Online therapy courses are taking off all over the USA.
On the one hand, this is good news for the millions of Americans who suffer from mental illness. On the other, it’s an industry fraught with risk when you consider that some mental illnesses can be life-threatening.
So if you are considering this course of action, it’s important to tread carefully.
These are the things to consider while searching for the best online therapy providers.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Online Therapy
The number one benefit of e-therapy is convenience. It’s easy to engage in a session with a psychologist during a few spare moments at home.
Nobody has to know about it and many people may feel more comfortable chatting online than face-to-face with a therapist.
Thanks to smartphones, help is literally at hand when you need it. You don’t have to wait for your next session.
Is online therapy the answer for you? It depends.
Does This Kind of Therapy Suit You?
While teletherapy can be effective as a backup for in-person therapy, there’s no proof that it’s effective on its own. Some people thrive in the comforting presence of a psychologist and progress faster.
For others, the therapist’s office is a safe haven far from the distractions of daily life. When you have the freedom to choose, are you going to keep up your sessions?
Is Online Therapy in Your Best Interests?
It’s not a good fit for patients suffering from severe mental illnesses that may cause them to harm themselves or others.
Other issues come with a host of side-effects that a psychologist can’t monitor from afar. For example, according to Dr. Kaia Calbeck, those that experience high stress are more likely to have cardiovascular problems.
Face to face interaction allows a highly trained professional to monitor your progress. Both physical and mental.
What Kind of Therapy Do You Need?
Unfortunately, most people are simply not able to decide for themselves what kind of therapy is effective in their case.
So, unless your psychologist recommends it, you’ll never know if you’re following the right path. Some kinds of therapy like music therapy, art therapy, and animal-assisted therapy are impossible from a distance.
For decades telephonic counseling has assisted those suffering from addiction. Yet, it’s not as effective on its own. It’s easy for addicts to evade issues and even lie to a therapist online.
The Best Online Therapy Isn’t Always Cheaper
Individual therapy sessions may cost less online but it’s unlikely that your health insurance is going to pay for it.
Most insurers pay most or all the costs of in-person counseling. Check with your insurance provider before you end up out of pocket.
Find Out More
When it comes to your health you can never have too much information.
Do some research online, ask around, and read reviews about the best online therapy methods before you decide.
Our blog is a great place to start. We try to bring you the latest unbiased information on medical and lifestyle issues. Keep reading.
