Thinking about Therapy?
Take our quiz to see therapists who are a good match for you.
Take our quiz to see therapists who are a good match for you.
While teletherapy and online therapy have been around for years, Covid-19 was really the driving force behind our need to communicate with the outside world through the computer. We have seemingly adapted and, for some, it has now become a preferred normal.
There are many advantages of online therapy.
Accessibility to a variety of therapists and specializations is no longer limited by location as clinicians can work with patients within the state they are licensed in and many clinicians hold licensure in a multitude of states.
For those struggling with depression and anxiety, motivation and energy can be a factor so online therapy can reduce the amount of time and effort that in-person sessions require. These clients tend to feel safer in their own homes and that can come through during online sessions.
Family therapy can be effectively utilized with the online therapy approach, especially when family members live in different homes.
The benefits of online therapy can also extend beyond the work done in session.
Online sessions are flexible, convenient, and easily accessible. In addition, having sessions online from the privacy of your own home or office, can help normalize therapy and reduce the stigma associated with therapy. The idea that others are judging you for attending therapy or seeing you enter/leave a therapist’s office is not a factor online. In fact, many of my clients express that they wouldn’t be able to participate in therapy if it weren’t online due to time constraints like work, family, and traffic.
Whether or not online therapy is right for you depends upon a few factors. First, will your insurance cover online sessions? Are you comfortable with technology? Are you able to find a private space where you will not be interrupted or self-conscious about the information you are disclosing?
If you are unsure, it may be helpful to find a clinician who offers both online and in-person sessions in case you develop a strong preference. Also, having a brief 10-15 assessment call prior to an actual session can give you a glimpse into the provider’s platform and how you feel interacting in this manner before committing to a full session.
Whatever medium you choose to use for therapy, give yourself some credit for choosing to admit you need to make changes in your life and taking the necessary steps to do so.
