Online therapy, also known as teletherapy, offers a number of benefits compared to in-person therapy. For one, it can be more convenient and accessible, especially for people who have difficulty leaving their homes or who live in remote areas. It can also be more affordable, since it eliminates the need for transportation and other costs associated with in-person therapy. In addition, online therapy can offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling and the ability to have sessions from anywhere.
What are the Benefits of Online Therapy?
Convenient and flexible
Online therapy means you don’t have to travel anywhere to get the help you need, saving you time and money. This is also helpful if your mental health, mobility or other issues make it difficult to leave the house, or if you live in a remote area.
Greater availability
With evening and weekend appointments available, you can get the help you need without impacting work, childcare or other weekday-based priorities. You can choose a time that works best for you.
The comfort of home
Online therapy means you can receive support in a place where you feel comfortable and at ease. Being able to sit in your living room with your favourite hot drink, in comfortable clothes, perhaps with a blanket or a pet by your side, can create a peaceful and relaxing setting, which can be therapeutic in itself. This can also make it easier for you to open up about what you’re going through.
Privacy
With online therapy, you don’t have to travel anywhere and you don’t have to worry about encountering anyone in a waiting room or outside the mental health clinic. Your sessions will be conducted in complete privacy, with no risk of bumping into someone you know or being in a space with strangers when you’re feeling vulnerable.
Security
We protect all of your personal information, including your personal details and sensitive information around your health and online therapy sessions.
Highly qualified therapists
All of our online therapists are highly qualified and have years of experience treating people going through similar challenges to yourself. In addition, all of our therapists go through rigorous screening and on-boarding processes, meaning that you really are receiving the best care from the right people.
Are there any disadvantages to Online Therapy?
While online therapy offers many benefits, it’s important to note that it may not be suitable for everyone. For example, it may not offer the optimum level of support for more acute mental health problems, and it might not be the best platform to deliver certain types of therapy techniques.
If you have any queries about whether online mental health support is right for you, don’t hesitate to get in contact with our friendly team on 0808 159 5494. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you have and offer guidance on seeking the right support for you and your circumstances.
How Effective is Online Therapy?
Many studies show that online therapy is highly effective.
A recent study in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders concluded that online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is our leading therapeutic technique, is equally impactful as face-to-face CBT.
Another study in the World Journal of Psychiatry found the following:
- Online therapy has the same positive outcomes as face-to-face therapy
- Overall, patients receiving online counselling report being satisfied with their experiences. Many people state that online therapy is easy to use and means they don’t have to travel to appointments
- Mental health assessments made using online therapy are just as reliable as assessments made during face-to-face therapy
