The article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
Mental health maladies are found across all genders, backgrounds, ages, and races, impacting people no matter where they live or how much money they make. While mental illness does not discriminate, not everyone has equal access to the support and treatment they need to manage these concerns. This became increasingly clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is well-known for highlighting the need for improved access to mental health care services.
During the pandemic, support options like online therapy grew in popularity significantly, bringing people from all around the world the hope and healing they were looking for. In this article, we’ll go over some of the advantages of online therapy and explore why this form of treatment appeals to so many people and allows them to get the care they need.
What Is Online Therapy?
Online therapy (also known as teletherapy) is much like in-person therapy, except that everything happens virtually. Instead of going into a physical office location, the client is free to choose to meet with their therapist from any location that has a stable internet connection. From there, they can use their phone, computer, or tablet to connect to their therapist for sessions, whether through phone calls, texting, in-app messaging, or video chats.
Research shows that online therapy is just as, if not more effective as in-person therapy, which is often reflected in reviews written online. Consider checking out the following ReGain reviews
if you’re interested in exploring online therapy through one of the world’s largest virtual therapy platforms or continue reading to learn more about the advantages of participating in therapy online.
The Advantages Of Online Therapy
Virtual therapy boasts numerous advantages including, but not limited to:
- Wider access to practitioners: Certain mental health concerns require specialized approaches to treat, and not every therapist is trained in these methods. Online therapy makes it easier to access providers who have different specialties and understand how to use unique modalities to treat their clients.
- Reduced geographical constraints: With online therapy, you can meet with your therapist from anywhere at any time, whether you choose your living room, office, or front porch. Instead of traveling far distances to find the type of therapist you need, you can simply connect with them virtually. Not only does this save you time and gas money, but it allows you to get the care you need even if you live in a rural area.
- Affordability: Many people don’t have adequate health insurance, and even when they do, their policy may not cover mental health care. Online therapy tends to be billed by the week and allows users the ability to message their provider as many times as they’d like during that time.
- More privacy: If you live in a small town, you may run into people you know when visiting your therapist, which can be uncomfortable. If you prefer not to see anyone when seeing your therapist, virtual therapy can be a helpful alternative option.
- Greater flexibility: Online therapy operates outside of normal business hours, allowing people who have busy schedules to still get the care they need. If you have a job that requires you to work odd hours or are always caught up with childcare responsibilities and other tasks, for example, you can still connect with a therapist whenever you have the time. There’s no need to miss work or school; online therapy works around your needs, preferences, and schedule.
The benefits of online therapy are endless, allowing people with a variety of unique circumstances to get the mental health care they need. Not only is this option often more practical for the changing needs of clients, but it also tends to be a more comfortable choice, particularly for those who are uncertain about or new to the therapeutic process.
Is Online Therapy Right For You?
Online therapy can be a useful option for people facing a range of concerns. However, it is not recommended for everyone. For example, if you are struggling with a serious mental health disorder that necessitates urgent, more intensive support, online therapy may not be appropriate. Likewise, if you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s crucial to connect with a support network in person—particularly when hospitalization is needed.
Conclusion
The growth of online therapy has sparked a positive transformation within the field of mental health. Not only are people more equipped than ever to get the care they need, but the stigma surrounding mental illness has also started to lose its grip. Online therapy continues to rise in popularity, not due to mere trendiness, but because it has been proven to be effective. As more people learn about and participate in this form of mental health treatment, barriers that once kept people from seeking help continue to fall, creating healthier, happier generations of people.
