While we have been doing some online therapy for years, covid-19 ramped up the use of virtual therapy across the world. You may have been used to going into the office and talking with your counselor, but once that was not an option because of covid quarantine, clients and therapists learned to adapt.

There are a lot of benefits to online therapy.

There is increased anonymity. You don’t have to wait in an office. No one sees you but the therapist.
There is often more flexibility in scheduling.
No commute time. Avoid sitting in traffic, parking, and getting to an office.
People often feel more comfortable and open up more when they are in their own environment.
There are no limitations to location, so even people in rural areas who had trouble finding specialists can get help. More people can get treated.
There can be more continuity. Even when you are traveling, or if you move to another city in the state, you can continue counseling with your therapist.
While there may not be a therapist practicing near you, online therapy gives you access to more specialists who are better trained to help you.
For people with social anxiety, online therapy can feel less intimidating than going to a therapist's office.

What I have found, is that most of my clients have been grateful to have this option. But a good question that many people have asked themselves is, “Is online counseling effective?” In other words, does it work as well as in-person therapy?

Research about online therapy

The great news is that research shows that online therapy is as effective as in-person! One of the most important predictive factors of success in therapy is the relationship between the therapist and the client. If the relationship is strong, the chances are higher that therapy will be beneficial. This appears to be even more important for example, than say the type of techniques a counselor uses. I think one of the big worries clients initially had was whether or not they would be able to form strong relationships over the internet. What we are finding is that building a strong therapeutic relationship online is very much possible and happening.

Research is showing that online treatment is very effective in treating a whole host of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, and many other common mental health disorders. If you want to read about what the science says, here are some studies that show the efficacy of online counseling. Much of it indicates that the modality of telemental health is equivalent to face to face counseling.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032713005120?via%3Dihub

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0887618517304474?via%3Dihub

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000579671400076X?via%3Dihub

When is online therapy not appropriate?

There are some instances when online counseling is not the right choice. Online counseling is not a good option for someone who is in a severe crisis. If they are actively suicidal or homicidal, psychotic or delusional, online therapy is not a good option. If someone is actively suicidal, they should get help immediately. They can call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255. If they are in crisis, they can also go to your nearest emergency room.

If you are not sure if online counseling is a good option for you, I would recommend that you call one of our online therapists for a free 15-minute consultation. We can answer any questions or concerns that you have. They can even do a test run of the video system to see if you are comfortable with it.