following are conditions online therapy could be most effective at addressing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clinical depression is among the common mental disorder types, particularly in the United States. Unfortunately, a significant chunk of the affected population doesn\u2019t seek or receive treatment. Those who seek therapy stand to benefit \u2013 be it the traditional route or as online therapies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a particular study<\/a>, researchers found online CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy)<\/a>, when merged with clinical care, made the treatment for anxiety, depression, and emotional distress more effective. In certain other cases, the outcomes indicated that some patients saw better results with online treatments than conventional in-person CBT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Online therapy could also help treat panic disorder, a condition relating to anxiety. As per a study<\/a>, online CBT was not just effective at reducing panic disorder and agoraphobia<\/a> symptoms than in-person CBT, but it was more cost-effective too. Moreover, online CBT can be wrapped up quicker compared to group CBT. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Formerly referred to as social phobia, social anxiety disorder entails persistent feelings of fear or panic in an individual within social settings. The condition affects an individual\u2019s ability to function socially, academically, and at the workplace. According to multiple research studies, online therapy could be effective at treating people with this disorder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As per a study<\/a>, internet-delivered CBT was equally effective at treating social anxiety disorder as in-person CBT. As per another study<\/a>, from 2015, internet-based CBT was just as beneficial as conventional CBT for treating anxiety disorders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the other mental health conditions that can be treated with online therapy include generalized anxiety disorder<\/a>, stress, and anxiety. The online treatment period for these different conditions could be six weeks to a few months. The therapy typically comprises CBT-based online modules, message prompts, and real-time self-monitoring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n