Now, more than ever, it seems like everything we do is online. Work meetings? Zoom has us covered. Grocery Shopping? I’m a self-proclaimed lover of “Clicklists”. Dinner? Insert DoorDash, UberEats, and all of the other delivery services that exist. We even have options to meet with our medical providers online. Because telehealth and virtual appointments are everywhere. And I have a feeling they’re here to stay. So why should you jump on-board the trend of online counseling? I’m going to share 5 major advantages of online counseling with you right now.
1. Convenience
One of the advantages of online counseling is convenience. I don’t know about you, but in Nashville, I battle a whole lot of traffic. I’d much rather use all that time wasted driving with friends and family, investing in hobbies, or even getting a much-needed nap into my day. Just imagine not having to drive an hour round-trip for a 50-minute session. Instead, you can simply join from a private space at your home or work. In fact, most therapists will even let you meet from your car as long as you aren’t driving!
2. Comfort
The next benefit of online counseling is comfort. Sure, sweat pants and pajamas are comfortable. But I’m talking about the comfort of the environments we already know. Instead of sitting in someone else’s office — where you aren’t even sure how to find the restroom — you can meet from a place that you know and love like your house or apartment. You can bring your own coffee or tea in your favorite mug. You’ll never forget to bring your journal. Your pet can even join if they aren’t a distraction!
And don’t forget that added comfort means it’s likely that you’ll feel more comfortable opening up. That means you can dive into the deeper work sooner than if you were in a place that’s uncomfortable and has you feeling clammed up!
3. Effective
Effectiveness is the next advantage of online counseling and telehealth. Studies like this are showing that online therapy is just as effective as its in-person counterpart. Now, keep in mind that newer and more robust studies are still emerging, but what we know so far is that online therapy is equally as effective for treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD when CBT and solution-focused interventions are utilized.
4. Privacy
The fourth advantage of online counseling is privacy. I know that privacy when it comes to what we provide online can be scary. But reputable therapists will offer secure platforms for meeting online, ensuring that your sessions are completely private and confidential. Also, no more awkwardly seeing people you know (or people you don’t know) in therapy waiting rooms.
5. More Options
More options of therapists is yet another one of the advantages of online counseling. Meeting with a therapist online means you aren’t as limited to those who are in your area or close enough to your work so you can try to make it there and back on your lunch break.
While most therapists deal with state restrictions (for instance, I can only offer online therapy to those physically in the state of Tennessee), you have more options of which therapist to choose within your own state. That means you can find a therapist you really connect with versus just picking the one whose office is nearby.
What are you waiting for?
There are some really great benefits of online counseling to consider. If you’ve been putting off finding a counselor, online therapy options are a great place to start.
Now, I get that online therapy isn’t for everyone. And there are some disadvantages, such as the ones listed in this article.
But for many of us, online therapy is too good to pass up. If you’re looking for online counseling, reach out to me for a free consultation call (if you are located in TN), or check for therapists in your state through online directories like Therapy Den or Psychology Today.