Reasons To Use E-Counseling
Electronic counseling is here to stay. This form of therapy, where clients and therapists interact through online means that provide chat rooms, video calls, and telephone calls, are increasingly popular. Many of the therapists who work in the online environment also work in traditional, in-person settings. Online therapy offers a number of advantages traditional therapy struggles to match.
Pros of E-Counseling
There are many pros of e-counseling for both the patients and the counselor. Some pros and cons:
Convenient
Nowadays it seems like everyone is just too busy to do anything. With online counseling, you do not have to worry about setting appointments to work around your schedule or taking time off work. You can literally email or text your counselor anytime of the day, any day of the week. Depending on the particular service you select, your therapist will typically respond within a day. You can also schedule appointments to call, live text or chat, or video chat with your therapist on many e-counseling services available. You can schedule appointments for your lunch break, weekends, or other convenience times that are readily available as therapists in the online setting tend to be more flexible as they work from home.
Accessible to Everyone
People who live in rural areas or those who have difficulties getting around do not have to worry about the long trek to the therapist's office if they use electronic counseling. Until now, those who live far away with no public transportation were unable to get counseling unless they found a way to get to their therapist's office. Those without transportation just had no way to get there and went without therapy.
With electronic counseling, you can use any kind of electronic device like a computer, laptop, tablet, or even a smart phone, to talk or text your therapist from the comfort of your own home. Many of the online therapy websites offer several options such as emailing, instant messaging, chat rooms, and teleconferencing. Now, even those with physical limitations can talk to their therapist when they need to.
Much More Affordable
E-counseling is only a fraction of the cost of traditional face-to-face therapy. Because your counselor does not have to pay for an office, utility bills, and the cost of transportation, your costs for therapy are lower as well. The average cost of e-counseling is $20 to $50 per week rather than the average of $100-$250 per session for traditional in-person counseling. While a traditionally minded counselor will need to rent office space in a discreet and not overly run-down building, one who operates online can potentially work from home. Not only that, but he or she may deal with pending text messages whenever some time is available, rather than having to wait until his patient is physically present.
This can translate into cost savings, while also freeing up more time and resources for patients who need it, rather than assuming every person requires exactly one hour per week of direct-therapist time.
Larger Skill Pool
Few mental conditions exist in a vacuum; a surface phenomenon such as addiction may, in fact, be deeply rooted in childhood trauma or self-esteem issues. In a traditional setting, a therapist may refer a patient to another counselor who's better equipped to help the patient, but a number of complex, interlocking problems can easily strain anyone's specialization.
With e-counseling, experts in any field you can think of may all work under the same umbrella organization, which essentially acts as a referral and auditing service for mental health professionals. With the patient's permission, two or more may easily collaborate in approaching a solution, or the patient may himself choose to see a counselor with a particular skill set.
Online Counseling's Wider Reach
Few psychologists will allow their private phone number to circulate generally, and for good reason. Online mental health services, however, can offer counseling at anytime, anywhere an internet connection is possible.
Unless an online appointment has been scheduled or the therapist happens to be available, communication between patient and counselor generally takes place in written form. There are handicaps as well as advantages to this: for one, neither the patient nor the therapists feels under any obligation to fill an hour with talk that may verge on the irrelevant; for another, the patient has a chance to think about and analyze what they wish to express.
Privacy
In addition, many people who would otherwise feel hesitant about contacting a therapist will embrace the anonymity an online relationship offers. Whether due to the perceived stigma surrounding mental illness, or the feelings of shame and fear associated with events like sexual abuse or addiction to illegal drugs, this level of discretion can afford many potential patients the freedom to pursue help.
Cons of Online Counseling
Of course, everything has its bad points as well. There are some bugs to be worked out, and some people just do not meet the criteria. For example, if you are actively suicidal, are in active crisis, or in psychosis, counseling via the internet isn't the best option for you.
May Not Be Covered by Insurance
Unfortunately, some insurance companies still do not cover online therapy of any kind. However, as the popularity of e-counseling continues to rise, more and more insurers are realizing that it benefits them as much as it benefits you. All insurance companies are different, and some do not have mental health coverage at all. With time, the majority of large healthcare companies are expected to provide some type of coverage for e-counseling.
Risk of Confidentiality
With all of the questions about privacy and hackers online, there is always the risk of confidentiality. It is ultimately up to you to make sure your communications are safe. That means not using public internet services such as at a coffee shop, motel, or library. If you are communicating with your therapist online through your phone or tablet using email, instant messaging, or another internet communication, you have to be careful that you are on a private internet service. The good news is that reputable, licensed therapists use secure technology, and will take precautions to protect what you share through the website or therapy service they use with you.
Lack of Nonverbal Communication
This is a disadvantage in some cases because the counselor or therapist cannot see your body language as he or she could if you were in a traditional face-to-face therapy session. However, if you use video chat, you will be able to see each other and that will eliminate that problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of counseling?
Counseling can help you get to the root of what brought you to counseling in the first place. If you’re having relationship issues, experiencing anxiety and depression, being bullied or dealing with some other issue that you can’t quite manage on your own, counseling is a safe place to talk about it. A licensed mental health professional who is trained and has the experience in what you’re dealing with can help you better manage your issue or even resolve it. In a way, one can think of counseling as a short cut to feeling better. It’s important to keep in mind that although this might be a short cut, it requires commitment, patience and determination, especially when dealing with difficult aspects of whatever is troubling you.
What are online counseling's benefits?
E-counseling can be more affordable, even for those who don’t have health care insurance. You can meet with your therapist at a time that fits into your schedule and wherever you feel most comfortable. Some people like to have counseling sessions in their homes, while others feel more comfortable talking to a therapist in their car (parked, of course).
With online therapy, you can meet your therapist by video, text messaging, chat or phone in real time or asynchronously via text messaging or emailing. You can choose how you want your therapy delivered that is most comfortable and convenient for you. You also are not restricted to seeing a local therapist, which in some areas, therapists might be scarce.
Whereas traditional therapy requires traveling to a therapist’s office, sitting in an office and discussing sensitive issues, people who use telehealth can have therapy from the privacy of their own homes or wherever they feel is most private. They don’t have to factor in drive time to and from a therapist’s office or running into someone they know while waiting to see the therapist.
In addition, chatting, text messaging and emailing are ways to discuss sensitive issues that might otherwise feel shameful or embarrassing if sitting across from someone.
As well as considering benefits, cons of online therapy also exist. One con is needing a strong internet connection while another con is using technology to access therapy.
How does online counseling work?
You'll have a variety of ways to connect in a live session with your therapist, including audio (phone)or video. Or, you can use messaging or speak with your therapist in a secure private chat room. You can even communicate with your therapist via email.
These are more flexible options for scheduling, so you can fit therapy into your busy schedule. Online therapy is also cost effective. In sum, it's both affordable and convenient.
What is online counseling?
You can receive mental health care and treatment through the internet, instead of visiting a provider's office space. It has been gaining in popularity in recent years because of its affordability and easy access. Whether you live in a rural area or are more comfortable sorting through life's many challenges from your home, telehealth gives you the ability and flexibility to address mental health challenges from wherever you are.
By using a variety of methods (ex. video, text messaging, and chat) to receive counseling, people can feel more comfortable treating their mental health needs, especially if they have a busy schedule or feel embarrassed about seeking help for their mental health needs.
Which online therapy is best?
There is no one best online therapy. Do your research to see what a company offers. For example, do they offer video as well as secure chat rooms? Are they HIPAA compliant? Are all the therapists and counselors licensed? Do they offer a free trial? 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? Or, do they offer a variety of counseling like counseling for anxiety disorders or sleep disorders?
Doing a good, old fashioned pros and cons list of 5 companies will help you to narrow down your options and then finally settle on one that best suits your needs.
How do you do online counseling?
Usually you’ll first fill out a questionnaire. Based on your answers, you’ll be matched with a therapist. Then you’ll have a consultation — a meeting so you and your therapist can get to know each other better. This is where you’ll get a feel for the therapist to see if they’re a good fit for you and vice versa. You can ask the therapist questions, such as their education, expertise, and training. The therapist, likewise, will ask you questions. For example, why you’re seeking therapy and what your therapy goals are. After the initial consultation, you’ll have meetings with your therapist based on how you want to go about receiving therapy online (ex. audio, video, or online chat). Over time, you’ll develop a therapeutic relationship with your therapist – one in which you’ll feel safe and supported and not judged.
If your therapist isn’t working out for you — sometimes this happens — you can switch to another. It’s best, though, to give yourself 3-5 sessions with a therapist before you determine you make a change.
Is online therapy secure?
Generally, online therapy or online counseling is secure. Your information is kept confidential by your therapist, and encryption is used for financial transactions. The mental health professionals are licensed, and the platform is HIPAA compliant. Always do your research, though. Check with the platform to make sure the site is secure before registering for therapy or making a financial transaction. The company should make ethical and legal practices a priority.
What are ethical issues in therapy?
Some ethical issues in therapy could be when a therapist tries to be your friend rather than the professional therapist you hired. A therapist who crosses boundaries by sharing at length their issues is a sign that a professional line has been crossed. Therapists will, from time to time, relate to what their clients are saying by sharing a personal story of their own. This is okay and can even be therapeutic for the client. However, if this sharing happens often or if the therapist asks you for advice, it’s time to find a new therapist and report the old one.
Therapists need to be upfront about billing – how you’ll be billed and for how much. This should be made clear before you begin therapy, so that there are no surprises. Also, a therapist should set an approximate timeframe for the start and end of therapy, such as 6 weeks or 3 months and how many times you’ll meet (ex. once a week or twice a week).
What you tell your therapist is confidential. They legally cannot share that information with anyone. Under certain circumstances, however, your therapist might need to report suspected abuse, for example. Therapists are mandated reporters, and if they suspect a client will harm themselves or someone else or if abuse is happening to a known child, they have to, by law, report this to authorities. Aside from these circumstances, if a therapist does not maintain confidentiality, this could result in legal issues for the therapist.
How do you get therapy if you can't afford it?
There are some sites that offer forums, such as Huddle, where you’re connected with people going through similar experiences. This can be an opportunity to find relief from hearing other people’s stories and to have people relate to and validate your story. A word of caution: Never give out personal information. If someone is pressuring you to do so, contact the person in charge of the forum you’re participating in. Another site, 7 Cups, allows you to talk to a trained listener. Although the trained listener isn’t a therapist, you can unburden yourself and possibly find answers to your own questions by talking out your problems. Although forums and trained listeners cannot provide the same emotional support as a licensed mental health professional, you can still continue to grow and learn ways for how to manage your issues like stress and anxiety.
211.org is a website where you put in your zip code and state to retrieve local resources. From there, you might be able to find nonprofits, religious organizations, or other organizations that offer free therapy. If not free, then the cost of therapy could be determined using an income-based scale for mental health services — also known as a sliding scale.
Do I really need therapy?
Only you can determine if you need therapy. One thing to consider, though, is if you are having difficulty performing your day-to-day activities. If this is the case, then seeking a licensed mental health professional might benefit your well-being. A therapist can help you unpack what you’re feeling and how life's challenges are affecting you, and possibly, your relationships. From there, your therapist can work with you to determine a treatment plan to manage or even overcome those difficulties, so you can begin to feel better and enjoy everything life has to offer.
