What Problems Can An Online Counselling Service Fix?
By Sarah Fader
Updated December 06, 2018
Reviewer Wendy Boring-Bray, DBH, LPC
If you think online counseling services evoke discussion today, just imagine how the concept was divisive 20 years ago before the Internet changed Western culture and frankly, changed everything about the world we lived in. Nowadays, we make friends online, we find love online and we get the news online, news from multiple and preferred sources, as social media allows us to create a narrative we're comfortable with.
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However, now that we've become accustomed to online degrees, online payments and online healthcare websites, we can better understand the idea that an online counseling service really works, and perhaps is even more effective than an in-person doctor visit.
What Problems Affect Emotional Recovery?
You might be surprised at the rather peripheral obstacles that prevent successful recovery. Problems with transportation and getting to the doctor's office is a major source of stress for some people, especially if they can't drive, or are in a faraway rural location.
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Problems with in-person interactions and working around a therapist's schedule are also stressful. Sometimes, patients want a more readily available therapist who can at least meet their patients "halfway" in terms of being available more hours of the day.
An online counseling service offers the option to consult with a preferred therapist, one who matches the patient, in case of an emotional crisis.
Studies Support the Online Model
According to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, online therapy (using cognitive behavioral therapy treatment) produced a reduction in depression symptoms in as little as eight weeks with continued results as long as two years after therapy ended. Another study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that online counseling can even reduce the stress of visiting doctors and therapists which indirectly helps patients get better and more effective care.
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The reason why is obvious, an online counselor is patient-centered and client-centric. Patients undergoing mental stress need help and an online service is built from the ground up with a patient's comfort and recovery in mind. Furthermore, online therapy offers help with coping mechanisms, how to reduce symptoms and how to change the patient's harmful thinking patterns. All of this leads to more permanent results.
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If you or someone you know has been suffering from depression, bipolar, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, or other disturbing episodes, don't hesitate to contact us at BetterHelp. Our website offers an online counseling service that puts you in contact with one or more qualified therapists. The results are clear…help is just one chat away!
