Maybe, you’ve been considering online therapy for a while and are ready to take the leap, or perhaps, you’re considering it for the first time and want to learn more.
There are many advantages to choosing online therapy, but how effective is it, and how do you find a legitimate site? Here are some major ways online therapy is bridging gaps in mental health care as well as information on the efficacy of online therapy and how to know if an online therapy website or platform is reputable.
Ways Online Therapy Bridges Gaps
Here are some of the ways that online therapy bridges gaps and makes mental health care more accessible to individuals and communities:
- Online therapy is often more cost-effective (and it should be cheaper considering). Particularly if you seek services through an online therapy platform, website, or app, therapy or counseling will often be more affordable than it is if you seek traditional in-person counseling or therapy. Without insurance, a therapy session can cost up to $200 or more in a private practice setting, where online therapy websites often start at around $90 per week and bill you on a monthly basis rather than at the end of each session.
- There’s no need to commute. Online therapy allows you to access a licensed mental health provider from anywhere with a reliable internet connection. This is advantageous not just for those with busy schedules but also for those in remote areas or those who struggle to make it to appointments due to lack of access to transportation or for any other reason. You can typically choose between phone calls or video calls depending on what you prefer, too.
- It can make it easier to find the right fit. This might be a surprising benefit of online therapy services, but it’s a very real one. It can be hard to find a specialist in your local area, but with only therapy, you can see anyone who is licensed to practice in your state. If you’ve found it hard to find a specific kind of therapy, a provider with a particular specialty, or something else that you’re looking for in a therapeutic environment, online therapy might be the answer.
The Efficacy Of Online Therapy
Is online therapy effective? The research says yes. Online therapy has been studied and proven effective for individuals, couples, families, and groups. All of the above show that online therapy is indeed beneficial for people seeking various types of therapy for a range of concerns. With all of this in mind, the question that you’re probably asking is, “Is online therapy for me?” The answer to this question will vary from person to person based on their needs and preferences, but if you think that it might be a good fit for you, it’s an excellent option with a ton of advantages.
Remember that if you don’t like the first therapist you see or if you don’t like the first modality of therapy you try, you can always switch. The same is true for a preference between online therapy and therapy you’d receive face-to-face. More and more providers are offering services online, and remote services have continued to gain popularity over time, so if you want to give it a shot, there’s nothing to lose.
Finding A Reputable Platform
There are a number of ways to find a therapist both in person and online. If you’re looking for an online therapy website or platform and want to make sure that it’s legitimate, the main thing you’ll want to check on is if the providers who work through the platform are licensed.
You can sign up for an online platform with licensed professionals like BetterHelp, search the web for a provider in your area who offers remote sessions, ask your doctor for a referral, or use a website like Mind Diagnostics to learn more about common mental health issues.
All that you have to do is type in your zip code, and you’ll see a diverse variety of providers near you. Regardless of if you see someone in person or online, the important thing is that you reach out for help when you need it. Taking care of your mental health is vital, so don’t hesitate to get started.
