Does Online Therapy work?

Online therapy has become the "new normal" since the year 2020 began, with the majority of therapists providing video or phone sessions as well as alternatives to communicate via chat and texting. Online therapy can be equally as beneficial as in-person sessions, according to a small survey, and allows patients to receive counseling in the comfort of their own homes.

Let’s have a look at ‘What is Online Therapy?’

People who use online therapy, also known as teletherapy, online counseling, or e-therapy, can communicate with therapists who are licensed to practice in their state. The most popular and in-person-like form of virtual counseling is live video sessions. Research has been conducted to support the effectiveness of video sessions. Online therapy may also include live chats, emails, and messages, although there isn't enough research to say whether or not these methods are efficient enough to be used on their own.

How Does Online Therapy Work?

People who use a computer, laptop, tablet, or other mobile devices for online therapy have a variety of options to virtually communicate with a professional psychotherapist. The best options for online therapy provide patients with the ability to communicate with their therapist via live video sessions as well as other methods including texting, live chats, and phone conversations.

Since most therapists are permitted to offer internet counseling to anybody in their state, clients now have more alternatives when choosing a therapist. There are many online sites, like BetterLyf, wherein you can book a session online with a certified therapist. 

Online Therapy Vs. In-Person Therapy; Pros and Cons

In contrast to traditional treatment, research is still "catching up" to the growing trend of online therapy. There is greater evidence to back the advantages of some forms of online treatment, particularly live video sessions, but less evidence to back the efficacy of live chats and texting. According to some studies, individuals who also get treatment through individual or group meetings, text message assistance, or phone calls with a therapist might consider messaging options to be a helpful addition.

Even online sessions, though, might provide certain risks. Online treatment may be less successful due to technological problems, a poor internet connection, discomfort with the technology, or lack of expertise.

Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of Online Therapy:

Pros;

• For some people, this option is more feasible and accessible.

• Some clients find that internet sessions allow them to be more transparent.

• Contacting a therapist has several methods (video, chat, etc.)

• The majority of insurance companies now cover online counseling.

• People with hectic schedules should have flexible scheduling.

• Much more cost-effective than in-person sessions

Cons:

• Sessions might be disrupted by technological issues or slow internet.

• Delays or freezing may cause the therapist to speak over the client.

• Some individuals believe that internet meetings are less intimate.

• The needs of those with more serious problems might not be met.

• Children, pets, doorbells, etc. may all disrupt sessions.

• Some people may find online sessions to be distracting.

What Can Online Therapy Help With?

Online therapy has been shown in studies to benefit persons with;

• Affective and depressive disorders

• Anxiety disorders

• panic attack

• trauma-related stress disorder

• Drug Use Disorders

• Quitting smoking

• disorders of eating

• enduring pain

• Spectrum Disorder in Autism

Most studies show that individuals who receive treatment via online video sessions are equally satisfied and make similar improvements as those who receive therapy in person.

When texting and messaging help was coupled with other types of support, such as individual or group sessions, or skill development, the individuals who received this benefit.

However, there are still many research gaps. Early trials of online therapy have shown encouraging outcomes. For instance, there is little evidence to support the effectiveness of couples or family therapy sessions conducted online. 

Less evidence supports the idea that online therapy is equally helpful as sessions held in person for some types of mental health disorders.

Is Online Therapy Effective?

Early studies suggest that online treatment can be equally as beneficial as in-person therapy, despite the fact that research is still catching up to our new digital world.  phone sessions can also be beneficial for certain people, video sessions are the golden standard for virtual therapy. Less data supports the use of messaging and chats, and most institutions view them as valuable supplements to treatment rather than as a replacement for therapy sessions.