Pros and Cons of Online Therapy

July 02, 2015, Etherapi

Online therapy has its pros and cons and we'll explore some of those in this article. Note: for the purpose of this article, we define “online therapy” as any form of psychotherapy that uses the power and convenience of a digital medium to facilitate simultaneous and asynchronous communication between an individual and a licensed psychologist or mental health counselor.

Advantages

1. Online therapy makes it easier to see a therapist if you live in an area where it isn't easy to find a therapist either because you can't find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable or there simply aren't any at all.
2. It is also beneficial to individuals who are either housebound or always on the go. If you're someone who has a busy schedule or physically disabled and driving to and from the therapist's office regularly really isn't an option, online therapy might be right for you since you can practically go to a session as long as you have internet connection and an internet-enabled device.
3. If you're hesitant about seeking assistance because of the stigma associated with receiving therapy or you just don't feel comfortable being seen by others in the waiting room or on your way to or from your therapist, online therapy might be the answer since it allows you to see a therapist from the privacy of your own home.
4. Therapists usually don't charge as much for online sessions because they can see you without having to go to the office. Another thing that makes online therapy more cost-effective is the absence of the need to spend the money travelling to the therapist's office.

Disadvantages

While the advent of online therapy addresses several issues with which some people may have a problem, it has its limitations, too.

• For example, technical issues like an unreliable internet connection or sudden failure of your device to perform may disrupt an ongoing session or even prevent one from starting. Online therapy requires an internet connection and internet-enabled devices for the therapy session to take place and technical issues are an inherent potential risk.
• Online therapy is also not suitable for people experiencing an emergency or serious crisis with serious psychiatric illness. If you're experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please go to your nearest emergency room or call 911.
• Even though online therapy is more affordable than conventional therapy, its cost isn't always covered by insurance so it would be wise to check with your insurance provider first to make sure your plan covers online therapy. Currently, teletherapy is refunded by law in 27 US states (although fortunately that number is growing).
• If the internet connection is not strong, another disadvantage of online therapy is the hearder-to-read non-verbal cues the therapist can observe from the patient, which might otherwise give her some valuable insight on the patient's state of mind.
• Deciding whether or not to opt for online therapy might seem overwhelming and it can really be so. However, if you've decided you're going to give it a go and doesn't quite know where to find a therapist or counsellor who does online therapy, websites like eTherapi.com are a good place to start.
• You get a much wider choice than if you had to stick to therapists near you: with online therapy, you can see any therapist licensed within your state of residence. By option for online therapy, your options immediately increase.

While online therapy might not be for everyone, it truly is a wonderful thing; we at eTherapi.com sincerely believe that. 

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