Online counseling
Online counseling, also known as teletherapy, has several benefits. These benefits include accessibility, convenience, comfort, anonymity, flexibility, and cost effectiveness. Teletherapy allows people who live in remote or rural areas to access mental health services, without the need to travel. Teletherapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals living in remote areas, busy professionals, individuals with mobility issues, parents or caregivers, and individuals with limited financial resources. Individuals who struggle with financial resources, such as travel, can still seek mental health services, via telehealth, without worrying about the cost to make it to a physical office space. While online therapy can be effective for many individuals, there are presenting concerns that may not be best suited for this modality. Individuals with severe mental health disorders, such as severe depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder may require more intensive, in person treatment and supervision. Individuals who are in immediate crisis situations, suffer from severe substance abuse, complex trauma, cognitive impairments, children and young adolescents may also not be a good fit for online therapy.
As a counselor who provides telehealth services, there are several adaptations you would need to make to be effective. These things include technological proficiency, a secure and private environment, strong internet connection, clear communication, ethical and legal considerations, emergency protocols, and training and continuing education.
American Psychological Association. (2021). What You Need to Know before Choosing Online Therapy. Apa.org. https://www.apa.org/topics/telehealth/online-therapy
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