Therapy Online: Does it Really Work?
You can do just about anything online now. Shop, work, date, and even talk to your therapist.
All of these things can be really beneficial to you for saving time and money but is online therapy really effective?
How can you get any help from a therapist without seeing them in person? Well, it is not much different than seeing them in person, actually.
In fact, for those with certain mental health disorders, online therapy can be a life saver.
Online Therapy Can Be a Life Saver
People suffering from depression can find it difficult to get out of bed some days, let alone trying to find the energy to get dressed and go see a therapist.
And those with anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often have a panic attack just thinking about going out in public, especially talking to new people.
So, being able to communicate with a therapist from home is a blessing for those who would otherwise not be able to get the treatment they need.
Who Can Use Online Therapy?
Anyone can benefit from online therapy, not just those with depression and anxiety.
In fact, there are many reasons that people all over the world are switching to online counseling. For one thing, it is less expensive.
Because the therapist does not need an office, they save money on rent, utilities, employees, and transportation.
And, since they are saving money, they can pass that savings on to you. Everyone likes to save money. In fact, online therapy can be as low as $35 per week when traditional therapists charge $250 to $400 an hour!
Time Saver
In addition, online therapy saves time, and we are all busy nowadays. There is no need to set an appointment and take a day off work to go across town to see your therapist.
You can just pull out your phone, tablet, or computer wherever you may be and sent your therapist a note whenever you feel the need. Anytime. Day or night. Even on holidays.
How Does It Work?
There are many different ways you can communicate with a mental health professional online. You can exchange messages through text, email, or online chat from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Or, you can talk to them on the phone either on a cell phone or landline. And if you really want to, you can even talk face to face with a therapist with video conferencing on any electronic device you like.
With BetterHelp, you can sign up within minutes online by answering a few questions and you will be contacted by one of over 2,000 mental health professionals within 24 hours.
In fact, most of the time you can get an answer within minutes. No more waiting for weeks or months to talk to your therapist.
You do not need an appointment. Just communicate with your therapist however you prefer, whenever you feel like it and they will answer you as soon as they can.
Most therapists check their messages several times a day so you will most likely hear from them within a few hours, not a few months like traditional therapy.
About the author
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
