Is Online Therapy Any Good? Who Should, And Shouldn’t
5 reasons to consider online therapy, and 4 reasons not to
In today’s fast-paced world, access to mental health support can be life-changing. Technology has made online therapy an effective and convenient solution for those seeking psychological help.
Introducing Online Therapy
Online therapy, also known as teletherapy or e-therapy, is a form of therapy that takes place on the internet, using video conferencing or messaging apps. Online therapy allows you to receive therapy from the comfort of your own home and schedule, without having to travel to a physical location.
Why go for online therapy?
- Flexible timing
For yourself, and for your therapist. Online therapy is often available 24/7, so you can choose the timing that best suits your needs. - Accessibility
Especially if you live far away from your closest therapist. This is more important than it sounds, because getting accessible therapy means you are more likely to stick to it, attend more sessions, and hence make more gains from therapy. - Affordability
Online therapy is usually more affordable than in-person therapy, since rental and office maintenance costs are out of the picture. - Privacy
Online therapy offers a confidential and secure platform to discuss your mental health issues, without the risk of being seen entering or leaving a clinic. - Availability
Online therapy allows you to access a wide range of therapies from therapists around the world, which can be helpful if therapists near to you tend to specialise in one kind of therapy (which is not surprising, since people in the same area tend to receive similar kinds of training).
The effectiveness of online therapy
Online therapy has been shown to be helpful for people suffering from a range of difficulties, including depression and anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, and chronic pain, amongst others. Multiple studies have also shown that in-person and teletherapy can be just as effective. A range of therapy types, including cognitive-behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based therapies, have also proven to be effective online.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that research on online therapy is still relatively limited given its recency. Hence, it is important to look up the suitability of your specific difficulty for online therapy, and speak to a professional regarding the suitability of your situation before committing if you are unsure. Luckily, online therapists often offer free consultations, so you can take that opportunity to discuss your situation.
Who is unsuitable for online therapy?
- No access to a safe, private space free of distractions
If you don’t have access to a suitable place to do therapy, going to a physical clinic is best. An unsuitable location can interfere with therapy. - No access to a consistent internet connection
No amount of therapist skill can overcome a stuttering connection. - Attentional difficulties
Some clients come to therapy for attentional difficulties, and can find it hard to focus on therapy when the only source of input is the therapist’s voice and image on a screen. Young children with difficulties sitting still are also unsuitable for the same reason. - High risk of suicide and self-harm
Those with a high risk of suicide and self-harm may not be suitable for online therapy, because therapy often involves discussing topics that can evoke heightened emotional distress in the moment.
If you are unsure about your risk of suicide or self-harm, speak to a psychologist near you to get assessed. If you are highly distressed and require immediate help, call suicide hotlines or SOS services in your area first.
How to look for a suitable service
Decided that you want to give therapy a try? Start off by looking for suitable services depending on affordability and therapist profiles. Non-profit organisations are typically more affordable, but have long waiting lists that can mean months of waiting for your first appointment. Private organisations tend to be more expensive but may be able to get you an appointment sooner.
To resolve this problem, my own therapy service superwellpsychology.com charges per session based on a client’s ability to pay, and appointments are currently available. First sessions are 100% free so that a client can discuss pricing and other considerations further if needed.
Apart from service availability, try to look up therapist profiles and their training and experience, so that you can get an idea of what they believe in and what to expect from their particular form of therapy. Just like no two clients are the same, therapists are all different, and expect to take some time and effort to find a good match.
Conclusion
Online therapy is a great alternative to in-person therapy with many benefits. If you have been considering seeking help for your difficulties, online therapy can be an excellent choice. I wish you all the best on your journey to the life you want to lead.
