Digital technology has transformed the way many people receive healthcare, including mental health therapy services. Online counseling, conducted using digital tools, has become a popular option for clients looking for affordable and convenient access to mental health services.
As our world becomes more and more digital, so too does the counseling landscape. Those seeking therapy don’t necessarily have to visit an office to get the help they seek. Today, psychological services are more accessible than ever, but you’ll want to keep a few things in mind before engaging in this form of therapy.
This kind of online therapy is basically the same as regular therapy, except it happens online instead of in an office. Sessions are typically an hour long, and may take place weekly, or at whatever frequency you and your therapist decide on. In between sessions, you may have limited contact with your therapist through text messages and email. Or, you may just need to wait until your next session unless you are in crisis.
It has sparked in popularity ever since the COVID-19 pandemic forced therapists to expand their offerings in order to keep everyone safe.
Ideally, people would be able to choose between doing sessions online or in-person, or even a combination of both, but options have become more limited during the pandemic. Most outpatient therapists are doing sessions online, but people who need higher levels of care can still have access to in-person options.
People who need to choose between doing sessions online or in-person should consider the following factors:
- Preference: Do you have a strong preference for either in-person or online sessions? If so, it may be important to narrow your search for therapists offering this option.
- Needs: Do you feel like your mental health issues are severe or that you need urgent or intensive support? If so, online therapy may not be able to meet all of your needs.
- Age & attention span: Are you looking for therapy for a younger child or teen? If so, it may be hard for them to engage in online therapy. The same is true for adults who struggle with short attention spans.
- Access: Do you know what your options are for local in-person therapy? If you live in a more rural or remote location, your options for in-person therapy may be limited, meaning you would have an easier time finding a therapist online.
- Risk of COVID-19: Are you or people you live with at high-risk for complications related to COVID-19? If so, it may be important to take certain precautions (vaccine, social distancing, masks, etc.) and confirming that a therapist who has also taken these precautions.
- Comfort with technology: Have you used Zoom, Webex, Google Meet or other video platforms before? If so, you are probably familiar with the technology, and may have an easier time adapting to online therapy.
- Internet speed: Is your internet fast enough to support online video sessions? You can run a speed test to find out. Most sources recommend a minimum speed of 10 Mbps of download and 1 Mbps of upload speed for each person working remotely in a house.
- Privacy: Do you have a private and quiet place in your home or office to do therapy sessions? If not, privacy issues could be a problem with online therapy.
- Costs: Does your insurance cover online sessions? Most insurance companies have expanded their coverage for online counseling, but it is still important to verify costs by checking the details of your insurance plan.
At People Psychology Brighton, we have so many different options for online therapy, your experience will vary depending on the type of therapy you receive, the style of your therapist, and the issue you are working on.
Here are some examples of what online therapy may be like:
Table of Contents
Video Session
If you opt for video sessions, your therapist may send you a link via email or text to connect for the session at the time of your appointment. Your therapist may use the time to talk about your symptoms, better understand your experiences, or teach you knew coping skills.
Phone Session
If you do a session over the phone, your therapist will call you at the time of your scheduled appointment. Once connected, you could use the time to talk about your issues, discuss stressful situations, or learn new ways to cope.
Messaging
If your online therapy includes emails or messaging, you might send your therapist a message when something stressful happens or when you are experiencing symptoms.
Online Couples Therapy
If you and your partner are seeing a therapist together, you will both show up for an online video session. If you are in the same place, you can sit in the room together for the session. If one of you is somewhere else, you can individually connect to the session. Sometimes, the therapist may want to meet briefly with you or your partner alone to discuss specific issues, so you may be asked to leave the session for a few minutes.
If you’re worried about the quality of your session, research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as therapy done in person. Many people prefer online therapy because it offers more privacy, can be more accessible, and is often cheaper.
With something as intimate and personal as mental health, some people might feel more comfortable talking about topics such as their feelings, personal issues, and goals over the internet rather than face to face. Patients can experience therapy from the comfort of their home and some counselors are more likely offer therapy outside of traditional business hours.
We at People Psychology Brighton love knowing that our therapy can in fact be an instrument to help make a positive change in people’s lives. We use each and every day as a chance to provide real change and positive outcomes to clients and their families.
If you have any questions, please call our Practice Manager on 1300 504 293 or complete the form below and we can call you back.