Is online therapy right for me?
Exploring the pros and cons of online therapy.
If 2020 taught us anything, it is that more things can be completed in a remote or online manner than we ever dreamed possible. But does that include your mental health services? Let’s explore some of the major pros and cons to online counseling so you can decide if it just may be a good fit for you.
* It goes without saying that managing the community's health needs, reducing potential transmission rates, and minimizing exposure for those with compromised immune system concerns is a major pro, but we want to take the time to dive into this subject a bit more.
Pro. It drastically increases accessibility.
Many participants in online therapy find that they are able to attend sessions more frequently and with less stress as they are able to eliminate the challenges of travel time. There is also greater access to therapists with special expertise and for those in smaller communities or individuals with concepts about confidentiality or living in what feels like a small community where privacy or avoiding overlapping circles with your therapist is more challenging.
Con. You have some additional responsibilities.
Providers are required to provide a safe and secure platform for online therapy or telehealth mental health services to take place, but they are only in control of half of the therapy setting. It is important that anyone considering participating in online therapy consider the logistics of creating a confidential space for the appointment. Especially those living with family, noisy roommates, or attempting to fit sessions into their workday, this may be easier said than done.
* If you are interested in learning more about the standards of care and responsibilities of an online therapist, the American Psychological Association has published some guidelines for standards in online counseling care.
Pro. There may be additional flexibility for scheduling.
Therapists are people too. Most therapists desire to meet the needs of their clients and communities, but they too have personal needs and responsibilities to balance. With the option for online counseling services, many therapists find that they are able to increase their own flexibility with appointment times, add additional evening or weekend hours, and accommodate client schedules more easily when an online counseling platform is used.
Con. Screen fatigue is a thing.
Another lesson from our 2020 experience is the true existence of screen fatigue. (Stanford researchers have even confirmed this fact.) It may be important to consider your individual work and life circumstances to determine the gravity of this con on your own counseling experience.
Pro. Insurance coverage is available.
Most insurance companies have continued to offer coverage for mental health counseling that is completed through an online counseling platform. There are obviously exceptions and nuances to each plan, but many people find that they have similar and at times even better coverage for mental health counseling services completed on an online platform.
Con. Some find that online counseling comes with a level of depersonalization.
Effective therapy is built off of a strong therapeutic relationship. Many people find that they are still able to achieve the level of personalization that they desire, while others find that the in person setting makes that level of connection that they desire much easier.
Whichever you choose know that the choice is yours!
Are you a resident of Texas and interested in learning more about how online therapy may benefit you in your mental health goals? Our Arlington, TX base counseling practice offers online counseling services with experienced counselors ready to help you reach your goals. Online therapy options include trauma therapy and PTSD treatment, EMDR therapy, Addiction therapy Anxiety therapy and depression treatment and more.
