What is teletherapy?
Teletherapy (also known as virtual therapy, video therapy, telehealth, e-therapy, web therapy, distance therapy, online therapy, or e-counseling) has not always been the norm. However, our world changed in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are multiple benefits of teletherapy. For example, accessing mental health services is much easier. In fact, one can do so within the comfort of their own home using an electronic device such as a laptop or smartphone. After all, if we’re able to pay bills and take classes online, why not get therapy online? Imagine how drastically your life could change or improve if you can simply log onto your computer and get help for the problems that you’re struggling with?
The most common way to obtain teletherapy is via video conferencing or video chat with a therapist. However, therapists may also provide services by phone.
Obstacles to traditional in-person therapy
There are a number of obstacles that make it difficult for individuals to engage in traditional in-person therapy. First, there is unfortunately still a stigma about seeking therapy. Because of that, some people may worry about walking into a therapist’s office for fear of being seen by others. Anxiety (e.g., worries about being in social settings or in public places) is a major reason that people avoid seeking therapy in person. And ironically, it’s that same anxiety that they might need treatment for that prevents them from obtaining help.
Another obstacle is seeking traditional in-person therapy is the commute to a therapist’s office. This is especially an issue when the office is not conveniently located or is far away from home. Spending an hour or more on a round trip commute to and from a therapist’s office can be unappealing. Having a physical disability may also make it difficult to take public transportation or drive to a therapist’s office. The hassle of having to arrange childcare in order to attend a therapy appointment is another barrier to seeking therapy. Traditional therapy that takes place in an office requires that clients come in during specified office hours. However, this is not always convenient for many people. As a result, clients often forgo therapy altogether if they have found a therapist after doing a ton of research only to realize that the hours won’t work with their schedule.
There may be multiple obstacles to engaging in traditional in-person therapy. For those reasons, many people may find teletherapy to be much more appealing. Outlined below are some of the benefits of teletherapy:
Benefits of Teletherapy
Convenience and accessibility
- Teletherapy eliminates travel time since you no longer need to go to your therapist’s office. Regardless of how far you are from your therapist’s office, all you need is an electronic device to start therapy. This, of course, increases overall access to mental health treatment, especially if you live in a rural area with few or no therapists around, or if you have a chronic illness or physical disability that makes traveling difficult. This can also be a great benefit for parents with young children who are unable be away from home. (Note: In many states, licensed therapists may only provide treatment to clients who reside in the state in which they are licensed to practice.)
Flexible scheduling
- Therapists generally offer a lot more flexibility in scheduling teletherapy sessions since there is no physical office to close up at the end of the day. Because of that, you may be able to schedule a session on the weekend or a weeknight. You don’t even have to skip a session if you’re traveling. All you need to do is to carry your video conferencing device (e.g., laptop, smartphone) with you.
Ease in discussing problems
- Although people generally seek therapy because of their comfort in speaking confidentially to a trained professional about very personal problems, sometimes talking about problems to a therapist via video chat or on the phone can feel easier than doing so in person. The screen, in some ways, may act like a protective barrier.
Technology has changed the way we live, so why not use it to help you improve your mental health? If you’re looking to engage in therapy but have reservations about seeking traditional, in-person therapy, then teletherapy might be just the solution that you’re searching for. Schedule a free consultation to learn how teletherapy can help you.