Everything you wanted to know about online therapy
Your questions about online therapy answered.
In the age of pandemic and navigating a new normal, online therapy (online counseling or teletherapy) has rapidly expanded. Having seen the benefits of online therapy first hand in my work with the Veteran’s Healthcare system, I’ve been a long time proponent of the technology. For many people, online therapy is an effective, convenient way to meet their mental health needs. Research has shown that therapy using encrypted video-conferencing is as effective as traditional, face-to-face therapy.
Some of the benefits of online therapy include:
Treatment continuity: if you move within your state, work with your therapist is uninterrupted. If you move outside of your state, your therapist may look into whether licensing reciprocity is available in your new state or whether a temporary license is available if the move is not permanent.
Enhanced options: people seeking specialized types of therapy or mental health services can choose from more providers offering a wider range of treatment styles and approaches.
Increased access: living in a rural area is no longer a barrier, since the therapist can be located anywhere in the state.
Greater convenience: the days of fighting traffic, paying for parking or transportation costs after (or before) a long day to see a therapist may be a thing of the past. Online therapy eliminates the commute, because the therapist is, in essence, coming to you.
Naturally, there are some drawbacks that should be considered when thinking about online therapy. These considerations might include:
Interrupted or delayed connection due to technology or internet challenges.
Insurance may not reimburse for online counseling (it’s best to confirm coverage with your insurer).
Breach of information due to technology or person.
Discomfort with being on video as opposed to in person.
Trouble interpreting and getting a whole picture of non-verbal communication.
It’s also understandable to wonder if teletherapy is as safe and confidential as, say, a therapist’s office. Therapists have a legal obligation to provide confidential, end to end encrypted, HIPAA compliant platforms. These platforms are numerous, but HIPAA compliance doesn’t currently extend to ones like Google Hangouts or Skype. If security is a concern, it’s important to read your therapists privacy and telehealth policies and ask for clarification where needed. Some therapists have received training or continuing education in telehealth. And while every precaution may be taken, privacy can never be guaranteed.
Despite these drawbacks, the ease and convenience of online therapy make it a great fit for: caregivers, people with limited mobility, chronic pain or illness, busy professionals, and frequent travelers. That said, there are some conditions that are not well suited to online therapy, and a mental health professional can help determine whether online therapy would be a fit.
Having online therapy in the comfort of your own home (and pajama bottoms) can be appealing for many reasons. In fact, you don’t even have to be in your own home as long as you’re in the state your therapist is licensed in. While having an online therapy session while driving or around others is not advisable for safety and privacy reasons, it can be a great way to maintain support and connection while traveling in the state for business or pleasure.
Online therapy will only grow as technology advances and our lives become increasingly centered on technology, telecommuting, and virtual communication. This article provides a basic starting place for what to expect, but the information presented here is not exhaustive. If you have questions about online therapy and whether it’s the right fit for you, please reach out via the contact page or email.