Online therapy is a mental health treatment that is delivered via telecommunications like instant messaging, online chat, email, video conferencing, or text messaging. In-person therapy is a traditional form of therapy that is happening in an office, clinic, or other physical location.
Online therapy became available in the mid-1990s and has been growing steadily since then due to the advancement and widespread availability of broadband internet. It is used by people who may not have access to traditional therapists and/or don’t wish to enter
What is online therapy?
Online therapy is any form of mental health treatment that involves two or more people located in different places, connected by computer technology. It includes face-to-face video conferencing between client and therapist via internet protocol (IP) technology platforms. It also includes web-based interactions between client/patient and therapist using the technology platforms such as email, instant message chat rooms, text messaging, virtual reality technologies, or software applications.
How can I find an online therapist?
You can search for a qualified mental health professional online at sites like PsychologyToday.com or Goodtherapy.org who offer teletherapy options. Many therapists are not trained in web-based modalities so it’s important to make sure they also offer these services.
How Does Online Therapy Work?
Online therapy usually works with clients who are looking for low-cost or free counseling due to financial constraints. Many counselors find helping someone over the Internet exciting because it allows them to reach a wider range of clients.
Online therapy sessions are usually done via text messaging, instant messaging, or video conferencing software. Many online therapy programs are web-based which means that no additional software is needed beyond the necessary broadband internet connection. Webcam sessions are sometimes used but aren’t as widespread as other forms of online therapy since they require the client to have a webcam and microphone.
Health insurance cover online therapy sessions the same way they would in-person sessions and it is just a matter of getting the right online therapist/online counselor. However, some therapists choose to work on a specific type of online therapy known as tele-practice or telepsychology where their services are covered by insurance providers.
As many insurances cover online therapy one can look up the best online therapy programs and book online therapy appointments from them.
Therapists offer online therapy at any time of day, this makes online therapy effective, there are many online therapy platforms that you can visit and select the best one for you and this makes online therapy better than traditional in-person therapy.
Risks of Online Therapy
While online therapy offers many benefits, it does come with some risks. Many therapists view online therapy as a way to supplement in-person sessions. Because of this, it’s important for clients and therapists to maintain at least one face-to-face traditional therapy
Where Does Online Therapy Work?
Just about anywhere! Many people who participate in online therapy do so from the comfort and privacy of their own homes, but therapists and clients can connect via the Internet from libraries, coffee shops or any other place with an Internet connection.
During the therapy session, the parties will interact via video calls and this can be done on any kind of therapy be it cognitive behavioral therapy cbt or family therapy sessions
Does Online Therapy Work?
Many research studies have been conducted to determine whether online therapy is effective in the same way in-person counseling is.
Generally, online therapy appears to be just as effective as face-to-face therapy when clients are highly motivated and engaged in their treatment.
Online therapy cost is low and may be covered by health insurance if the client has mental health benefits.
People who prefer in-person counseling can still benefit from online therapy by using it as a supplement to their face-to-face sessions.
Online Therapy Advantages
Many clients choose to participate in online therapy because it is more convenient for them. The best online therapy platforms offer the clients the freedom of not doing in-office therapy and this saves on time lost when commuting.
Choosing an online therapy appointment is also easy and less paperwork is involved.
There are also online support groups that an online therapist can sign a client to it. The patients will be meeting and discussing their issues on an online platform and most people report that the online sessions are benefitial.
Online Therapy Disadvantages
Many clients who are part of online therapy lack adequate support. They may not have a therapist to give them practical advice regarding their issues or to help motivate them through difficult times. This can lead to frustration and causes the client to quit online therapy early on.
Other disadvantages include the risk of identity theft. While it’s unlikely that clients’ data will be accessed without cause, it still remains a possibility. The other disadvantage is the risk of online predators who try to get the client to divulge sensitive information or send pornographic photos.
An increasing number of people are choosing online therapy because they can do so in their own homes and at any time of day. Availability is just one of the many benefits of online therapy.
Online chat therapy has become more popular than traditional in-person sessions because it offers convenience, lower costs and anonymity. Online therapists are also committed to offering excellent service.
The best online therapy platforms offer several different types of online counseling including CBT, psychodynamic or family counseling so there’s something for everyone.
Online therapy offers many benefits over traditional in-office sessions and is just as effective when clients are committed to their treatment program.
What Are The Benefits Of Online Therapy?
When you participate in online therapy, you are able to reach a counselor quickly. The convenience of online therapy means you won’t have to spend time traveling to an office for treatment. If you live in a rural area or just can’t find the time during regular business hours, being able to connect with your therapist at midnight is priceless!
If you participate in online counseling, did you know you can get more out of it? You can, by pausing and reflecting before responding. A counselor won’t be able to see your body language or facial expressions, so it’s important to take some extra time to read through your messages before typing your response.
Mental health online counseling
Severe mental health issues should generally be treated by a trained mental health professional. However, there are still ways you can improve your mental well-being even if it’s not at an optimal level.
Mental health online counseling is convenient for busy people who can’t take time out of their day to find a counselor. Many people find the anonymity of an online platform comforting.
If you suffer from a mental illness, participating in online counseling is an excellent way to get the help you need. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, or ADHD, online therapy can help improve your symptoms and provide you with coping mechanisms for difficult times.
There are some mental healthcare organizations that offer free mental health services across the US.
Mental health online counseling is a good way to connect with your therapist or counselor. You can participate in sessions from the comfort of your own home and even schedule appointments around your schedule instead of theirs.
Mental health professionals/ mental health counselors/ mental health therapists who treat severe mental illness should always meet their clients in person and should be able to provide proof of qualifications.
However, online therapy can still help improve your mental health if you suffer from anxiety, depression or other milder issues that don’t require in-person sessions. It’s a great way to get started with counseling.
Mental health online counseling is also good for people who are uncomfortable meeting face to face with their therapist. Although this varies from person to person, some people may feel nervous or embarrassed about discussing personal matters in public. This makes it hard for them to open up about themselves and their problems.
Who Can Benefit From Online Therapy?
Online therapy has many benefits, but it’s not for everyone. There are several factors that determine when a person is due for online counseling. Marriage and family therapists who treat patients with mental health conditions online should always check their state licensing information.
Online counseling experience a surge in popularity a few years ago, but the benefits of participating in online sessions have been known for much longer. In fact, online counseling dates back to 1996 when Bill Clinton’s administration passed HIPAA—a law that protected patient privacy and anonymity while encouraging people to seek help with medical issues.
It wasn’t until the early 2000s that websites began offering mental health services including CBT and psychotherapy. Before this time, most counselors worked in an office setting which is how online therapy earned its reputation as a “new” form of treatment.
Online counseling platforms make it easy to connect with your therapist or counselor no matter where you live or what time of day it is. You can participate from home or any other location that has access to a computer and the internet.
People who can benefit from online therapy include:
– Anyone who is busy with work, school, family responsibilities, etc. can take advantage of online counseling. You don’t have to leave your house or change your schedule to attend sessions.
– Those suffering from specific phobias may find it difficult to meet with their counselor in person due to anxiety or social problems. In this case, participating in online therapy would be an excellent way for them to overcome their fear of talking about personal troubles. If you suffer from agoraphobia or any other mental health condition that prevents you from meeting face-to-face with someone, online counseling could help you tap into coping mechanisms and practices that will improve your mental health.
– Anyone who isn’t comfortable talking about their problems in person, especially men, may benefit from online therapy. Men are less likely to seek help for mental health conditions due to the stigma attached to it. However, since online counseling takes place over a secure virtual platform, there is no risk of exposure.
– Those who have chronic medical conditions making it difficult for them to leave the house can take advantage of online therapy sessions. If you live with congestive heart failure or other life-threatening diseases that make it impossible for you to leave your home without assistance, you can still participate in treatment and receive support from your therapist or counselor through an internet connection and webcam. Your physical condition will not hold back your progress with treatment.
Covid 19 and online therapy
Have been around for a few decades now. The benefits have been well documented and many medical studies have proven that online therapy can be just as beneficial as in-person sessions.
The lockdown made many people resort to finding an online licensed therapist instead of a traditional therapist.
How Can I Get Started With Online Therapy?
There are several ways to participate in mental health counseling through a virtual platform, but the most common method is by using an online video chat service such as Skype or FaceTime. You don’t even need a webcam to do this—most computers, smartphones, and tablets made after 2010 come equipped with them meaning you won’t have to invest in any additional equipment before getting started with your treatment plan.
If you’re not sure how to use these programs or would prefer one that’s easier, then an online text chat service is a perfect alternative. However, you will need to access some sort of video chatting software as well which works the same as Skype or FaceTime.
In some cases, you can also use an instant messaging service such as AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, and Google Hangouts on your laptop/desktop computer or smartphone to receive support from your therapist or counselor. There are no requirements for this type of online therapy except a webcam if that’s the method of choice for you and your therapist.
How Much Does Online Therapy Cost?
Online therapy through text chat is free so there aren’t any fees aside from owning a computer/laptop/tablet with internet access and enough storage space to download the software. If using one of the video chatting services, then there are fees that you will need to pay either through an app or via your computer/smartphone.
The costs aren’t higher than if you were to meet with your therapist in person. Many people think this because they don’t understand how counseling works and what it includes. It’s not like in the movies where someone gives their therapist a credit card number over Skype or FaceTime—it’s all done in-person using paper receipts and financial transactions.
What Should I Look For In An Online Therapist?
Just like when searching for an IRL (in real life) therapist, you should find someone with whom you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts, feelings, and problems. You need to be able to trust the person you’re talking to which is why credentials are just as important online as they are in-person.
Licensed professionals have gone through extensive training to learn how to help people deal with mental health problems so they are qualified enough to assist you with whatever difficulties or concerns that may be bothering you. Not only do therapists and counselors graduate from accredited universities but they must also pass a licensing exam after completing their studies meaning there is proof of their expertise in the field.
However, keep in mind that not all therapists and counselors with degrees can offer online therapy services due to licensing restrictions depending on where you live so this will limit your choices.
In conclusion, online therapy is now a viable alternative for those who have been looking for counseling services but can’t afford to leave work or school to visit a therapist in-person. Since the rise of webcams and video chatting apps on smartphones/computers, there is no reason why anyone shouldn’t try it at least once. Whether you want face-to-face interactions with your therapist or simply cannot travel, doing this is a great way to receive help from a qualified professional.
Internet-based psychotherapeutic interventions by online providers: a systematic literature review and annotated bibliography.
The Internet and psychotherapy: what therapists should know;
The efficacy of internet-based psychotherapy for anxiety and depressive disorders: an empirical comparison of web-based cognitive behavioral therapy and internet-delivered, therapist supported, cognitive-behavioral group therapy.
Health insurance and mental health coverage
This is used to provide mental health coverage that is equivalent to medical and surgical benefits. Mental health parity laws seek to ensure that insurance providers cover both mental and physical illnesses at the same level of coverage, as opposed to the current practice where treatment for physical illness is covered much more comprehensively than treatment for mental illnesses. interventions by online providers: a systematic literature review and annotated bibliography.
The Internet and psychotherapy: what therapists should know;
The efficacy of internet-based psychotherapy for anxiety and depressive disorders: an empirical comparison of web-based cognitive behavioral therapy and internet-delivered, therapist supported, cognitive-behavioral group therapy.
Consultation therapist
A therapist employed by an organization, usually a managed care company, provides information and resources to the members of the health plan’s mental health care network. Medical doctors, psychologists, social workers, and others may also provide consultation services.
Health insurance and mental health coverage
This is used to provide mental health coverage that is equivalent to medical and surgical benefits. Mental health parity laws seek to ensure that insurance providers cover both mental and physical illnesses at the same level of coverage, as opposed to the current practice where treatment for physical illness is covered much more comprehensively than treatment for mental illnesses.
Mental health records:
These are records about people who have received inpatient or outpatient care from a psychiatric facility or program, such as behavioral therapy programs aimed at treating drug addiction. In general, these records contain clinical information gathered by a trained professional during diagnosis, counseling, or treatment of a patient’s psychiatric disorder. These records include information about the patient’s symptoms, treatment plan, and progress.
In 2010, according to an APA poll, 1 million adults who needed therapy couldn’t get it because they were unable or unwilling to spend the money for a typical 45-minute to one-hour session with a psychotherapist. In the application for mental illness insurance coverage, there’s a brief yes or no query about whether you’ve had a behavioral health issue in the previous six months. This condition can be broad and could include serious disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder requiring intensive outpatient care or milder anxiety disorders not requiring therapy at all.
Impact of online therapy
Initial evaluation of an internet-based guided self-help intervention for bulimia nervosa by a therapist versus patient-administered and scored self-help program;
Therapist’s guide to the internet.
The majority of psychotherapies used today address various ways in which people think, feel, and behave in order to solve their problems. The idea behind this strategy is that people who are feeling distressed tend to have certain patterns in how they process information that causes their distress or makes it worse. A form of therapy known as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on these patterns when they are causing problems in a person’s life. CBT can be very effective for helping individuals with depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and many other mental health concerns.
Self-help is generally defined as “any activity that helps an individual accomplish tasks without direct assistance from others”. Although most popular self-help books are not serious enough to be considered therapy, they do introduce some therapeutic techniques, which can include cognitive restructuring or learning new coping skills. Some of these books use the term “psychological education” for this purpose. The goal of self-help books is usually to teach these techniques as a means to solve common problems such as panic attacks or depression.
In today’s complicated world seeking online therapy may be a rational choice for those who do not have access to traditional mental health care providers in their communities due to financial constraints or geographic isolation. The research continues to explore this new option for treating mental health problems.
Evaluation of online therapy
Online therapy is described as one way to reach populations who do not have access to traditional care due to cost or location barriers. Additionally, methods of evaluation have been discussed that focus on methods used before and after treatment with either therapist-delivered or self-help types of internet resources. Normal effects caused by a therapeutic process were also addressed including changes in the patient’s mood, attitudes, and behaviors.
