Due to the coronavirus crisis, mental health treatment has moved online. To overcome stress, anxiety, depression & fear, people are seeking virtual counseling sessions. And most of them find it so satisfying that they wish to continue with online therapy even after the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to mytherapist.com, around 43 MM people in the US are experiencing mental disorders every year and take anxiety treatment in Chicago, IL & other cities. Help is available for myriad types of mental health conditions.
Understand Difference Between Online Therapy & Traditional Therapy
The objective of both virtual therapy and in-person counseling is the same: to relieve the patients from stress, anxiety and depression. However, they are provided in different ways.
Traditional, in-person therapy is done at the counselor’s office. Online therapy is given remotely. It is also known as e-counseling, teletherapy or virtual counseling.
A few years ago, remote psychological services were given over the telephone. However, with the introduction of the internet, things have changed. And subsequently, people start switching to video calls.
Nowadays, online therapy occurs in real-time through mobile device apps (Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet). During this therapy, you meet face-to-face with the therapist and receive efficient mental health support. Patients like the convenience of e-counseling and it is growing in popularity. And in the times of COVID-19 social distancing, teletherapy has proved to be a panacea for those facing mental issues.
According to a Medical News Today article published in January 2021, in a survey of more than 200 respondents, almost 50% of psychiatry patients would prefer to continue with video tele therapy after the pandemic. Of those people agreeing to go virtual with their care, 82.8% chose video chat sessions, while 13% chose telephone sessions.
Benefits Of Online Therapy
According to the research, 98% of people found online counseling much more convenient than traditional therapy. Besides this, 88% of people found it more affordable than in-person sessions. Here are the key benefits of online counseling.
- High Comfort
Unlike in-person counseling sessions, with teletherapy, you don’t have to worry about getting ready. Instead, you can meet with a counselor from the comfort of your home. According to experts, the more ease you feel during therapy, the more productive it will be. And what could be more comfortable than your own home?
- Saves Time
This is a significant benefit of e-therapy. If you have already undergone traditional therapy, you must know how much time it takes to travel to the counselor’s office, wait your turn, and return home. But, with remote online therapy, you don’t have to travel long, and there’s no need to sit in the waiting room. All you need to do is determine the best time for therapy and connect to the internet to start a session.
- Inexpensive
As mentioned above, you don’t have to travel to seek teletherapy, which means there is no need to spend money on gasoline or bus fare. Over time, these savings add up to significant dollars. Moreover, some online therapists offer shorter, less expensive sessions.
- Confidential
Some people have a misconception that web therapy is not secure in terms of personal data protection. However, therapists providing online sessions must comply with federal and state regulations to protect data. All your conversations with the counselor are secured through encryption.
- Accessibility
Another vital advantage of online counseling is that it is accessible to everyone. Whether you are a young or older adult, male or female, belonging to an urban or rural area, you can receive anxiety treatment comfortably from your space. Physically challenged people can also easily join online therapy sessions.
- Social Distancing
The Coronavirus has taken a huge toll on our mental health. We all are dealing with financial crises, stressful news updates, and isolation. With teletherapy, we can get significant expert support without breaking the rules of social distancing.
Final Note: Find a Reputable Counselor
Online therapy can help with various mental health conditions like anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, depression and anger. But, it’s important to do your research before choosing an online counseling service. Start by researching therapists who offer both in-person and remote therapy. This way, you have the option of doing both types with the same therapist. Also, therapists with a thriving practice is a sign of experience and a great reputation.
Author Bio:
For the past 10 years, Sunny Skousen has been writing about individuals, couples, and family therapists who help to regain happiness, strengthen partnership, and minimize family conflicts. She curates creative and unique content to educate audiences.
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