5 Reasons Why Online Counselling For Depression Works

According to the American Counseling Association, over 40 million Americans have a mental illness, with 11 million reported a debilitating condition that interfered with their happiness, career, and major life activities. What's concerning is that less than four out of five people will seek mental health services. These are startling statistics for a serious condition that can be treated through traditional therapy or online counseling.

Why People Avoid Seeking Treatment

There are many reasons why people fail to get help when experiencing problems with their mental health. Some of the reasons include:

• Don't realize there is a problem - While this seems like an unlikely excuse, it's actually a serious reason people don't seek treatment. Some people don't realize that they are experiencing something different than other people. They may think it's normal to feel so down. Sometimes without the label of "depression," people don't feel that their symptoms warrant them drawing attention to themselves and getting help.
• They are embarrassed - The stigma surrounding mental health stops many people from getting the help they need. They don't want others to see them as "weak" or "crazy," or any other number of labels. The stigma causes these people to feel ashamed of their struggle, hiding the problem instead of reaching out for help.
• They can't afford it - The health care industry is somewhat of a mess. There are a number of people that don't have health insurance that includes appointments with a therapist. Other people don't have any insurance at all. When this is the case, some people can't afford to pay for help out of their own pocket.

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Online Counseling for Depression

The good news is there is an emerging option for mental health treatment that can assist those who aren't currently getting treatment to get the help they need. Online counseling through websites like BetterHelp allows you to get help from a licensed therapist through alternative options.

Here are some of the benefits of online counseling for depression:

1. It's a realistic alternative for largely rural populations.

We often take for granted how easy it is to travel from home to an office in the city. However, many people in small towns and rural territories might be an hour away from a city clinic. This makes it very difficult to seek help. Even if they have a small local office, their options may be limited, unaffordable, or have too long of a waiting list.

2. It's an ideal option for physically disabled individuals.

It's no coincidence that many people who suffer from depression also have physical limitations regarding mobility. If they cannot drive or have a more difficult time doing so, then taking the time to get to an appointment can be complicated or even impossible.

Even if a person is not disabled, if they suffer from chronic pain, it can be hard to get to an office when they aren't feeling well. Online therapy can be conducted from the comfort of their own home when they can be in their most comfortable positions. Online therapy is an alternative that goes beyond physical limitations.
It's a convenient option that favors shy, awkward, or depressed people who don't feel comfortable talking to a therapist in person.

3. It's a convenient option that favors shy, awkward, or depressed people who don't feel comfortable talking to a therapist in person.

Many individuals who struggle with depression also have problems with anxiety. Sometimes these negative feelings are made worse by the obligation to face a stranger and confess their weaknesses, negative thoughts, and feelings of despair. Anonymous counseling provides some distance, some feeling of control for the person, that he/she might not get in person with an authority figure.

Many young people grew up texting and chatting online and may be more comfortable using technology than speaking about delicate matters in person. Read this related article for more information.

4. It offers greater control over scheduling, or even at odd hours of the day or night.

Online counseling for depression may allow you to choose your own session times, or in some cases, to log in whenever you feel down. An adaptable schedule that can match your lifestyle may feel like a lifesaver at times.
If you have a tight schedule, your only chance to go to counseling might be early in the morning before work, during your lunch break, or after the kids are in bed for the night. However, early hours and late hours are most likely not available in person. And, if your work location isn't right by your therapist's office, it might be impossible to get in an appointment over your lunch break.

5. There's a lack of social stigma attached to a mostly anonymous and affordable service.

Not only can it be incredibly helpful to talk to someone that you don't know personally, but it can make the whole thing easier. Online counseling can be a completely anonymous service, with discreet billing and affordable services. Many who are depressed will not want to risk their reputation by publicly being seen talking to a doctor or therapist.

Worrying about the stigma associated with mental health can stop people from reaching out for the help that they need. With online counseling, only you and the therapist have to know about these private matters.

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Online Counseling Through BetterHelp

Online counseling has been proven to be an effective method of helping people living with depression manage their symptoms and reframe negative thoughts. One study, focused on the intersection of technology and therapy when treating major depression, found that those who received online counseling showed significant improvement in their symptoms. Aside from the effectiveness of treatment, the study outlined several benefits associated with online therapy. One such advantage was an increase in the control over pacing and scheduling and greater access to resources for dealing with depression symptoms. Additionally, the findings showed that internet-based therapy is a more cost-effective tool. Overall, this research points to online therapy’s elimination of barriers to receiving treatment as highly beneficial to those experiencing depressive symptoms. 

As mentioned above, internet-based therapy provides useful tools to those dealing with symptoms of depression and other conditions. Like we’ve discussed, many people avoid getting help because they can't afford the price of seeing someone in private practice. For those concerned about cost, online counseling through BetterHelp is often more affordable than seeing a therapist in person. For people worried about the stigma attached to seeking help for their depression, BetterHelp can alleviate those concerns by offering discreet mental health services, where only you and your therapist will ever discuss your treatment plan. You will never have to worry about exposing your mental health history to anyone else. Read below for reviews of BetterHelp’s licensed counselors from those who have sought help with managing similar issues.

Counselor Reviews

“Carolynn is an angel! She has helped me immensely over the past few months with many aspects of my depression and anxiety. She comes from a place of love and understanding, which is very comforting. Thank you for everything, Carolynn!!”

“A year ago, I experienced difficulties in my relationship, which highly affected my psychological state and interfered with my work. At one point, I decided to try BetterHelp.com. My counselor Dr. Brewer helped me see some things I couldn't get on my own and prioritized myself. It was a huge help for me at that point, which led to the decisions I am happy about.”

Conclusion

Ultimately, online sessions work because online counseling is more accessible, especially now that we live in a web-driven world. People who might never consider in-person therapy might consider an online chat service willing to meet their schedule and lifestyle. If you think you could benefit from some no-obligation chat, why not give it a try and see for yourself how easy getting help can be?

Depression is a very treatable mental health condition. No one should have to struggle in silence at home because they either don't want to or can't make an in-person therapy session. Find the right treatment plan by reaching out to BetterHelp today.