Online Counseling- Does It Work And Is It As Effective As Going To See A Therapist?
Online therapy, or telehealth as it is often called, has been gaining in popularity for awhile and not just because of Covid-19. There are actually many reasons why many prefer telehealth, but it’s not for everyone. Those with psychosis and suicidal and homicidal thoughts often need an in person therapist due to the therapist needing to be able to see body language. But for those it is appropriate for it can be very helpful. So what are the pro’s and con’s of online therapy?
Pro’s
It’s more convenient and often easier to fit into your schedule.
Many feel more comfortable in their own home so this can help reduce anxiety around doing counseling.
Access to therapists with different specialties that may not be available in your local community.
It’s often easier for those with social anxiety and depression to reach out to an online counselor.
Most types of therapy can be done through online counseling including some you might not think of such as CBT, Play and Art Therapy, EMDR, Somatic Therapy, and TFCBT. It may be done slightly different than when in person, but it is still effective and helps clients reduce their symptoms.
Con’s
Therapists might miss out on body language. The fix I often do for this is to have the client explain what body sensations they notice while we are talking.
Technology can be difficult and technology gets “glitchy” at times as I like to call it with dropped calls or frozen videos. To prevent this is it is good to have a back up plan of what to do when technology is doing this such as switching to another video program or using the phone.
It is important the therapist is using a HIPAA compliant video chat program which means it is secure and encrypted so others do not have access to your information.
It can make it harder for therapists to intervene in a crisis. To address this it is important to have a plan established in the first session of crisis services available in your area.
For more information there are some good research articles explaining the science around online therapy or telehealth and how effective it is below:
Psychotherapy Via Internet As Good As If Not Better Than Face-To-Face Consultations
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130730091255.htm
Therapy Delivered Electronically More Effective Than Face To Face
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200708150156.htm
New Online Therapy For Lingering Depression Symptoms Could Fill Important Gap In Care
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200206132333.htm
Panic Disorder And Depression Can Be Treated Over The Internet, Study Suggests.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100412084406.htm
I hope this helps answer some of your questions around online therapy or telehealth and if it is effective. I also hope it helps you feel more confident in doing online therapy if you feel that it is a good fit for you. If you are curious about how to find the right therapist, check out my blog on How To Find A Good Counselor. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (707) 954- 7060 for a free 15 minute consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety counseling, depression counseling, or trauma counseling, you can read more about how I can help here.