Online therapy as the name suggests is an alternative to face-to-face in-person counseling. Online therapy involves counseling services given by professional therapists over the internet. The mode of the services is like. Video conferencing, real-time chat, email, tele conversation, etc. in modern times, online therapy is becoming more popular among people due to the multiple benefits that one may get with online therapy that are not possible otherwise.
One of the most important benefits of online therapy is convenience. While in-person counseling is not possible without you being physically present there, online therapy can be done from anywhere. Here we will discuss the advantages of online counseling and why it is worth the money.
Accessibility
As already mentioned, accessibility is one of the most important benefits of online counseling. Online therapy is easily accessible to anyone including those residing in a remote area. People who are staying in remote areas may not always reach out to a therapist in person. Hence online therapy can be a blessing for them as they can get the same service from the comfort of their home. Besides, physically disabled people who are unable to move anywhere can also easily access the service without getting out.
Affordability
Online counseling costs less than face-to-face in-person therapy. The online therapy that is typically done over the internet excludes a lot of additional costs involved in in-person therapy. Thus, online therapy is a more affordable way of getting the advice of mental health experts. Online therapy is affordable for both the therapist and the client. A therapist giving online counseling service does not need to rent commercial spaces, pay electricity bills, or buy furniture and other accessories. Even the cost of commuting is reduced to zero. Hence the overhead cost is reduced.
Variant form of communication
A few modes of online therapy like emails and chats involve written communication between the client and the therapist. It is believed that when a person going through distress writes down his emotions, it provides emotional healing. Thus, this variant form of communication not only helps the client convey his emotions to the therapist but also offers him some emotional relief. Writing down one’s thoughts helps them express their emotions more thoughtfully and insightfully. Besides, a written record can help you analyze your own emotions and access it afterward to see the changes in your thought process and overall progress.
Convenience
Online counseling offers an opportunity for both the client and the therapist to have a session according to their preferred timings. This flexibility in timing may not be possible with in-person counseling. This flexibility also allows the therapist to offer their services to more clients spread globally. Besides, the appointment with the therapist can also be scheduled at any time of the day hence avoiding the hassle of scheduling appointments as involved in traditional face-to-face counseling.
Things to consider before getting online therapy
According to the American psychological association (APA), there are a few important points that one must consider before signing up for online therapy. A few of these things are like:
- Is the therapist you want to consult licensed?
- Is this the right tool for your condition?
- What are the costs of therapy?
- Is the website or app that you are signing insecure?
The bottom line
The demand for online therapy is growing rapidly. The current pandemic situation has also fuelled the need for online mental health services instead of traditional in-person therapy. The internet is no more just a mode of entertainment or an easy way of communicating with your friends and relatives. But there it is a way lot more. It is only a matter of time before the availability of the internet and mental health service providers merged to form what is known as online therapy.