In today’s world, therapy isn’t too uncommon, but about 46% of Americans still consider going to therapy to be a sign of weakness.
Fortunately, more people are opening up to the idea of receiving therapy. It can help with various mental health issues, so anyone who’s struggling should definitely consider it.
A very modern approach that many people haven’t tried before is online therapy. While this may not initially seem worthwhile, there are several factors that arguably make it better than in-person therapy.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the key benefits of online therapy.
1. You Can Access It From Anywhere
One of the biggest benefits of remote therapy is that you can access it from wherever you are. Remote work has become incredibly popular in recent years for the same reason, and this can help people fit therapy into their lives far more easily.
A lot of Americans have limited access to therapy and other mental health services. For those living in remote areas, this is even more of an issue. Some don’t even have suitable access to transport, which can make accessing in-person therapy near impossible.
People who are limited on time may also struggle to attend in-person sessions. Virtual therapy, however, reduces these issues.
As long as you have an internet connection and a suitable device, you can take part in remote therapy sessions. This can include things like laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Bear in mind that your internet connection will need to be good enough to maintain quality video communication.
You won’t need to worry about getting to a specific place at a certain time. You’ll be able to set things up to fit more seamlessly into your life and schedule. You can then get the mental health care you need from anywhere.
2. There Are a Wide Range of Professionals Available
Depending on where you live, your options for in-person therapists could be very limited. There may not be many mental health professionals in your area, and this can be an issue. Just finding a qualified therapist isn’t enough; you need to work with someone that you’re comfortable with.
It’s safe to say that the more options you have, the easier it will be to find a therapist that you can work well with. Opting for online therapy opens you up to a lot more potential therapists so you can find someone that you want to work with.
Everyone is different, so it’s best if you can find a therapist that meets your specific needs. A lot of therapists offer specialized treatments, meaning some simply won’t be suitable for you.
When looking for an online therapist, you can assess the different types of services available to find any that fit you well. This isn’t so simple when taking the in-person therapy route.
3. It Can Be More Affordable Than In-Person Therapy
Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who could benefit from therapy, but they simply can’t afford it. It isn’t always cheap, so those who don’t have much spare money are often left to struggle with their mental health issues on their own. On top of the cost of the actual therapy, there may also be other things to consider like childcare and gas for transport, which only makes things more expensive.
Virtual therapy is typically more affordable than in-person therapy, so it can be a better choice for those who are tight on funds. As it can be done from home, there’s also no need to worry about transport costs. For those who don’t have suitable insurance, this is even more beneficial.
Younger adults and college students can benefit from this. They typically won’t be able to afford as much, making online therapy a more viable solution.
4. You Can Schedule More Sessions
If you attend therapy sessions in person, you may need to schedule them quite carefully. Depending on travel time, it might be difficult to fit them in around work and any other responsibilities. This means you may be restricted in terms of when you can attend sessions and how frequently you can have them.
Online therapy is far more flexible and convenient, so you can schedule sessions more easily. This also means it’s easier to organize additional sessions if you feel the need.
It’s less likely that you’ll need to cancel any sessions. Things like bad weather and illness won’t be as much of an issue. If you have something contagious, you won’t need to worry about giving it to your therapist during online sessions.
Not having much free time can further limit your ability to schedule extra in-person therapy sessions. For those who live busy lives, this can be one of the biggest benefits of online therapy.
5. It Makes Many People Feel More Comfortable
One of the biggest things that prevents people from getting therapy is that they don’t feel comfortable with it. This may not seem like a big thing, but plenty of people out there don’t get the help they need for this reason alone. It’s not uncommon to feel fear or anxiety at the thought of opening up to someone, even if they’re a qualified professional.
Being in an unfamiliar environment makes things worse for a lot of people. As such, being able to have therapy sessions in your own home where you feel comfortable can be much better.
Most people feel much happier about doing difficult things when they’re in an environment where they feel safe and secure. When using online therapy, you can do so from your living room or bedroom to help remove the barriers that come with being in a therapist’s office.
Are the Benefits of Online Therapy Worth It?
The benefits of online therapy are quite significant. It’s often cheaper, more convenient, easier to organize, and less daunting. You can also connect with professional therapists who are more suitable for your needs.
Collaborative Change Counseling provides evidence-based treatment for people who are struggling with mental health issues and want to regulate their emotions and behaviors effectively. We provide a range of services including individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy both in-person and online. Check out our services page to find out more about everything we offer.
