A Note from GoodTherapy: In light of the current crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, we want you to know you are not alone. If you are looking for a therapist, compassionate online help is available. Search here for a therapist who provides telehealth by state. If you are a mental health professional who does not yet provide online therapy, we're here for you too. Get telehealth today and start providing mental health care safely from your home.

A growing number of people are opting for telehealth to meet their mental health care needs. Online therapy, unlike traditional therapy, enables an individual to meet with their therapist from nearly anywhere in the world, so long as they have a stable and secure internet or phone connection.

One of the most popular forms of telehealth in the mental health field is online therapy through a secure video conferencing platform, although some therapists may also offer phone or text therapy. Online therapy has also been called teletherapy, distance counseling, telemental health, and internet therapy.

You can start your search for a licensed and trustworthy telehealth professional here.

Why Choose Online Therapy?

Therapists who practice online can provide services via video, text, phone, chat, or email. As technology evolves, so can telehealth: Therapists may guide people through challenges using the most useful and current communication technologies. 

Mental health professionals might offer telehealth as the main way to communicate with people who are seeking therapy. Some individuals prefer this type of treatment because they can get the benefits of therapy in their own homes or while traveling—this can be particularly helpful for people who live in remote locations, have busy schedules, or who have limited mobility due to disability or caregiving responsibilities.

Online therapy may be offered as a standalone treatment. It can also be used along with the traditional therapeutic relationship. A therapist may provide treatment from an office but switch to telehealth when a person is out of town or cannot commute to the office. 

Teletherapy can be a good fit for people who have difficulty accessing mental health services. It can also be useful in other situations. Some people feel more comfortable communicating openly via email than in person with a therapist. Others may feel therapy is more accessible this way, since they do not know when they may need support the most.

People who are new to therapy may find it easy to participate in online therapy sessions. The fact that treatment takes place in the home may also reduce the stigma associated with receiving mental health services.

Who Uses Online Therapy and Telehealth?

Online therapy can be a good option for people who cannot access care due to location, health, or transportation issues. It may also be appealing to people who do not wish to meet in an office. As many important aspects of life are now available online, telehealth is therapy’s way of keeping up with the digital world.

Many aspects of mental health can be addressed with online therapy. Some of these include: 

Studies indicate online therapy may be as effective as face-to-face therapy for many issues. Many popular approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), may be well-suited to online therapy. However, visual feedback may not always be available, depending on the technology used.

How to Tell If Online Therapy Is Right for You

Online therapy may be a good choice for people who live far from mental health resources. Those who have busy schedules or difficulty leaving home can also benefit from this form of mental health care. 

There are situations where telehealth is not recommended. For example, people with severe psychological or emotional issues may not always do well with this type of treatment. People with schizophrenia, severe depression, bipolar, or suicidal thoughts may get more from traditional therapy. Individuals with these and other issues may need intensive care.

Others who may not benefit from online therapy are those who are uncomfortable with technology. People with little privacy at home, those who wish not to share personal matters over the internet or phone, and individuals living in abusive situations may also prefer to see a mental health professional in person.

Finding the Right Telehealth Provider

People seeking online therapy have many options, but it is important to be cautious when searching for a therapist. Some people who offer telehealth are not qualified or licensed, and this can lead to ineffective treatment or a potentially dangerous situation. Sharing private information with the wrong person can lead to identity theft and other forms of fraud.  

When choosing an online therapist, it is important to make sure they are licensed to practice in your state. It may help to verify their full name, credentials, and license number. A trained therapist should have at least a master’s degree in a field related to mental health. GoodTherapy’s rigorous membership requirements help ensure that the therapists you find are licensed and trustworthy. Use our directory to search for telemental health professionals by state.

If a therapist is offering online mental health services, they may also have a website. It is a good idea to peruse their website to learn more about them and their methods, experience, and philosophy. You can also search reputable websites for online reviews others may have left about the therapist’s services.

Many people are exploring the possibility of online therapy. Likewise, an increasing number of therapists are offering this form of treatment. While the therapist may be very experienced in traditional face-to-face sessions, some may be unfamiliar with the equipment required for online therapy. It is key to make sure your therapist has the technical skills to provide treatment online. 

You may clarify all details about fees and payment options in your initial meeting. While online therapy can be less expensive than traditional psychotherapy, some insurance companies do not cover online mental health services. It is best to speak with your therapist about any concerns you have regarding privacy, confidentiality, or what to expect. If the therapist is vague or unwilling to discuss these issues with you, it could be time to find another provider.

Limitations and Ethics of Telehealth

Telehealth may have some downsides. Concerns you might consider before beginning treatment include:

  • Lack of nonverbal communication: Even with video conferencing, the therapist may not be able to notice signs such as dilated pupils, nervous foot-tapping, or twitching.
  • Confidentiality issues if a person’s email is hacked or a message is sent to the wrong contact.
  • Delays due to issues using equipment.
  • Complications when treatment is provided across state lines: This may lead to ethical and legal issues related to licensing. Counselors who offer online therapy can treat people who live anywhere in the country, but state licensing laws often prohibit therapists from providing care to people who live in other states.
  • Lack of skill with technology may lead to confidentiality issues if sensitive information is not properly stored or if equipment is not used correctly.
  • Difficulty addressing severe or complex mental health concerns.
  • Financial issues due to lack of coverage from some insurance policies.

History of Telehealth and Online Therapy

The concept of distance counseling is not new. For instance, Sigmund Freud and other mental health professionals in the 20th century sent letters to people in their care. Through these letters, therapists were able to provide support and receive feedback from people in therapy. 

Telephones began to be used to provide mental health care in the 20th century. The popularity and effectiveness of distance counseling increased, however, as personal computers and internet use became common. At first, mental health services came in the form of self-help books and online support groups. As technology advanced, therapists began using web chats, instant messaging, texts, emails, video conferences, and mobile apps to provide treatment.

One of the first therapists to conduct online therapy was David Sommers. He offered mental health services on the internet for a fee. Rather than giving advice in a single session, Sommers focused on developing therapeutic relationships with the people in his care. By the time he stopped offering online therapy, he had helped more than 300 people. Other notable pioneers of internet therapy include Ed Needham and Leonard Holmes.

Now, thousands of websites offer online mental health services. These services are sometimes provided by therapists who work from an office but also offer online therapy. In addition to websites, there are many online support groups for people with depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress (PTSD), and other mental health issues.

References:

  1. Burgower-Hordern, B. (n.d.). Therapy from a distance. WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/distance-therapy
  2. DeAngelis, T. (2012). Practicing distance therapy, legally and ethically. Monitor on Psychology, 43(3). Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/03/virtual.aspx
  3. Online therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.addiction.com/a-z/online-therapy
  4. Smith, K. (2016, February 24). What does new technology mean for the future of therapy? Retrieved from https://www.psychotherapynetworker.org/blog/details/745/the-rise-of-distance-therapy
  5. What you need to know before choosing online therapy. (n.d.). American Psychological Association. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/online-therapy.aspx