Online therapy, via secure video and other platforms, has become the default option for many clients. While many of us are moving to online solutions because of today’s unusual situation, even during normal circumstances there are tangible benefits to meeting with your therapist online. Not only do you save commuting time going to and from the session, but you may also feel more comfortable talking to your therapist in the privacy of your own home or office.
Sessions from home can have real benefits
Not everyone is able to open up in an office environment. For some people, sitting in a quiet place in your own home can be most effective for you.
The environment of the therapy office, while comforting, can provide a feeling of disconnect from our daily lives. As a result, it can be difficult to apply the tools that you learned in the therapeutic environment to your own work or home environment. For some clients, getting help in their own physical environment helps them to apply and enhance the confidence and skills learned in therapy to their daily environment.
Does online therapy work?
Researchers have investigated the effectiveness of online therapy and provided best practice guidelines for therapists. The results have been encouraging. Multiple studies have found, in a variety of contexts, that online therapy is as beneficial as face to face therapy.
Depression is among the most common disorders around the globe and often leads to a high level of morbidity. However, depression is also among the most treatable disorders. In a systematic review of 29 studies, researchers found that online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for major depression was as effective as in-office face to face therapy. Studies have also found online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for panic disorder, agoraphobia, and anxiety.
Online therapy and interventions are even effective for addictive and problematic behavior such as substance and alcohol abuse.
Confidentiality and privacy in online therapy
Confidentiality is just as important in online therapy as it is in more traditional forms of treatment delivery. If you are considering online therapy, make sure you are using secure, private, HIPAA-compliant platforms for communicating with your therapist.
When you can’t meet in person
Online therapy offers access to emotional support and trained mental health professionals when you cannot or will not meet in person. Online therapy gives you access to treatment that you might not have otherwise.
If you are not sure if online therapy is a match for your needs, reach out to Donna Groves. Online therapy is often suitable for:
Online appointments are not suited to address all psychological concerns, and should not be used as a form of crisis intervention.
Online therapy is not appropriate for people with thoughts of suicide or homicide. Help is available at the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 for emergency local assistance.