Teletherapy (Online Counseling) in a Covid-19 World

Help!! I need therapy! In the last week nearly the entire profession of counseling, social work and psychiatry has had to adjust to the Coronavirus Pandemic that is pummeling the globe and take much of their practice into uncharted territory - Teletherapy. Teletherapy, Online Counseling, Online Therapy...it goes by many names. Whatever you call it, essentially, it is the ability to have a therapy session via technology (computer, device or phone). If you are on the fence about considering online therapy now is the time to take a look.  The internet has opened up new avenues for mental health treatment and reimbursement from insurance companies, and there are a number of benefits you should consider before you decide if e-therapy, also known as teletherapy, is right for you.

Let’s explore some of the biggest advantages of online counseling.

Not everybody lives in a bustling metropolis with access to tons of resources.  Online counseling offers access to mental health information 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 or no mental health practices in their geographic area. Teletherapy gives these individuals access to treatment that they might not have otherwise.

Individuals who are unable to leave their home for various reasons, such as physical or mental illness, may find online therapy a useful alternative to traditional psychotherapy settings. A large cross-section of the U.S. population is dealing with disabilities or medical issues.  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. There are a number of people who are immuno-compromised and can't be around other people out of concern for contracting a virus on top of their existing condition.  Obviously, with recent developments across the globe, nearly the entire world is having to quarantine and shelter-in-place. With online counseling, a person is able to attend the session from the comfort of their own home or office.

Online therapy is usually fairly affordable and convenient. Since you will be attending therapy sessions online in the comfort of your own home, you can often schedule your therapy sessions for times that are the most convenient for you.  Clients are able to attend individual, couples, family and group therapy sessions as well as webinars and trainings.