Virtual communication has been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. However, people looking for mental health advice often ask a question, “Is online therapy effective?” 

Online therapy is a new trend that allows you to seek mental health support from the comfort of your home. 

So let discuss what online therapy is and how effective it can be.

What Is Online Therapy?

Online therapy is virtual counseling where a professional therapist and patient connect via the internet. Unlike in-person therapy sessions, online therapy allows the therapist and patient to communicate using computers, smartphones, or tablets. 

According to the National Center for Health Research (NCHR), online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for depression and anxiety, among others.

There is enough research that proves it. One study, for example, concluded that depressed people experience significant symptom reduction after 3 months of treatment online.

It also works on similar principles: the longer you attend therapy, the better the outcome. 

Benefits of Online Therapy

There are several benefits of online therapy, irrespective of which mode you choose. Here are the top 4 benefits that make talk therapy online an effective medium for mental health support.

It’s convenient

The best part about online counseling is that you can speak to your therapist whenever you want; all you need is an internet connection. It is convenient and saves you time and money by avoiding traveling to appointments. From bad weather to rush hour traffic, you can avoid various obstacles and connect with the counselor from wherever you are.

It may also be the only option for people who have agoraphobia or people with disabilities and physical limitations.

Wide selection of online therapists

With in-person therapy, you only have access to therapists or counselors available within your town or city. On top of that, these therapists may not even be qualified to offer specific help you need.

For instance, if you have PTSD, but the local therapists didn’t have a chance to work with it, you will either have to go to them anyway or travel to a different location to meet a therapist with expertise in PTSD.

In contrast, you get access to a wide selection of therapists and counselors with online therapy. An online therapy service provider can offer therapists specializing in any mental health issues.

Your privacy is the top priority

Mental health still has a stigma, and many people feel uncomfortable revealing their struggles to therapists. If you or a loved one has a mental illness, you can now receive online therapy anonymously.  Simply connect online with a therapist instead of worrying about someone seeing you sneaking in and out of the therapist’s clinic.

Adapted from:  Is Online Therapy Effective? (domental.com)