Is Online Mental Health Therapy Worth Trying?

 

Here are pros and cons of online mental health treatment so you can decide if it’s right for you.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed many aspects of healthcare, some temporarily and some permanently. One area where big strides were made was in offering mental health treatment online. This worked well during the pandemic, when people didn’t want to, or couldn’t, visit healthcare providers in person. But it turns out there may be benefits to sticking with online treatment when it comes to mental health.

Here are some of the benefits of online mental health treatment:

• It’s easily accessible – With the influx of new online therapy platforms, getting mental health treatment has become more accessible. This is beneficial because the number of people experiencing anxiety, depression and other mental health issues skyrocketed during the pandemic and finding in-person treatment options has often been difficult.
• It’s affordable – Many online mental health therapy platforms offer affordable options, making it easier for people to seek treatment even if they don’t have insurance benefits for mental health treatment. For those who do have insurance coverage, telehealth appointments may be covered.
• It’s comfortable – Some people find it awkward or uncomfortable to sit in a therapist’s office while opening up about sensitive subjects. These same people may be more inclined to talk more openly when in the comfort of their own home.
• It may be as effective as in-person treatment – Although different people may respond better to one type of treatment or another, one recent study found that telehealth was as effective as in-person care, even in people who needed intensive treatment.
• It offers a variety of treatment options – Some in-person therapists offer patients the option of doing their appointments via telehealth. Online mental health platforms charge per visit or on a subscription basis and pair you with a therapist to meet your needs. You may be able to meet with providers who have specific specialties that you might not be able to access in person. You may also be able to access psychiatrists who can prescribe medication, if it is deemed necessary.
• It allows for scheduling flexibility – It may be easier to schedule online appointments at times that are convenient for you. You can also access therapy no matter where you are, as long as you have an internet or cellular connection. This can be especially helpful if you travel a lot or have a busy schedule.

Keep in mind that online mental health therapy is not for everyone. Some people feel more comfortable seeing a therapist in person, where they feel they and their therapist can provide more undivided attention. Some people don’t feel comfortable using technology or don’t feel like it is a secure means of communicating with a therapist. Another drawback is that you may feel like it’s harder to build a relationship with someone when you’re not sitting in the same room with them.

Deciding whether to try out mental health therapy online is a personal choice. The good news is that even if you try it, you’re not obligated to stick with it if it doesn’t work for you.

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