About Online Therapy

Online therapy, whether through email counseling, chat therapy, or an online course is not the same experience as face-to-face therapy but rather a unique experience of its own that may be helpful to some individuals and not to others. In addition, online therapy is relatively new, therefore no body of research exists to support it's effectiveness. This does not mean that online therapy is ineffective but rather that it should be considered experimental at this stage of its development. We believe online therapy can be effective and helpful for the right person in the right circumstances. Please read the following pros and cons to see if online therapy might be right for you.

Possible Advantages of Online Therapy Are:

  • You can engage in therapy even if you are homebound or live in a remote area.
  • You can send emails at anytime of day or night.
  • You will have an automatic written record of the therapy.
  • You can read the therapist's responses as often as is helpful to you.
  • You can take as much time as needed to compose your emails.
  • You can choose a single consultation or ongoing therapy.
  • You do not have to travel to a therapist's office or mental health clinic.
  • It's possible to engage in therapy from home, work, or even while traveling.
  • Online therapy is generally more affordable than face-to-face therapy.
  • Online therapy can be less intimidating with no stigma attached.
  • You never have to be seen by your therapist. If you are self-conscious, have a high-profile that you want to keep low, or you open up best when you are hidden from view, then chat-type therapy is ideal for you.
  • You can schedule 15, 25 and 50 minute sessions. You don't have to take time off of work; you can easily fit an appointment into your workday.
  • Many times you only need a 15 or 25 minute session, and with online therapy that is all you have to pay for. Also, when online you are more likely to not waste valuable time.

Possible Disadvantages of Online Therapy Are:

  • The lack of body language and verbal (spoken) cues;
  • The possibility of misunderstandings due to text-based communications;
  • Problems associated with technology failures (i.e., power outages, crashes);
  • Risks to confidentiality due to technology (i.e. hackers);
  • Potential difficulties in verifying the identity of either party;
  • Problems in helping a suicidal or homicidal client;
  • The requirement of being comfortable with computers and keyboards;
  • The fact that insurance companies generally will not pay for online therapy.

You Should Not Consider Online Therapy If:

  • You have serious thoughts of hurting yourself or others - if so, go to In Crisis Now?;
  • You have a chronic mental illness requiring intense treatment;
  • You prefer face-to-face therapy and it is available to you;
  • You are uncomfortable with computers and keyboards.

Alternatives to Online Therapy:

  • Face-to-face therapy or counseling from a mental health professional;
  • Using family or friends as supports;
  • Finding a support group in the community;
  • Reading self-help books.

If you think online therapy might be right for you, please visit our Services page to see which form of therapy would work best for your needs or our Fees page to see how much less expensive Online Therapy can be compared to traditional therapy.

Articles about Online Therapy

See what one client had to say about online therapy in an article on Newsweek Health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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