The Internet has opened up a world of possibilities for the mental health sector. As a result of social distancing measures, due to the recent health crisis, many therapists moved online to begin offering "teletherapy" out of necessity. Although it requires some initial adaptation, this can be seen as a beneficial change for both clients and practitioners for the following reasons:
Benefit #1 - A Great Option for Remote Areas
Teletherapy offers access to mental health information and treatment to people in rural or remote areas. Those who live in such areas simply might not have access to any other form of mental health treatment because there are limited due to lack of reliable transportation or have no mental health practices in their geographic area.
Having to drive long distances and take significant time out of a busy schedule to seek therapy can be a burden on many people in need of help. If they have reliable internet access, online therapy offers relatively quick and easy access to treatment that might not have been available to them otherwise.
Benefit #2 - Accessibility for People With Physical Limitations
Online therapy provides accessibility to individuals who are disabled or housebound. Mobility can be a big issue when it comes to accessing mental health care. A therapist practicing out of their own home, for example, may not be set up to accommodate all potential clients. Individuals who are unable to leave their home for various reasons, such as physical or mental illness, may find online therapy a valuable alternative to traditional psychotherapy settings.
Benefit #3 - Convenience and Affordability
Online therapy is usually more affordable (for both client and therapist), as well as convenient.
Since clients attend therapy online in the comfort of their own home, sessions can often be scheduled for times that are the most convenient for both parties.
Nowadays, many countries require insurance providers to cover online therapy just as they would traditional therapy sessions. Therapists who only treat patients online likely have fewer overhead costs, such as renting office space. Online therapists, therefore, can often offer more affordable treatment options for those who are not covered by private health insurance or public healthcare.
Benefit #4 - Treatment Is More Accessible
The Internet undoubtedly makes mental health treatment more accessible. People may feel comfortable talking to friends and family about physical health care issues, but may not feel the same discussing mental health concerns that are just as important. Online access makes it easier to overcome the stigma that has historically been attached to mental health issues, regardless of cultural background.
Teletherapy can also be an important tool to help people learn more about psychological health.
Even if someone feels they are mentally strong, online therapy can help them become psychologically stronger. Anyone can benefit from learning more about healthy behaviors and coping strategies that will lead to better overall psychological health. You don't need to have a clinically diagnosed condition to benefit from talking to a professional, and online therapy can provide a great option for getting started.
Limitations of Online Therapy
While online therapy can be very helpful for people in many situations, it does not come without a few disadvantages compared to traditional therapy methods.
Since online therapists are usually located far from the client, it is difficult to respond quickly and effectively when a crisis happens.
Teletherapy can be useful for a variety of situations, but not when it comes to people that require close and direct treatment or in-person intervention, such as in the case of serious addiction issues.
In many cases, online therapists cannot notice subtle facial expressions, vocal signals or body language. These signals can often be helpful in giving the therapist a clearer picture of the client's feelings, thoughts, moods, and behaviors.
Some people may feel more comfortable undergoing therapy in a digital setting, especially younger people who are more intimately familiar with such methods of communication, but others—therapists and patients alike—may get more out of therapy that utilizes more direct human contact.
In Conclusion
Regardless of your personal preferences, like it or not, it seems teletherapy is here to stay.
If you're considering the option of extending your therapy sessions to English-speaking clients, contact me to schedule a free session so we can discuss your current situation and future goals.
Let me explain how I can help you build your self-confidence and improve your professional English communication skills to effectively meet your clients' needs, wherever they are located.
I look forward to helping you on your journey!
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