What Are the Benefits of Online Counseling?

Attending counseling sessions online is becoming increasingly common. The use of online therapy surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to grow. As of 2021, nearly 60% of Americans would consider using telehealth services, like online counseling, to manage their mental health. Of American adults aged 18 to 44, nearly half report a preference for online counseling over in-person visits.

The use of online therapy to address mental health concerns is not a waning trend; online therapy services will likely continue to expand and become more robust. Although the process still needs to be perfected, research into the effectiveness of online counseling has returned exceptional results. Although there are cases where in-person treatment should be sought, most people seeking online therapy experience the same level of care and treatment fidelity as if they attended sessions in an office.

What is teletherapy?

Online counseling is a form of teletherapy, or psychotherapy, that is delivered remotely. Like most other telehealth solutions, online counseling typically occurs through a video meeting, simulating a face-to-face interaction. Although video chats are quickly becoming the norm, online counseling can also include written communication – such as texts or emails – as well as communication over the telephone.

Generally, the approach to teletherapy has very few differences compared to traditional in-person therapy. Therapists use the same evidence-based techniques, like cognitive behavioral therapy, to help their clients overcome mental health concerns. Those who have attended in-person therapy in the past will likely find the process familiar, especially if therapy takes place through videoconferencing.

Psychotherapy was once called "talk therapy" in psychiatry because it required no medical intervention besides speaking with the patient to help them improve their mental health. Research has shown that talk therapy strengthens the connections between regions of the brain that reduce symptoms and support recovery, all without the use of medication or physical interventions. Current research suggests the core component of psychotherapy – talking – remains effective when therapy is administered online.

Who is online counseling for?

Nearly everyone is a candidate for online therapy, but there are a few cases where in-person therapy is preferred. Experts suggest that those with severe mental health concerns, or those who are a danger to themselves or others, should see a professional in person. For most others, online counseling is one of the simplest ways to address several concerns related to mental health and personal growth.  

You might see a therapist online for help managing depression and anxiety, or maybe you want help becoming more outgoing in social situations. Major life adjustments, such as a death of a loved one or divorce, also bring people to online counseling. Maybe you want someone to talk to about regular occurrences in your life or want some help processing a difficult problem.

You don't need a specific concern to start counseling; you may not feel your best and need help figuring out why. Whatever the case, online therapy is a viable option for almost any situation that might bring someone to a traditional therapist.

What are the benefits of online therapy?

Online therapy is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to access mental health care. As online counseling becomes more widespread, researchers have gained more insight into why it is becoming the preferred choice over traditional therapy. Some commonly cited benefits of online therapy are listed below:

Increased access to mental health care

One of the most significant benefits of online therapy is the ability to access mental health care in rural or underserved areas. If you live in an urban area or somewhere that has easy access to therapists, you might not have trouble finding appointments or regularly attending sessions. For those living in areas with few therapists – or none at all – accessing traditional therapy may require them to travel a long distance, schedule infrequent appointments, or forgo therapy altogether.

Those who struggle with mental health concerns that make it difficult to leave the house and those with physical conditions that limit their mobility will likely benefit from being able to attend therapy sessions within their own home. If mobility is a concern, teletherapy and telehealth solutions can significantly reduce the barriers that must be overcome to access therapy.  

Wider selection of therapists

Online counseling brings the therapist to the client through an internet connection, completely bypassing many barriers of traditional therapy. Online therapy may provide a viable alternative if you've struggled to find a therapist near you. You can also be more selective when choosing therapists. A strong therapeutic alliance – or getting along with your counselor well – is essential for therapy; it is worthwhile to be picky when selecting a therapist.

Scheduling and flexibility

Even if someone lives near therapists who are available and ready to take appointments, it may still be difficult to attend therapy. If your schedule is hectic or you have other responsibilities, online counseling can help you access therapy without burdening you with extra stress. Visiting a therapist online removes the time constraint of traveling to an office, and online therapists may have greater availability than local mental health professionals.

The scheduling benefits may be even more significant if you're considering pursuing couples or family therapy. Family therapy usually involves parents, children, and other family members as required. Choosing online therapy allows you to bypass gathering everyone in a therapist's office for a session; leaving your home is unnecessary. In some cases, individuals can join from entirely separate locations.

Cost

Online therapy often costs less than traditional therapy. If paying out of pocket for a traditional therapist, it is not uncommon for a single appointment to cost well over $100. Many online therapists and third-party services don't take health insurance but rely on a cheaper subscription-based model that significantly lowers costs. Depending on what your insurance provides for mental health care, bypassing insurance completely may be a much more affordable option.

Multiple modes of communication

While videoconferencing is the most common form of online therapy, therapists often use other forms of communication to interact with clients. The modes of communication offered will vary depending on the individual therapist or platform they use to deliver their services. Some therapists offer live therapy sessions over text, and others conduct therapy via the telephone.

Being able to message your therapist outside of your scheduled therapy session is also becoming common. Many platforms and therapists accept text messages 24/7. Your therapist probably won't be able to respond right away, but you will likely get a response sooner than if you waited to raise the issue at your next session.

Does online counseling work as well as traditional counseling?

Online therapy has a strong evidence base that expanded rapidly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Before 2019, teletherapy was already considered a viable, effective way to help increase access to psychotherapy. However, many therapists had concerns that online counseling could interfere with the client-therapist relationship or otherwise reduce the effectiveness of therapeutic techniques.

Recent research has indicated a shift in the perceptions of therapists who practice online. Today, more therapists offer online services than ever, and clients continue to report significant improvement following online therapy. In some cases, research has indicated that clients experience greater improvement when attending online counseling as opposed to traditional counseling.

The teletherapy boom caused by the COVID-19 pandemic spurred teletherapy forward rapidly, and there are still questions and concerns to resolve. New ethical and legal guidelines are being developed to help guide therapists as they implement more remote options. 

How can I start online counseling?

You can begin your journey to see a therapist by clicking here. You'll provide some information about your mental health needs and will be matched with a therapist. If you don't mesh well with your therapist, you can select another one to find a better fit. During your initial sessions, your therapist will work with you to determine the goals of your therapy and develop a plan to help you achieve them.

Online therapists use the same evidence-based techniques as traditional therapists, and you will likely find the approach familiar if you have attended therapy before. You'll likely have the option to try modes of communication other than videoconferencing, such as communicating with your therapist through text. You'll work with a therapist to determine how communication will work best for you; everything is based on your preferences and needs.