How Teletherapy Could Improve your Life

Teletherapy (also known as online therapy, video therapy, telepsychology, telehealth, e-therapy, web therapy, distance therapy, virtual therapy, or e-counseling) was unheard of years ago. But a revolution has taken place in the realm of psychotherapy: individuals are now able to access psychological services online and from the comfort of their homes. After all, if we are able to pay bills and take college classes online, why not go online and obtain treatment for mental health problems that cause you significant distress in your life? Imagine how drastically your life could change and improve if you’re simply able to log onto your computer or smartphone and get help for the problems that you’re struggling with?

The most common way to obtain teletherapy is via videoconferencing or video chat with a therapist. However, therapists may also provide services by phone or through email.

There are a number of obstacles that make it difficult for individuals to engage in the traditional in-person therapy sessions. First, there is unfortunately still a stigma about seeking therapy. Because of that, those who want therapy but are still somewhat reluctant because that might mean that “something is wrong” with them–might be less likely to walk into a therapist’s office for fear of possibly being seen by people they know. Anxiety (e.g., anxiety about being in social settings or in public places) is a major reason that people avoid from seeking traditional in-person therapy. And ironically, it’s that same anxiety that they might need treatment for that prevents them from obtaining help. Another obstacle, of course, is traveling to a therapist’s office, especially when it is not conveniently located or is far away from home. The idea of spending an hour or longer on a round trip commute to and from a therapist’s office might make engaging in therapy less appealing. 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 make it to 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, which is not always convenient for many people. As a result, clients often forgo therapy altogether if they find a therapist after doing a ton of research only to realize that the hours won’t work with their schedule.

Given some of the obstacles of traditional in-person therapy, many people might find teletherapy to be much more appealing for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the benefits of seeking teletherapy as opposed to traditional in-person therapy:

• It is convenient.
  Teletherapy eliminates travel time since you no longer need to go to your therapist’s office. Regardless of where you live or how far away your therapist’s office is from home, all you need is a computer or a smartphone to begin a video chat session. 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. (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 take your videoconferencing device with you. 

• Easier to discuss 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.