When it comes to mental healthcare, online therapy is no longer just a secondary choice or backup option. It includes the same services as in-person therapy with many other advantages, especially if you work long hours or already have a lot on your plate.
Online sessions can include a variety of mental health services including psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and counseling. Prior to the COVID pandemic in 2020 online therapy was primarily offered as teletherapy for patients with restricted mobility, with less than half of all licensed psychologists offering online sessions. That changed dramatically as the pandemic forced millions to work remotely and seek mental health services online. Since then, numerous studies have looked at the efficacy of online therapy and counseling, revealing wide-ranging mental health benefits. Not surprisingly, online therapy has become the mainstay of mental healthcare delivery.
5 Benefits of Online Therapy for Busy Adults
- High Efficacy
The main reservation that most people have with trying online therapy is that they feel it may not be as effective as in-person sessions. While this is a valid concern and the transition can be challenging, most patients adjust easily to online therapy. In fact, research suggests that online therapy is just as effective for most mental health problems, including chronic stress disorders, depression, and anxiety disorders. An obvious benefit is that it’s also easier for patients to get help because online therapy is easily accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a smartphone.
- Lower Costs
Online therapy often proves more affordable than in-person therapy due to reduced overhead costs for mental health professionals, who would otherwise need to rent or own clinics. Many online therapy platforms also offer subscription-based models or pay-per-session options, allowing clients to choose plans that fit their budget. Moreover, some insurance providers now cover online therapy, further reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, you save on transportation expenses and time, as sessions can be conducted from the comfort of your own home. You can refer to this online therapy guide to find the most affordable options that provide high-quality service.
- Better Time Management
For many working professionals and entrepreneurs, mental health takes a backseat as they delay or avoid therapy because of problems with scheduling or a lack of time. With online therapy there is greater flexibility and convenience, allowing you to pick sessions that align with your work schedule. Unlike traditional in-person therapy, online therapy also eliminates the need for travel time to and from appointments, allowing you to talk to your therapist even on busy days – sessions can be scheduled during lunch breaks, early mornings, or evenings, accommodating diverse work schedules and time zones. All of this allows for better time management, ultimately lowering stress levels.
- Always Accessible
In-person therapy may be less accessible to busy adults who need to travel frequently for work, which can disrupt regular therapy appointments and make scheduling challenging. Additionally, some of us work in locations with limited availability of qualified therapists, requiring significant commute time to access therapy services. With online therapy platforms, you can access therapy services remotely, with travel and location no longer acting as barriers to getting help – you can even schedule your therapy sessions to coincide with your travel so that you can save time. Just make sure that you have a quiet private space where you can speak freely.
- Reduced Stigma
Although mental health care is increasingly recognized as important, many people struggle with internalized negative beliefs and attitudes about themselves due to perceived societal stigma surrounding mental health issues. This can act as a major barrier to seeking help. Studies show that online therapy can help to reduce this type of stigma as most people feel more comfortable reaching out to online therapists because of the privacy it offers. Additionally, many online therapy platforms prioritize client confidentiality and offer options for anonymity.
Over the past four years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of platforms offering online therapy, which can make it harder to make a choice. When choosing a platform for online therapy, consider factors such as therapist qualifications, insurance coverage, accessibility and ease of use, as well as the range of services and subscriptions offered.
