Online Mental Health Therapy: What You Need To Know
Online mental health therapy is a growing field that offers many benefits to patients. In this article, we'll explore what online mental health therapy is, how it works, and what you need to know before you start.
What is online therapy?
Online therapy is a type of counseling that uses video conferencing to provide mental health services to patients. This type of therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its convenience and flexibility. Many people who might not otherwise seek therapy due to time or cost constraints find that online therapy is a great option for them.
It is a convenient and effective way to receive therapy, as it eliminates the need for travel and can be done from the comfort of your own home. Online therapy is also flexible, as appointments can be scheduled at times that are convenient for you.
Online Mental Health Therapy Options
There are many different types of online therapy available, so it is essential to talk to a therapist to get a proper diagnosis and choose the treatment option that is right for you. Online therapy can be an incredibly effective treatment for mental health disorders, such as:
Major depressive disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
Post-partum depression
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Panic disorder, among others
Additionally, online therapy offers the same treatment options as if you were doing therapy in person. It includes techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can help you change negative thinking patterns and behaviors. Some therapies focus on helping you to manage stress and anxiety, as well as those that focus on helping you to cope with depression. Other therapy techniques that could be integrated into your treatment plan include interpersonal therapy, exposure therapy, guided imagery, and mindfulness practices.
Can Online therapy be just as effective as in-person therapy?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the therapy's success depends on various factors. However, many studies have shown that online can be just as effective as in-person therapy. As this article by the National Center for Health Research states, recent research comparing online and in-person CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) treatments found that anxiety and depression treatment using online CBT was just as effective as treatment with in-person CBT.
One of the main advantages of online therapy is that it's more convenient and accessible than in-person therapy. You can see a therapist from the comfort of your own home, and you don't have to take time off work or find childcare. This can make it easier to stick with therapy, which is one of the most important predictors of success.
Another advantage of online therapy is that it allows you to see a therapist who specializes in what you're going through. If you live in a rural area or you have specific needs, online therapy makes it easier to find the right fit.
If you're considering online therapy, make sure to do your research and choose a reputable provider. Look for a therapist who is licensed in your state and who has experience treating the issues you're dealing with. Also, make sure the platform they use is secure.
Why do people like online mental health therapy options
There are many reasons why people like online mental health therapy options. For one, it is more convenient than traditional therapy. You can see a therapist from the comfort of your own home, and you don't have to take time out of your busy schedule to travel to and from appointments.
Another reason people prefer online therapy is that it can be more anonymous than in-person therapy. If you're embarrassed about seeking therapy or you don't want anyone to know you're seeing a therapist, online therapy provides a level of privacy that can be very appealing.
Finally, many people find that online therapy is more affordable than traditional therapy. With traditional therapy, you have to pay for things like gas and the time it takes for you to travel. With online therapy, these costs are eliminated, which makes it a more budget-friendly option.
How to decide if online therapy is right for you
When it comes to your mental health, you want to do what’s best for you. If you’re considering online therapy, here are a few things to keep in mind that can help you decide if it’s the right fit.
First, think about the symptoms you’ve been experiencing. Are you feeling anxious, irritable, or on edge most of the time? Do you feel like you can’t concentrate on anything lately? Have you been feeling sad, down, or hopeless most of the time? All those symptoms are signs that it might be time for you to seek professional help. Whether you are experiencing burnout, anxiety, or more aggressive disorders like depression and trauma, a therapist will be able to help you find the right line of treatment for you.
Next, consider your goals for therapy. What are you hoping to achieve? If you have specific goals in mind, online therapy can be a great way to help you reach them.
Finally, consider your schedule and lifestyle. If you have a busy schedule or live in a remote area, online therapy can be a great way to get the help you need without having to travel or take time out of your day.
We have a few extra resources to help you understand what you might be going through. Check our videos Your body warning signs of Burnout and Chronic Stress and Major Depressive Disorder Diagnosis and Symptoms Explained
If you’re still unsure if online therapy is right for you, our article Should I try Telehealth Therapy? 4 Questions to ask Yourself might help you figure out if online therapy is a viable option.
If you would like to receive 1:1 guidance on how to move forward on your mental health care journey, consider scheduling an initial mental health coaching session to level up your mental health and get unstuck.
