Reasons To Try E-Counseling
Electronic counseling, often called e-counseling, or online therapy service, is a therapy method where clients and mental health professionals interact online through live messaging, online chat, or phone calls. Many therapists who provide cyber counseling also work in traditional therapy or face-to-face counseling settings. Online counseling services offer several benefits, particularly for those who have experienced barriers to mental health care in their city.
Benefits Of E-Counseling
There are many benefits of e-counseling for both the patients and the counselor:
Convenience
Busy schedules can be standard in American society, as many businesses run from nine to five. With online therapy, you do not have to worry about setting appointments to work around your schedule or taking time off work. You may be able to have counselor availability through email or text any time of the day, any day of the week. Additionally, depending on your counselor's availability, you might be able to sign up for a late-night or early-morning appointment.
Depending on the particular service you select, your therapist may respond to emails or messages within 24 hours. You can also schedule appointments to call, live chat, or video chat with your therapist on many e-counseling platforms. You might schedule appointments during your lunch break, on weekends, or at other convenient times.
Availability For Many
People who live in rural areas or have difficulties commuting may reduce challenges in getting to a therapist's office if they use electronic counseling. With online therapy, you can use any electronic device, like a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, to talk to a therapist from the comfort of your own home.
For some, mental health problems or a physical condition could keep them from being able to attend therapy sessions or traditional counseling. Online therapy platforms can allow you to attend mental health counseling in a location that feels safe and comfortable such as your own home, without sacrificing your health.
Affordability
Options
Mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disordermay have roots in an adverse traumatic experience or substance use. A primary care physician may refer a patient to other mental health professionals or specialists in a traditional setting. However, with e-counseling services, experts in any field may all work under the same umbrella organization that refers therapists for you.
With the patient's permission, two or more online therapy providers may collaborate in approaching a solution, or the patient may choose to see an online counselor with a particular skill set. Patients might have the option to switch therapists or find a therapist of a specific gender or background, like a minority counselor with experience in pride counseling for the LGBTQIA+ community or treating serious mental health problems such as trauma disorders.
Wider Reach
Online mental health services may offer therapy anytime, anywhere an internet connection is possible. It is also often available in multiple states and countries. If someone from a particular state cannot find options under their insurance plan, they might be able to find a counselor online from another state that can offer the care they seek.
Cons Of E-Counseling
Some people may not benefit from online counseling in every situation. For example, if you are having thoughts of suicide, are in active crisis, are looking for medication management, or want a diagnosis, counseling via an online platform may not benefit you.
If you are experiencing thoughts or urges of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. They are available 24/7 to offer support. If you're in the UK, call 0800-689-5652. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency in the US, call 911.
E-Counseling May Not Take Insurance Coverage
Many insurance companies do not cover online therapy. However, as the popularity of e-counseling continues to rise, insurers may join the group of companies that offer it. Health insurers do not cover services on some platforms, like BetterHelp. However, BetterHelp offers affordable pricing plans comparable with most insurance plans' co-pays or less. Financial aid may be available upon contacting customer service.
Lack Of Nonverbal Communication
With online therapy services, your therapist may not see your body language as they could if you were in a traditional face-to-face therapy session. Counseling sessions through video chat may eliminate this problem to an extent.
Online Counseling Options
There are several online counseling options available. Additionally, studies show that certain types of online therapy, like mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), are effective for treating conditions like anxiety or depression and similar symptoms. If you're interested in trying e-counseling, consider a platform such as BetterHelp for individuals or ReGain for couples, or teen counseling.
Takeaway
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are some commonly asked questions about online therapy.
What Is The Purpose Of Counseling?
Counseling often targets symptoms of mental health conditions or daily stress and life changes. There are many types of therapies, and each may benefit a different concern. For example, you might try the following types of counseling:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
Gestalt therapy
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT)
Attachment-based therapy
Energy healing or reiki
Art or music therapy
How Does Online Counseling Work?
In online counseling, you may choose how to connect with your therapist, whether it's through live chat, video calling, or phone calls. A session may be structured similarly to traditional in-person therapy. However, you will not commute to a therapist's office.
Which Online Therapy Is Best?
Do your research to see what a company offers when looking for an e-counselor. Ask yourself:
Do they offer video as well as safe chat rooms?
Are all the therapists and counselors licensed?
Are there different plans or a flat monthly rate?
Do they accept health insurance?
Do they specialize in one type of therapy, such as marriage counseling?
Do they offer a variety of counseling specialties?
Developing a pros and cons list of five companies may help you narrow down your counseling options and settle on one that best suits your needs.
How Do You Sign Up For Counseling Online?
Often, to get started with online counseling, you'll fill out a questionnaire. Based on your answers, you may be matched with a therapist that meets your preferences. Afterward, you might have a consultation, which is an initial meeting to discuss your goals for treatment. You and your therapist may decide if you're a beneficial fit. You can ask the therapist about their education, expertise, and training.
The therapist might ask you questions when you start counseling. For example, they may want to know why you're seeking therapy or what you hope to achieve. After the initial consultation, you'll have meetings with your therapist based on how you want to receive counseling and how often. If your therapist isn't working out, you may choose to switch to another.
What Is Online Therapy Called?
Online therapy may be called virtual therapy, remote therapy, e-therapy, or internet-based counseling. Some call online mental health services "telehealth."
How do you conduct online counseling?
What are the forms of E therapy?
What are the goals of e-counseling?
What is the best counseling method?
Why do you need counseling?
Is online counseling as effective as in-person?
What are the benefits and challenges of e-counseling?
When did online counseling start?
What is virtual or e-therapy?
What is the impact of counseling?
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