What Are The Pros And Cons Of Online Therapy?

Therapy is growing in popularity, with over 41.7 million US adults seeing a therapist in 2021. However, specific barriers can make seeking a therapist challenging. For example, in most of the US, individual in-person treatment costs around $100 to $200 a session, which can be more expensive for couples. Online psychotherapy addresses this gap for many people, offering more affordable and flexible treatment for a broader range of individuals. 

How necessary is therapy? 

However, some may avoid reaching out for help due to beliefs that therapy is too difficult, expensive, or inconvenient. Others might face stigma due to gender, age, or class. 

By providing therapy virtually, therapists have made professional counseling available to clients who otherwise would not receive treatment. In addition, as more research demonstrates its effectiveness, many clients can find most therapeutic modalities online for a fraction of the cost of in-person methods. 

What is online therapy?

Online therapy, also known as e-therapy, distance therapy, telehealth therapy, or therapy on demand, involves communicating with a therapist online through various means, including video chatting, text messaging, and phone calls. The client can communicate with their therapist using the method that works best for them. 

Treatment online often involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. However, you can find many modalities and specialties online, and you do not have to partake in CBT if you don't want to. Regardless, online CBT is effective when delivered live. Your therapist can also send direct resources that you can use immediately after sessions. 

Is online therapy effective?

Once considered somewhat controversial, studies have shown online therapy consistently beneficial to clients looking for an alternative to in-person office visits. An individual may choose to only participate in online therapy or use it as an adjunct to in-person visits. Counselors who practice online adhere to the same requirements as any other therapist, including their state's required education, licensing, and certification. They also use the same evidence-based techniques, like cognitive behavioral therapy.

Online therapy has also demonstrated utility in group, couples, and family therapies. Couples therapy is especially popular and has substantial evidence supporting its effectiveness. For both individuals and couples, many cognitive-behavioral techniques have been tested and found to be effective, successfully improving symptoms related to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and many other concerns related to mental well-being.

Do your research before settling on an online therapy provider, as you might before starting counseling at a physical office. The best online mental health care provider for you should provide therapy services and flexibility that enhance the therapeutic experience. Choosing an online therapy provider platform like BetterHelp or Regain can also be beneficial. It allows you to be matched with a therapist who has already been vetted and checked for licensing. 

The benefits of online therapy

Online therapy is often a flexible, modern option for counseling widely available to those in need and backed by evidence. However, if you're considering virtual therapy for yourself or a loved one, there are some pros and cons that you can consider before you schedule your first appointment. By learning about these benefits and drawbacks and weighing them against each other, you can determine whether e-therapy may fit your needs. 

Online therapists offer many unique advantages for individuals and couples needing assistance. These benefits can remove the obstacles that prevent people from seeking treatment. The following are several of the most frequently reported benefits of internet-based therapy. 

Convenience 

Many people may struggle to find a therapist in their city if they live in a remote, rural area with limited therapy centers. For many, insurance only covers support if within a specific distance of your residence. Additionally, since many therapy offices operate during the same nine-to-five schedule as many professionals, you may be unable to fit therapy into your day.

Online therapy has the edge in convenience over traditional therapy. You can save time and gas money without traveling back and forth to a therapist's office. Online treatment can be ideal for people who don't drive or otherwise have transportation limitations. In addition, you can schedule sessions at any time, including early mornings, late at night, or on the weekends. 

Affordability 

The cost of obtaining mental health services and health care can be prohibitive for many people if they don't have insurance. This factor is compounded by the fact that many mental health conditions can make it challenging to work. While few online therapy providers accept most insurance plans, since there is no physical office to maintain or staff to hire, online therapy is often more affordable than in-person therapy. Traditional treatment can cost over $200 a session, not including any extra fees or tax. Since therapy often involves many sessions over several months, not having the ability to schedule to consistent appointments due to cost can hinder its effectiveness. 

Online therapy, including that provided through Regain, is often much more affordable, ranging from $65 to $90 per week, billed every four weeks. If you partake in online couples therapy, you can save more by splitting costs between both parties. 

Comfort 

Some clients may find it challenging to open up in the setting of a therapist's office. Online therapy allows you to attend live sessions with a licensed therapist from your own home or another comfortable location, as long as you have an internet connection. Clients can choose a comfortable environment no matter whether they are attending individual therapy, couples, or group sessions.

Open communication 

Many therapists only provide communication during sessions. With e-therapy, you may have the option of unlimited flexible messaging with your therapist throughout the week leading up to and after sessions. Although some traditional therapists may offer to text as needed, online therapy platforms provide unlimited messaging through a safe platform. Most of this communication does not take place instantaneously, although some therapists do offer real-time chat options during scheduled sessions.

Chat therapy 

Putting your thoughts into words might feel challenging if you're not used to speaking with someone about your problems or become overwhelmed with difficult emotions. Text-based therapy over a live chat session allows you to say what you want at your own pace. In addition, your therapist can't see or hear you, which might remove any social anxiety barriers you're experiencing. While most people choose video calls when interacting with their therapist, chat therapy is a viable option for those who aren’t ready to take that step.

Improved convenience for the therapist

Online therapy also offers benefits to the therapist. When offering internet-based services, a therapist has more flexibility and convenience in responding to their clients, an open line of communication, and can operate from anywhere they choose. They can cut out costs like office rent, parking, and gas for a commute. 

Potential disadvantages of online therapy

There may be a few disadvantages to consider when looking into online therapy. While not all may apply in your case, understanding these factors can help you make the most informed decision. 

Insurance coverage may be limited

Although many states require insurance coverage for telehealth services, certain therapists may not accept insurance online, as getting approved for an online practice can be more difficult. In addition, many online therapy platforms do not take insurance due to their policies. Contact your insurance company for more information about the scope of their coverage. 

Your state may have restrictions

Certain states do not allow out-of-state therapists to treat clients without a license in that state. Some therapists get more than one license to practice online, whereas others may be limited to your location only. 

The scope of therapy may be insufficient

Online counseling can benefit those experiencing many types of mental illness or life challenges. Therapy sessions can be used to treat many different concerns, but there are some limitations to online therapy. Techniques like behavioral therapy usually work well remotely, but more severe or sudden problems might require in-person support. if you're experiencing severe mental illness, seeking medication, or looking for crisis support, online therapy may not be your most effective choice. Only psychiatrists can prescribe medication, and many psychiatrists do not work online. 

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. They are available 24/7 to offer support. 

If you have poor internet, you may face technical issues

A strong internet connection is often crucial to participate in e-therapy, as it can take a lot of bandwidth. Depending on your location, your internet connection may be insufficient. There can also be occasional disruptions due to bad weather or poor connection speeds.

Discretion can also be a concern. For example, if you have roommates or people in your house, you may not want them to overhear your therapy sessions. Use a personal device when you partake in online therapy and try to find an isolated room away from others. 

Online therapy options 

Online therapy can be an affordable way to get the counseling you seek to manage your mental and behavioral health. However, before you get started, research to determine your insurance coverage's scope and what technological requirements may be involved. Once ready, you can select which of the online therapy services best suit your needs. You may want to consider whether you prioritize text or video sessions, whether any providers specialize in your area of need, and what you can reasonably afford.
Online counseling

Platforms like Regain for couples and BetterHelp for individuals have an established history of helping clients with professional therapy. If you're in a relationship but unsure if your partner would join you in therapy sessions, you can opt to start counseling individually and have your partner participate in your sessions later. All Regain and BetterHelp therapists are certified and licensed, with many years of experience treating various mental health conditions.