Earlier, in-person sessions were the norm but the last few years have seen a shift to virtual counseling. Online counseling typically focuses on providing guidance, support, and advice for managing everyday life stressors, relationship issues or specific concerns. It may involve short-term interventions and tends to address immediate problems. Some people may require treatment for specific mental health issues such as anxiety, depression or trauma.
In such cases, counseling would be more structured and may require a long-term commitment. If you are not sure if online counseling is the way to go, you can check if the benefits work for you and your situation and circumstances.
The Benefits of Online Counseling
1. Lower Cost
When you are looking for a counselor, there’s no denying that cost is likely to be a major factor. Counselors who provide virtual sessions often have reduced rates. This is because their overhead costs are much lower since they do not need to spend on physical office space and they pass a portion of these savings to their clients through lower session fees.
Online sessions also eliminate the time and money it would have taken for you to travel to and from your appointments. A review of online therapy platforms can help you compare and look for free or affordable online therapy or counseling.
2. Flexibility and Convenience
The convenience of online counselling lies in its flexibility regarding scheduling and location. You have the freedom to schedule therapy sessions at times that suit you, without the added stress of commuting to a therapist’s office. This flexibility is especially advantageous if you have a tough time juggling a hectic work schedule and family commitments.
3. Complete Anonymity
People who live in close-knit communities often find it challenging to keep certain aspects of their lives private. When you live in a community where everyone knows what’s happening in everyone else’s life, you might feel like you’re being watched or judged. You may feel uncomfortable reaching out to a local therapist or counselor because you’re unsure of how this will impact the way people view you. Online counseling offers complete anonymity so that there is no chance for gossip and rumors.
4. Better Accessibility for People in Non-Metropolitan Areas
According to a 2018 study, 38% of Americans seeking mental health treatment (which is ninety-six million people) had to wait longer than one week for their appointments. Furthermore, 60% of rural Americans live in areas that have been designated as “mental health provider shortage areas” while 65% of non-metropolitan counties do not have psychiatrists.
Online counseling breaks down geographical barriers, providing therapy to individuals regardless of their location. This is especially important if you live in an area where your access to mental health services is limited.
5. Accessibility for People with Mobility Issues
Online counseling promotes inclusivity and offers a lifeline to individuals with physical limitations, ensuring that they can access mental health support without the constraints of mobility challenges.
If you have a disability or a chronic health condition that makes it difficult for you to travel to in-person appointments, online counseling is the best way to receive therapy from the comfort and convenience of your own home.
6. Greater Access to Specialists
Online counseling allows individuals to connect with therapists who specialize in specific areas or niche populations, regardless of geographical location. This is particularly beneficial if you are looking for specialized treatment modalities, such as trauma-focused therapy, LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy, or eating disorder treatment. By increasing access to specialized care, online counseling will ensure that you receive tailored treatment that meets your unique needs, leading to a better outcome.
7. Continuity of Mental Health Care
It takes time to open up to a counselor and it often takes months or even years to trust them. If either you or the counselor needs to relocate at any point, you will have to look for someone new and go through that period of adjustment all over again.
This can be particularly difficult if you have a job that requires you to relocate every few years or even if you travel a lot for work. With an online counselor, you can continue working with the same person and maintain the consistency of your mental health care.
8. Variety of Modalities
Everyone has different preferences – some people prefer traditional talk therapy, while others prefer cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based techniques. Most counselors are well-versed in only a few of the many therapeutic techniques, which means that you don’t get to explore other approaches to find out what works best for you. Online counseling platforms allow you to try various modalities so that you can take a more active role on your journey to better mental health.
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