Maintaining our mental health is an integral part of our lives, yet it’s an aspect of health so many of us overlook. If you had persistent physical pain or sickness, you would waste no time in visiting the doctor — yet we don’t apply the same approach to therapy. This is usually due to a mixture of associated stigma or nervousness over what the process could be like. Outdated stereotypes of a bearded man with a notebook asking “and how do you feel about that?” can sometimes persuade us not to bother. Luckily, real therapy isn’t how it’s depicted in the movies. There are multiple ways to access the help you need. Through online therapy, you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your home.
What is Online Therapy?
Online therapy, also known as “internet therapy” or “e-therapy”, describes a form of mental health support that is done entirely through your phone or computer. It can sometimes comprise entirely of written messages (text or email) or sometimes may incorporate phone calls or video chat.
The central purpose of online therapy is to provide a variation from in-person, traditional therapy. This can be hugely beneficial for those that struggle to leave their homes or find the prospect of meeting face-to-face anxiety-inducing. So if your preference is to talk to a therapist online and not face-to-face, then e-therapy may be right for you.
Is Online Therapy Effective?
This largely depends on two factors:
- Which service you’re using
- What your expectations are for your therapy
Typically, online therapists or online counselors do not offer a diagnosis in the same way a traditional therapist might. Despite being fully licensed mental health professionals, diagnosing mental illness is a complicated process that usually requires in-person assessment.
However, this does not mean that online therapists are incapable of treating you or alleviating some of your stress. They are trained to provide you with the tools necessary to manage your symptoms, which means they should be no less effective than a traditional therapist.
In fact, a 2018 study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that when compared to in-person treatment, online cognitive behavioral therapy was equally effective.
Just ensure you perform your due diligence prior to committing to any appointments with an online therapist. There are plenty of services out there that possess legitimate qualifications. Make sure the service you opt for is one of them.
What Are Some Benefits of Online Therapy vs Traditional Therapy?
There are many benefits to choosing e-therapy over in-person therapy. The most obvious benefit is the lack of travel associated with going to therapy online. Being able to open up your laptop or pick up your phone and begin your appointment is attractive to many. Online therapy also lends itself well to those with busier schedules.
If you have a hectic work life or if you’re a parent (or a mixture of both!) the thought of finding time for a therapy appointment may feel impossible. Online therapy provides the flexibility necessary to fit neatly into your life at your discretion.
There are numerous reasons why any one of us may avoid therapy, from the personal to the practical. It can be a daunting step to take. The truth is, if you’re considering this step, you should feel proud of yourself. You’re taking care of yourself and that should only ever be celebrated.
In addition, online therapy can often be more affordable than traditional therapy. This largely depends on which service you use. Some utilize a subscription fee often paid monthly, while others use the more traditional per-appointment payment style. Generally speaking, both tend to be friendlier to your bank account than in-person.
Whether it’s a permanent solution or simply an introduction to therapy, online appointments are certainly worth considering. They aren’t a diluted version of therapy. They offer real treatment plans that may provide you with exactly the tools you need.
Additionally, it’s important to understand the different types of therapy available online vs in-person. Online therapists might be limited in their approach to your mental health than they would be if you were to see them in person. Some therapies might be more effective than others depending on what you’re seeking help for.
Are There Different Ways to Access Therapy Appointments?
Yes. This is another key element of what makes online therapy so effective for so many. There are multiple ways you can access your appointments. The four most common are text messaging, online chat, phone calls, or video calls.
For those struggling with social anxiety or symptoms that make live-communication difficult, text or chat therapy can do wonders. It does have its limitations, in that your therapist can’t read your body language, but it can provide the necessary support when required.
Phone calls and video calls are a great way to receive therapy when traveling is an issue. Even without the benefits of close-proximity, a trained therapist will be able to use details such as your tone of voice to assess your current state.
Criticism of online therapy usually resides around its impersonal nature. Some claim that the distance and, in some cases, the anonymity directly hinders effective treatment. However, for some, the distance involved is precisely what makes it so effective.
Which form of online therapy you opt for is entirely down to you. It’s a personal preference. Many choose to start with the online chat options before video calls, as a way of getting used to the process. Remember, there’s no time limit or expectations put on you when it comes to therapy. Your comfort is the priority.
How Much Does Online Therapy Cost?
Prices vary enormously, as this type of therapy encompasses such a wide variety of models. The more affordable options often consist of text chat only, either through your phone or via a website. More expensive options tend to involve video chat, as this is the closest thing to traditional therapy.
Many therapy services that offer video call appointments will charge weekly. It can either be on a subscription basis or pay-per-appointment. Prices usually vary between $30 upward to $99, depending on the package you opt for.
The more expensive services generally possess two qualities that set them apart:
- Access to a greater number of therapists
- A full portfolio of communication features (video, text, call)
There are free therapy options available online, though these usually consist solely of textual conversations and may not offer the same degree of support. Still, they’re a viable option if you find yourself unable to pay but still require guidance.
Is Online Therapy Confidential?
Yes. Licensed online therapists are bound by the same confidentiality agreements that an in-person therapist is. The best online therapy sites encrypt their chats to prevent any information from leaking, and they may also utilize anonymous usernames. That said, rest assured that anonymous online therapy exists. Check their website thoroughly before engaging with them to ensure this is the case.
Find Your Online Therapist Today
If you feel like online therapy may be for you, consider setting up an account with Talkspace today. Or feel free to browse through our list of the top 10 best online therapy sites we have compiled for you. They provide access to fully licensed therapists from anywhere, at any time on their online talk therapy platform. Reaching out can feel intimidating, but your assigned therapist will understand this and walk you through every step of your journey.
Therapy can feel like uncharted territory, but your mental health deserves as much attention as your physical health. Don’t put off getting the help you need.