Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the world has undergone unprecedented changes in replacing the traditional manner of how humans have done things for many years. The virtual space has become an active space more than ever before, with almost every profession transitioning to an online space.
One profession that has not been left behind is the therapy and counseling services which have naturally been done via an in-person method. Studies show that many people accept online therapy, especially because mental health has become a critical public health issue since the pandemic started.
However, the question that remains unanswered is how effective online counseling is to in-person therapy sessions. Read today’s article to understand the pros and cons of online counseling.
Privacy and Confidentiality
There is still stigma surrounding mental health, with individuals suffering from different mental health ailments facing continued stigma and discrimination. These two issues make it difficult for affected individuals to openly seek mental health services and treatment, leaving many to suffer in silence.
However, that has changed with time due to the rise in online therapy where individuals can access mental health services from the comfort of their home or workspace without other people knowing.
That is advantageous and effective since individuals give themselves the chance to seek treatment and recover within their private spaces. So, if you feel overwhelmed with depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and stress, or any other mental health ailment and want to seek treatment discreetly, all you need to do is sign up for virtual counseling services.
Accessibility and Affordability
With online services, therapy clinics can reduce their operational cost for their clinics with some operating online on a full-time basis. The ease and affordability make it effective in giving many people the chance to seek mental health services at the click of a button.
With brick-and-mortar therapy clinics, prices can be prohibitively high, especially those operated by well-established therapists meaning only a few can access them. But that is different with online therapy. Due to the presence of many online therapists, the prices are affordably low, and options are many.
The ease of access makes it convenient for patients to seek the services whenever they want. In that case, it can be easy for you to book your appointment and have the session in the comfort of your home at a time convenient to you.
Suitable For the Current Generation Z
According to Dr. James Arkell, a consultant psychiatrist at Nightingale Hospital London, online therapy suits the young generation who have a heavy presence on social media due to their love for texting, face timing, and video calling.
Because of this, online counseling is a great option for young people to seek quick access to mental health treatment instead of physically visiting a therapist.
Specialization of Counseling Services
The internet has made it possible for professionals to offer specialized services compared to before when they could provide general services. Virtual counseling services are now effective in that therapists can now provide unique sessions to meet the different therapy needs of patients.
Today, the best online therapy platforms offer various therapy sessions from LGBTQ, teens, couples, medication management, generalized therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
For LGBTQ therapy sessions, you can sign up with Pride Counseling. If you are a parent who has a teen with emotional and social issues, you can visit Teen Counseling. For the best for psychiatry and medication management, you can sign up with Talkspace. Moreover, the online therapy sites help bring together many different therapy professionals under one roof for quick access.
The Physical Connection Between Patient and Therapist is Unavailable
For a long time, therapy and counseling have been known as careers heavily reliant on physical presence and connection between patients and therapists. Even with the technological advancements, some patients and therapists still prefer physical face-to-face therapy sessions.
Online therapy eliminates physical contact making it difficult for therapists to pick cues and the body language of their clients. For instance, it may be difficult for a therapist to spot some psychological difficulties online, especially when dealing with clients who have psychosis or suicidal intentions. That makes it difficult for therapists to give their patients the best treatment and support.
Another ineffectiveness of online therapy is that it is still inaccessible for many people. Despite the technological advances and increased connectivity, not many people have access to an excellent internet connection, affecting the quality of the online therapy sessions. Besides, some individuals who advertise themselves as virtual therapists might turn out to be fraudsters masquerading as licensed mental health counselors.