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58 Y.O. / Female

Michelle Admine

Ph.D, M.A., M.S., Author, Life Coach
Certified Life Coach
  • My Time Zone: MST (8:12 PM)

Online Therapy: What it Means for You and Your Family

Mental health issues impact a large percentage of the American population. It is said that one out of every five children suffers from mental health disorders. If that isn't enough, an estimated 43.8 million adults suffer from mental illness at any given point throughout the year. For that reason, it's important to ensure both children and adults have access to therapy so they can seek recovery from their mental health disorders. Fortunately, online therapy can offer significant benefits for you and your family.

Understanding Online Therapy

Participation in Internet therapy can include a combination of different approaches. Most commonly, a professional will communicate with you via chat, email, teleconference, and webcam communications. By providing different forms of communication, it makes it easier for you and the people you love to seek the help and support you need.

Benefits of Online Therapy

Accessibility

Internet therapy is available to anyone who wishes to use the service. In fact, online therapy can help overcome barriers that might prevent people from seeking out help. One example of barriers that exist occur among individuals who live in remote areas where counseling services are either few and far between or simply non-existent.

Another common barrier occurs among disabled individuals. A disabled person might find it too difficult to leave their home in to seek out therapy. Online therapy provides access to those who have disabilities. It is also far more common for young adults, teens, and children to feel comfortable communicating via web-based therapy compared to in-office therapy visits.

Convenience

Convenience is perhaps the most important factor involved in online therapy. It is convenient for both the client and the therapist. As a client, you can set up hours that work best with your schedule. Online therapists are not restricted by typical 9 to 5 office hours. If you only have availability in the evening, you can find a therapist that works best with your schedule. Since web-based therapy allows you to schedule an appointment any time of the day and any day of the week, it makes it far more convenient.

It is not uncommon for a person to feel uncomfortable or less likely to open up about their feelings when talking face-to-face. Chatting with a therapist online gives strength and confidence to those who might not like the idea of a face-to-face session. Therefore, web-based therapy is also convenient because it provides you with the comfort and security you need to talk and receive the help and support of a professional therapist.

Anonymity

Although you would have to divulge your information to your therapist to provide payment for services, online therapy provides a sense of anonymity. Considering that there are so many social stigmas linked to mental health disorders and therapy sessions, anonymity can remove that discomfort. You can participate in therapy sessions from the comfort and privacy of your own home. You can decide to keep your therapy sessions private so that no one knows besides you and your therapist.

Broader Options

Online therapy offers a broader range of options. In truth, you want to seek a therapist that knows how to deal specifically with your issues. For instance, if you are having marital troubles, you want a therapist that knows how to handle those issues. If you are experiencing work-related stress, you will need to talk to a therapist that can help you manage that stress and find coping methods.

It is not always possible to find a therapist that deals specifically with certain issues, particularly if you live in a remote or rural area. Web-based therapy, on the other hand, opens the door to more options. You can narrow down your search for a therapist based on the issues you are experiencing. Online therapists can provide you with a wide range of services, including individual therapy sessions, couples therapy sessions, and family therapy sessions.

The Virtual Therapist Network allows you to connect with a professional therapist that best meets your needs for support and recovery. You will find accessibility to therapists who are available during the day, as well as those available during the evening and late-night hours. Mental health issues are not something that anyone should have to suffer alone, and with the help of a professional therapist, you don't have to.