Reasons To Use E-Counseling And Other Online Therapy Services
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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: Providing mental health services and support
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.
Attend mental health counseling from any location
For some, mental health problems or physical conditions 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 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 who 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.
Online counseling may not accept 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 may not cover services on some platforms such as BetterHelp, for example. Still, it could be helpful to compare the cost of BetterHelp plans to standard insurance co-pays. You may find BetterHelp to be as affordable or more affordable in some cases. 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.
E-counseling and couples therapy services
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
What is the process of e-counseling?
Enrolling and participating in e-counseling is similar to traditional therapy; only sessions are conducted through electronic communication, such as email, video conferencing, online chat, or phone. The process typically involves:
Initial contact
Clients can reach out to a therapist or counselor through an online therapy platform or get a list of providers who offer virtual counseling through their insurance company. A Google search may also provide several options for finding licensed mental health professionals who take online clients.
Onboarding
After you’ve contacted them, the therapist might request an initial screening to establish why you’re seeking therapy and your goals for treatment and answer any questions you may have about how online therapy works, billing procedures, and what you can expect from them as your therapist.
If you choose to go forward with treatment, they may send you an email or online message providing information about your appointment, what you can expect next, and documentation to complete. This documentation might include forms for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, an explanation of the therapist’s policies and procedures, and any additional contracts specific to the provider.
Assessment and treatment planning
Your therapist will then conduct a more thorough assessment of your needs, concerns, and goals. This may be through online questionnaires or over a video call. This will help the therapist understand your background and determine the best course of treatment to fit your individual needs. The assessment and planning process is typically cooperative, and you and your therapist will work together to outline your goals and expectations for the therapeutic process. Psychology-based strategies may be used, and your therapeutic goals, strategies, and timeline may be revised as needed throughout the process.
Subsequent sessions
You and your therapist will engage in regular counseling sessions via the platform of your choice. They might focus on a variety of topics depending on your needs, such as building coping and problem-solving skills, cultivating self-care practices, or learning emotional regulation. They may assign “homework” assignments or activities to work on between sessions, such as journaling, mindfulness exercises, or self-reflection.
Your therapist will monitor your progress throughout the process and adjust the treatment plan as needed—addressing any challenges or setbacks while finding new strategies to address them. Once you’ve achieved your goals or feel ready to end counseling, your therapist will work with you to develop a plan for termination. This might involve discussing relapse prevention, creating a self-care plan, or providing referrals for continued support if necessary.
What is electronic or online counseling called?
Online counseling may also be referred to as e-counseling, virtual counseling, teletherapy, or web therapy.
What are the three main types of counseling?
There are many subcategories of counseling, but generally speaking, there are three main types:
Individual counseling
Individual counseling involves discreet, one-on-one sessions between a therapist and a client. This type typically focuses on addressing the client’s personal issues, challenges, and goals. Individual therapists help clients explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, develop strategies for coping with day-to-day challenges, and work toward personal growth. Counseling approaches may vary depending on the client’s age, ensuring that the support provided is appropriate for their developmental stage.
Family and couples therapy services
In couples or relationship counseling, partners or family members attend sessions together to resolve conflicts and strengthen communication. This type of counseling can help build trust, strengthen relationships, and deepen emotional bonds.
Group counseling
Group counseling involves sessions between a counselor and multiple clients who share similar challenges or goals. It provides a validating, supportive environment in which individuals can connect, share experiences, and learn from each other. Often, group counseling is also designed to help individuals develop stronger communication and social skills.
Is online therapy effective?
A growing body of research shows that virtual counseling can be as effective as in-person treatment for a variety of mental health conditions. However, online therapy services may not be the best fit for every case, and their effectiveness may rely heavily on an individual’s preferences and circumstances. For example, individuals with more severe mental disorders like schizophrenia or borderline personality disorder (BPD) may need more intensive treatment than they may get from an online platform.
For others, virtual counseling is more effective because it provides greater access to services that may not be available otherwise in their area. Some people might find it more effective because it allows for more flexible scheduling options, and, in a few cases, individuals may reach out to their counselor for help in between sessions if necessary.
How does online therapy work?
The best online therapy services work in the same way as conventional therapy, but sessions are held virtually via video chat, messaging, text, or phone. In many cases, you can connect with an online therapist with just the press of a button, whether through a referral from your insurance provider or primary care physician, through an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, or an online support group.
Can you do therapy over email?
Some mental health professionals conduct sessions via email in addition to video chat, online messaging, phone, and text.
What is virtual therapy?
Virtual therapy is a form of mental health care provided through technology, such as video calls, messaging, emails, phone calls, or texts. Many individuals search for platforms that best suit their needs to find the right provider or type of therapy for them.
What is the difference between counselling and counseling?
Counseling and counseling are variations of the same term referring to services offered by mental health professionals. Counseling is the form of the word most commonly used in the UK, while counseling is most frequently used in American English.
How does peer counseling work?
Peer counseling is a type of counseling in which individuals receive support and guidance from trained peers with similar lived experiences or backgrounds. Peer counselors aren’t professional therapists or counselors, but they are trained to provide non-judgmental, empathetic support to others facing similar challenges. Peer counseling is typically less focused on “fixing” a person and more focused on helping them gain self-discovery and insight.
To become a peer counselor, individuals must undergo training to develop the skills and knowledge needed to effectively support others on their mental health journey. These might include:
- active listening skills
- empathy building
- boundary setting
- giving feedback
- problem-solving
- crisis intervention techniques
Peer counseling often takes place in the form of peer support groups where people come together and share their experiences, offer support, and receive guidance from each other. These might be facilitated by a trained peer counselor who helps steer discussions and provide resources. Like other types of counselors, peer counselors are trained to maintain secrecy, create a safe space for individuals to share their thoughts and feelings, and offer empathy and understanding to help individuals.
Peer counselors often help others by sharing their experiences and practical advice based on their own journey. They might also provide resources, information, and referrals to help individuals seeking additional support services. Part of being a successful peer counselor is recognizing their own limitations and boundaries in providing support.
Is electronic or online counseling expensive?
Costs of online therapy services will vary depending on the provider, location, and the type of counseling an individual participates in. Online counseling offered through virtual therapy platforms is often less expensive than most conventional virtual therapy options without insurance coverage. For example, BetterHelp prices range from $65-$100 per week (or $260-$400 monthly) based on factors like therapist availability, your location, and any specific preferences you might have when choosing a licensed therapist.
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