By: Sarah Fader
Updated February 11, 2021
Medically Reviewed By: Whitney White, MS. CMHC, NCC., LPC
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In traditional forms of talk therapy, patient and counselor agree to meet at the counselor's office at a given time for an hour or so. If the patient cannot make the appointment - during office hours only - due to work obligations, travel or any other reason, this therapeutic opportunity is lost, although it will typically still have to be paid for. Counseling websites, however, have no such restrictions, and therapy can be obtained at any time, from anywhere, and by anyone.
How Counseling Websites Work
Online counseling services typically don't employ therapists themselves and instead serve as a kind of clearing house that mediates between patients and counselors. One of their functions is to make sure that the mental health professionals are qualified and licensed by the proper authorities. They also provide a technological platform that allows for secure patient communications and confidentiality.
Benefits Offered by Counseling Websites
Improved Privacy
Discussing your deepest, innermost feelings with another person may be easier for you in a face to face setting, or more difficult, depending on your personal inclinations. When discussing truly sensitive issues though, many people find it easier to open up when they know that their secrets are protected by professional confidentiality and they don't have to "know" the person they are sharing with.
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Better Accessibility
Some patients in need of mental health services may be housebound, others live far from the closest therapists, while others still might not be able to take time off from work. By contrast, accessing therapy from a smartphone or laptop can be done anywhere and anytime. Online therapy typically takes place as a text conversation, although patients can also request a telephone or video conversation.
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Availability of a Wide Range of Specializations
By working with a large number of therapists, an online therapy service can cater to almost any need a patient may have.
With so many mental health issues not existing in isolation, but rather being associated with others or being caused by additional problems, a patient may also not find all the care he needs with one counselor or setting. If he is a client of an online service though, he may seek counseling for multiple issues, choose from a list of therapists, and transition to new therapists on the same service with ease.
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Overcomes Obstacles to Receiving Therapy
Have you ever thought that therapy might be helpful for you, but you decided against it? Pause for a moment and think about why you changed your mind. What obstacles prevented you from moving forward with finding a therapist and going to the appointment? If this was difficult for you, you are not alone. Most people wanting therapy are likely dealing with feelings of stress, anxiety or depression and the process of finding a therapist and going to an appointment may be extremely daunting. It can be hard to do this on your own and even harder to ask for help. Online counseling makes finding and meeting with a professional counselor much easier and less stressful and empowers you to move forward with getting help for yourself. Listed below are three reasons that may be preventing you from getting counseling. If any of these reasons are holding you back, online therapy may be a good option for you.
1) Your Busy Schedule:
You are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. You are having difficulties keeping up with all of your responsibilities and don't know how to gain more control over your life. You feel like you already don't have time to do everything you need to be doing, so how are you going to carve out time to go see a therapist? You work during normal business hours, or have children at home, and being able to get away is nearly impossible. Online counseling alleviates this problem! Online counselors have more flexible schedules and can work with you to find a time, even in the evenings or weekends, that works for you and you don't have to leave your home! You can also email your counselor at any time and receive a response in a reasonable amount of time, rather than waiting until your next appointment to talk to him or her.
2) Stigma:
Although the way our society views mental health is progressing, let's face it, unfortunately there is still a negative stigma associated with mental health. This stigma, if we allow it, can hold us back from getting the help we need. If you are embarrassed that others may find out you are going to see a therapist, or fear that other people will think poorly of you for doing so, this will prevent you from getting help. Speaking to an online therapist can feel more discrete and less disruptive. It also may feel more natural. If you are used to using online forums or social media to talk about your issues, than emailing a therapist may be an easier step for you to take to start communicating to someone about your feelings. Also, knowing that thousands of other people just like you are using online platforms to receive counseling should help normalize the action of getting therapy. It will help people see that therapy is a helpful tool that can benefit anybody.
3.) Difficulty with Communicating
Many people in need of counseling are already having a hard time communicating with others and this difficulty is contributing to their mental health struggles. The fear of trying to communicate their feelings to a counselor in an office setting can be very frightening. If you have any sort of social anxiety or feel like it's difficult for you to communicate your feelings verbally than online counseling provides alternatives. With every counselor, you will have the option to write out your thoughts and feelings via email or live chat instead of or in addition to speaking with your counselor over the phone or via video chat. Many people feel like they are able to express their thoughts and feelings in writing much more clearly and honestly than then can verbally. Other people just feel more comfortable starting therapy through written message, and then eventually gain the courage to try verbal communication. Everyone is unique in what helps them best, and having different options is much more effective.
Everybody deserves to be understood and feel supported and cared about. No one should have to suffer in silence because they are unable to access professional help. Online therapy alleviates many of the barriers that traditional therapy holds and will continue to grow and improve to reach more people in need. There are certainly some things telepsychiatry is not capable of: prescribing medication for one, or offering a comfortable physical presence. Even with these limitations, though, counseling websites are now a permanent feature of the mental health landscape, offering a viable and effective treatment option to millions of people who were formerly left without access to help.
FAQ
Is there a difference between counseling and therapy?
The terms counseling and therapy are often used interchangeably; however, there is a difference between psychotherapy and psychological counseling. Counseling typically focuses on specific issues and is designed to help a person address a specific problem. The focus may be on problem solving or learning specific coping strategies. Counseling also tends to be more short-term than therapy. Therapy on the other hand tends to be more long-term and focuses on a broader range of issues. The thinking with therapy is that a person’s thinking and behavior affect the way that person interacts with the world. There are various forms of psychotherapy that are used and each therapist typically has a type that they use more than others. Depending on the type of psychotherapy used, the goals can be to help people feel better equipped to manage various issues, understand patterns in their behavior that may interfere with personal goals, have more satisfying relationships, and better regulation their emotions and thoughts.
What are some possible advantages and disadvantages to online therapy?
There are many benefits to online counseling, such as flexibility with scheduling, typically lower cost, and lack of commute time to appointment. Other possible advantages include being able to speak you’re your counselor more frequently and in-between video sessions through the instant messaging feature that most online therapy sites have. Some people feel more comfortable sharing when they are speaking to someone virtually than they would in-person.
While there are many advantages to online therapy, there are some disadvantages that come with conducting therapy in an online space. The first is the issue of technological glitches. Inconsistent internet connection or problems with the video chat platforms can lead to frozen screens, echoing, and dropped calls. Internet connectivity issues can be frustrating and can disrupt the flow of the conversation that is taking place. Other challenges can include difficulty building a with your therapist if you are not used to forming relationships through a screen, which can lead to it taking longer to work through the issues you are facing.
What is traditional therapy?
Traditional therapy is regular counseling which takes place inside, typically in an office, where you are face-to-face with a therapist or counselor. The space is safe and confidential and allows you to talk through your problems with a licensed therapist in the comfort of a neutral space without distractions.
Is online therapy as effective as in person therapy?
Online therapy is equally as effective as in-person therapy and there are multiple studies that support that claim. One study found that online cognitive behavioral therapy was effective in treating anxiety disorders and another study found that online treatment for depression was equally as effective as in-person therapy. A third study found that online cognitive behavioral therapy was equally as effective as in-person treatment for major depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. A fourth study concluded that “users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform.”
What type of doctor is a therapist?
Psychology and psychiatry overlap quite a bit. Both psychologists and psychiatrists are both mental health professionals who took different routes to obtain their credentials. A psychologist has a PhD and did not go to medical school whereas a psychiatrist has an MD or DO and went to medical school. In addition to psychologists and psychiatrists there are also licensed mental health counselors, who have their master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field and underwent stringent licensure procedures, as well as clinical social workers who have at least a master’s degree in social work and are trained to evaluate and treat mental illnesses.
How do I choose a counseling theory?
It is beneficial for a counselor to have a counseling theory that they are aligned with. The reason being that counseling theories allow for counselors to respond to various complex individual and family issues, behaviors, and emotions. Being knowledgeable and well-trained in a particular theory may increase the counselor’s competence and confidence when working with clients in need. While there are many different counseling theories that counselors can use, the majority of them will blend elements from different approaches and tailor their treatments to their clients’ needs. Since most counselors draw from a variety of approaches, clients do not necessarily need to go too in-depth about the type of approach the therapist will use, however, it is helpful to know whether you are hoping to modify behaviors or thoughts or a combination of the two so that the therapist is able to make sure they are qualified to help you with your issues.
Additionally, you might want to think about the type of experience you are hoping to get from your therapist. Some therapists are very active during the session, whereas others are passive or take on a non-directive role. Therapists who are trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tend to be more goal-directed, active, and collaborative. During a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy session, you can expect your therapist to help you articulate your personal goals, both short term and long term, for treatment so that you can start to work towards those goals together during your sessions. Therapists who draw from other training experiences, such as a Person-Centered approach, will take a more passive role and avoid offering tools, techniques, and assignments. There is no benefit or detriment to either approach. Rather, it is finding the most compatible approach with what you hope to get out of your sessions.
Is online therapy cheaper?
Online therapy can but is not always less expensive compared to in-person therapy. Unlike in-person therapy, most insurance companies do not reimburse therapy that happens online.
What is online therapy called?
Online therapy is typically called online therapy, but has also been called teletherapy, distance counseling, telemental health and internet therapy.
What are the benefits of online therapy?
While choosing whether to enroll in therapy online or in-person is a personal choice, there are some advantages over traditional, in-person therapy. For some people, they appreciate not having to commute to an appointment or having to find childcare during their appointment time. Online therapy can also be more affordable than face-to-face treatment and many online therapy sites allow you to speak to your therapist daily via messaging functions in addition to weekly sessions, while most in-person sessions occur once a week with no additional messaging between sessions.
Is online therapy any good?
Online therapy has been proven to be equally as effective as in-person therapy. However, whether online therapy is the right choice for you, is a different question. Some things to consider when deciding whether to try online therapy include how you form relationships, how willing you are to speak with someone over a screen versus in person and whether you have a quiet place in your home where you will be able to engage in the sessions without interruption. Other considerations include internet connectivity and whether you will be as likely to keep the appointment as you would if the appointment was in-person.
Which is better BetterHelp or TalkSpace?
When it comes to finding a therapist, it is important to consider the therapist’s credentials, whether the therapist’s approach is right for you and if they have experience working within your area of concern, and their availability. BetterHelp’s base plan includes weekly live video chats along with unlimited messaging. BetterHelp also offers phone therapy, which is helpful for our clients with slow or no internet. BetterHelp also offers financial assistance who can’t afford therapy. TalkSpace is also an online therapy platform where individuals are able to choose the therapist they would like to work with. Overall, it is essential that no matter which online platform you choose, you’ll want to make sure that they are someone you feel comfortable discussing and working on personal issues with your therapist.
Does Blue Cross cover online therapy?
While it is always best to check with your specific insurance plan, most Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plans cover online therapy, and many Blue Cross Blue Shield chapters have partnerships with online therapy sites. Before signing up for online therapy, make sure to check your insurance plan to ensure the online therapy is covered.
What are the 3 types of counseling?
The three types of counseling include school and career counseling, mental health counseling, and substance abuse counseling.
School and career counseling offers support to children of all ages who are at risk of feeling overwhelmed. Those feelings can stem from issues at home, problems with friends, or what they have seen on the news. School counseling sessions often take place in a school setting and help students have a positive educational experience. They are often called upon to provide social-emotional support.
Mental health counseling professionals provide psychotherapy treatment to individuals, couples, families, and groups. The main role of a mental health counselor is to promote mental and emotional health and they are often well-versed in a wide variety of topics spanning from marital problems to self-esteem and stress management.
Substance abuse counselors work with clients individual or in a group. They also might work alongside nurses or doctors to coordinate care and to develop treatment plans. These professional may choose to specialize in providing services to specific populations, while others will work with individuals who are in treatment programs.
What is the best counseling approach?
While there are some approaches to counseling that work better with particular issues, determining what the best counseling approach for you is personal. For example, when it comes to treating depression the three most commonly used approaches are cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapies. For someone who is focused on working to modify certain behaviors, finding a counselor who specializes in behavior therapy might be a good option. Whereas someone who wants to focus more on what they think rather than what they do, cognitive therapy might be a good option. The various approaches to counseling are often not used in a vacuum. Rather, most therapists blend elements from different approaches and tailor their treatments to their clients’ needs.
What are the three theories of Counselling?
There are many different approaches used by licensed mental health counselors. The three main approaches are psychodynamic, humanistic, and behavioral.
Psychodynamic counseling evolved from the work of Sigmund Freud. The main goal of psychodynamic counseling is to help people balance the three elements (the id, ego, and superego) of their personality so that one is not more dominant over the other. The id is the part of a person’s personality concerned with satisfying basic needs of food, comfort, and pleasure. The Ego is the logical or common-sense side of a person’s personality. The Superego is best described as our conscience.
The humanistic approach recognizes that every individual is unique and aims to help clients explore their own thoughts and feelings and to work out their own solutions to their problems. This is often referred to as client-centered counseling. The main them of client-centered counseling is the belief that we all have inherent resources that enable us to deal with whatever life throws our way.
The behavioral approach focuses on the assumption that a person’s environment determines their behavior. Behaviorists believe that once a behavior is learned, it cannot be unlearned. Therefore, the goal with a behavioral-focused approach to counseling is to help people modify unwanted behaviors.
