Is online therapy effective?
For the millions of people seeking mental health services, an online therapy service has been a welcome addition to treatment options. These services have been embraced by many as a way to access treatment from the convenience of home or office and at a much lower cost than traditional in-person therapy.
What is online therapy?
The term “online therapy” is used to describe both internet-based psychotherapy and video conferencing between doctors and patients. The latter is typically referred to as telemedicine or teledermatology when the focus is on dermatology issues.
Online therapy services generally allow users to create secure online profiles and then search for a therapist based on geographic location, qualifications, and other criteria. Online therapy can involve diary-keeping online, mood tracking software, webcam sessions, remote assessments of behavior, and discussions with therapists through email or chat functions.
Is online therapy effective?
However, many questions about the efficacy of these services still remain. In light of this, a recent study was conducted to compare two online therapy services with traditional in-person therapy. Researchers from Florida State University compared sessions from an internet therapy service at Nightingale International with those from traditional private practice by evaluating session transcripts and client satisfaction data.
Study results in the Journal of Clinical Psychology show that internet therapy was equally effective to traditional face-to-face treatment, with an equivalent level of client satisfaction. However, for certain individuals, such as those who may have trouble talking on the phone or lack computer skills, in-person therapy can provide a more effective mode of treatment.
Is online therapy right for you?
Despite the benefits of in-person therapy, a large number of individuals still prefer to receive treatment via the internet. This is due in part to the cost and convenience of receiving mental health services from home, without having to schedule transportation or take time off work. It also allows individuals to remain anonymous and maintain some level of privacy.
Online services have the additional benefit of being easily accessible, with chatrooms open 24 hours a day, emails checked regularly, and recorded sessions that allow therapists to review information online without disrupting the client-therapist relationship. For many people, receiving care through telecommunication is just as effective as face-to-face therapy, with similar rates of client satisfaction.
Conclusion
For many individuals, online therapy can be just as effective for treating mental health issues as in-person sessions as long as you get help from the best online therapy app. With comparable rates of client satisfaction, online therapy can be a cost-effective and convenient way to receive the mental health services you need.
Otherwise, if you prefer traditional in-person therapy, make sure to choose a quality mental health care provider who is able to provide the treatment options you are looking for. Remember, the most important factor in finding an effective treatment is making sure that you are comfortable with your therapist and the treatment they provide.