Online therapy, which is the provision of mental health treatment over the internet by a mental health counselor, has been a popular and convenient option for many years. However, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has transformed from being merely an option to being a necessity. This shift has required both clients and counselors to adapt to the new virtual landscape.
As a psychologist with over 25 years of experience as a traditional face-to-face counselor, I was initially skeptical about the effectiveness of online therapy. I questioned whether it would be possible to establish a proper connection with clients in a digital space. Additionally, I was concerned about my ability to interpret body language during a Zoom meeting and whether I could provide sufficient emotional support to clients in distress. At first, the cons seemed to outweigh the pros.
My first online session did little to change my skepticism. Technical difficulties, such as internet connection problems and issues with sound, coupled with my discomfort in the new virtual “office” setting, made it a less-than-ideal experience. However, as I continued with more online sessions, things started to improve. It soon became a comfortable routine, and I discovered that clients felt just as real and present in this online setting. I even had clients who had experienced both face-to-face and online therapy sessions, and they chose to continue with the online format. The pros of online therapy were beginning to outweigh the cons, and it made me wonder why.
One of the key advantages of online therapy is privacy. Most clients highly value their privacy when seeking mental health treatment, and online therapy offers an additional layer of privacy. There is no need for clients to visit an office where they may encounter other clients or therapists, which can be uncomfortable for individuals who wish to have alone time after a therapy session.
Time and logistics are also improved with online therapy. There is no time lost in transportation, and sessions can be easily scheduled during a lunch break at work or in the evening after office hours. Some clients have even conducted sessions in their cars, making it highly convenient and efficient.
Research has shown that online therapy can be just as effective as traditional therapy in treating mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, and mild to moderate addiction. This means that individuals can receive the help they need from the comfort of their own homes, without the need to travel to a physical office.
Accessibility is another significant advantage of online therapy. As long as individuals have a reliable internet connection, they can attend online therapy sessions. This is particularly beneficial for people living in remote areas, individuals with disabilities, or those who have children to look after. It ensures that treatment is accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Convenience is another major benefit of online therapy. Clients can receive therapy from the comfort of their own homes, which often allows for more flexibility in scheduling sessions. This is in contrast to traditional therapy, which typically operates within standard office hours.
Furthermore, online therapy eliminates the constraint of location. Clients can choose a therapist based on their preference, regardless of the country the therapist resides in. As someone who has worked in multiple countries, I have had the pleasure of providing continuous therapy to clients worldwide, even though we are separated by different countries and time zones.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider when it comes to online therapy. Confidentiality is a significant concern, as keeping personal information private is of utmost importance in psychotherapy. Online counseling adds a layer of complexity to confidentiality, especially when therapists send information and exercises electronically. It is essential for clients and therapists to address this issue and establish clear protocols to protect confidentiality.
Insurance coverage is another challenge with online therapy. Some insurance companies may not cover online treatment, although many have adjusted their policies in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is always recommended to check with your insurance company to ensure that online therapy is covered.
Additionally, individuals in acute distress, those who are suicidal, or those with serious psychiatric illnesses may require immediate in-person care. Online therapy may not provide sufficient assistance in these cases, but therapists can still guide clients towards the necessary institutions for appropriate care.
Lastly, online therapy offers the undeniable advantage of safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. It eliminates the risk of contracting the virus in an office setting and avoids the hassle of quarantine. In my own experience, there was a case of a counselor in the office contracting COVID-19, leading to clients and therapists who had been in close contact, myself included, having to be quarantined for a week.
In conclusion, online therapy has proven to be an effective and convenient form of mental health treatment. While there are some challenges to overcome, such as confidentiality and insurance coverage, it offers numerous advantages, including privacy, time and logistics, effectiveness, accessibility, convenience, and the ability to work with therapists from anywhere in the world. As someone who was initially skeptical but is now a firm believer in online therapy, I highly recommend giving it a try, especially for individuals with mild to moderate psychological challenges.
Written by Camilla Dessing
