Is Online Therapy Right For You?
One of the most common reasons people don’t try therapy, is because they “don’t believe they have the time.”
We get it.
Sometimes life makes taking time for yourself nearly impossible. Between work, managing personal responsibilities, and family/social obligations, making time for therapy can feel unattainable.
Our goal is to make therapy accessible and convenient for you. That’s why we offer online therapy sessions through our HIPAA-compliant and secure teletherapy platform. Our online therapy sessions are confidential and private. This way you don’t have to fight rush hour traffic, skip your lunch break, change out of your pajamas, or miss your therapy session if you’re out of town. Our virtual therapy option makes counseling available to you, wherever you are.
But maybe you’re just not sure that online therapy is right for you. Maybe you think it’ll be impersonal and a waste of time. After all, haven’t we all had enough virtual meetings during Covid to last a lifetime?
If you find yourself in this position, maybe unable to commit to in-person therapy, but unsure if a virtual option is right for you, continue reading for a detailed guide of important things to consider before deciding.
No matter what your preferences and availability are, our goal is to provide resources that work for you and your needs!
Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person?
In short, yes, online therapy is as effective as the in-person alternative for most conditions. Several studies have found that online therapy can significantly reduce symptoms associated with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among others. One study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that online cognitive-behavioral therapy was as effective as in-person therapy for treating depression.
However, for individuals suffering from more severe conditions such as schizophrenia or who are at risk of self-harm or harm against others, a more intensive, in-person alternative is likely more effective.
If you don’t find yourself within the category of needing intensive care, it is likely that online therapy will be just as impactful for you as a more traditional route. Like anything else, therapy is highly individualized, so it’s important to know what your specific needs are.
Overall, online therapy provides a convenient and effective way to access mental health care, particularly for those who may face barriers to traditional in-person therapy.
The Benefits of Online Therapy
So, now that we’ve covered effectiveness, are there any benefits that set online options apart from their in-person counterpart?
Yes! There are many reasons why online therapy can be overwhelmingly more convenient and beneficial for an individual seeking therapy:
Accessibility: Online therapy makes mental health care more accessible to people who may not have access to traditional in-person therapy due to geographical or physical limitations. Virtual options allow you to connect with therapists from all different areas.
Convenience: Online therapy is more convenient than traditional therapy because you can attend sessions from the comfort of your own home or office, eliminating the need for travel time and scheduling conflicts.
Affordability: Online therapy is often more affordable than traditional therapy because it eliminates the need for overhead costs associated with running a physical office.
Anonymity: Online therapy offers a degree of anonymity, which can make it easier for people who are hesitant to seek traditional therapy to open up about their mental health concerns.
Flexibility: Online therapy can be scheduled at times that are convenient for you, often including evenings and weekends.
Comfort: Online therapy can provide a more comfortable and relaxed setting, as you can participate from your own environment, which can help you feel more at ease. What’s better than therapy in pajamas?
Privacy and security: Online therapists take many measures to ensure the privacy and security of their client's information, including the use of encrypted messaging and video conferencing platforms.
What Are the Drawbacks?
As already covered, online therapy can be just as effective for treatment as in-person therapy, and comes with its own set of unique benefits; However, there are a few circumstances in which online therapy might not be the best option:
If you have a severe mental illness that requires intensive care
If you do not have access to a reliable internet connection
If you do not have access to a private space for your sessions
Before making a decision one way or another, take a moment to analyze your current situation. Do you fall into one of the categories listed above? If not, online therapy could be a great option for you and your treatment plan!
If you do fall into one of these categories, don’t worry, there are other options for you! If online therapy won’t work for one reason or another, we still want to encourage your mental health journey in whatever form that takes. Consider checking out some of our flexible in-person options.
What You Should Know Before Your First Session
If you decide that online therapy is a good fit for you, you probably have a few follow-up questions: “What do I need?” or “What should I do to prepare?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Included below are some helpful tips to ensure you get the fullest experience out of your sessions:
Technical requirements: Make sure you have a reliable internet connection and a device that supports video conferencing or the therapy platform your therapist uses.
Privacy: Find a quiet and private space where you can participate in your therapy session without interruption. If you live with others, let them know you are in a session and ask for their cooperation in maintaining your privacy.
Set the mood: Take time to relax and mentally prepare for your session. Consider investing in essential oils and a diffuser to help mentally and physically calm yourself. Having a routine you use just for therapy will help your mind transition from just being at home to being home and doing therapy.
Preparation: Take some time to think about what you want to discuss during your session. Write down any concerns or questions you have to help guide the conversation.
Logistics: Determine the date and time of your session in advance, and make sure you know how to log in to the therapy platform or join the video conference.
Communication: Be prepared to communicate your needs and expectations to your therapist. Let them know what you hope to achieve through therapy and what you need from them as your therapist.
Payment and insurance: If you haven't already, clarify the payment process with your therapist and determine whether your insurance will cover virtual therapy. You can use our Benefits Checker HERE.
Open-mindedness: Approach your therapy session with an open mind and a willingness to participate fully. Remember that therapy is a collaborative process, and your therapist is there to support you.
Comfort: Finally, prioritize your comfort. Make sure you are wearing comfortable clothing and have everything you need, such as a glass of water or tissues, nearby.
Therapy is only as effective as you allow it to be. Spend time making sure you are prepared and that you know what you want to cover in session.
Remember, your first virtual therapy session is an opportunity to establish a relationship with your therapist and start the process of healing and growth. Be kind to yourself and trust the process!
Do We Offer Online Therapy?
Yes, we do! Our goal at Your Journey Through is to make therapy as accessible and convenient as possible for you. That’s why we offer online therapy sessions through our HIPAA-compliant and secure teletherapy platform, SimplePractice. Our online therapy sessions are confidential and private.
You can view appointment availability and book your first session through this link.
Topics we commonly address in online therapy:
Anxiety
Depression
Relationships
Life-Transitions
Boundary-setting
Trauma
Self-esteem
Life-balance
Communication
Identity Exploration
Online Therapy in Raleigh, NC
We know that life gets busy and mental health care can seem like an unrealistic goal. This understanding is what makes us so passionate about offering flexible and impactful virtual options. The hassle of in-person therapy is sometimes just inaccessible and unrealistic, and we are all about making things easier for you.
