Why Should I Try Online Therapy?
Esprit Therapeutics in an online only therapy practice. Online therapy means we will use a confidential videoconferencing platform to do our therapy work instead of meeting face to face. I have completed a certification course in telemental health/online therapy practices, meaning I have completed in depth education about the ethical, legal, clinical, and technological considerations to practicing online therapy. Let me help you decide whether online therapy is right for you!
HOW EFFECTIVE IS ONLINE THERAPY?
Multiple studies have been conducted comparing online therapy to traditional face to face therapy and results indicate that online therapy as effective as traditional therapy to resolving client needs.
ADVANTAGES TO ONLINE THERAPY
Firstly, the COVID 19 pandemic has changed the way therapists are able to provide mental health services. Throughout the first few months of 2020, in office therapy was highly discouraged by the majority of US states in the interest of public health, and many therapists had to quickly adjust to a new mode of treatment. The medical threat continues and in some states, though the restrictions on in person therapy have eased, we are noticing higher rates of infection again which put both the client and the therapist at risk. Online therapy is an excellent option to protect the health of all while still having access to therapy in an incredibly emotionally activating time.
Outside the pandemic and public health concerns, there are a variety of advantages to online therapy, such as increasing the accessibility of services. Think about it – in a normal therapy model, your options are limited by what therapists are physically located within your driving range. With online therapy, anyone who is licensed in your state is at your fingertips. It increases your options and the likelihood that you’ll find a therapist who is a good fit for what you need. If you have a physical limitation, you don’t have to worry about whether the office building is ADA compliant. You can receive services from your own environment, where you may feel you have more control.
Online therapy also cuts down on transportation time and costs. In a typical therapy model, you have to account for travel time to and from the office, as well as traffic, meaning that a therapy appointment is more than the 45-50 minute session you booked. With online therapy, you get all that travel time back. Imagine what you could do with that time! Imagine what you could do with the money you save on gas, wear and tear on your car, or public transportation! Online therapy fits more easily into your schedule and allows you to get your needs met from almost anywhere.
Many people feel most comfortable in their own environments. You may be more willing to explore the more difficult topics in life if you’re surrounded by your creature comforts and a familiar setting. This deepens the work and creates meaningful space for healing.
BUT ARE THERE ANY RISKS?
There are risks and benefits to all choices we make in life and online therapy is no different.
The therapist office has been specially designed to effectively maintain your confidentiality. With online therapy, the therapist has less control over the environment, and clients have to take a greater role in ensuring their own privacy and confidentiality. Online therapy sessions should be completed in a quiet, private space (preferably with a door) where you will not be disturbed by family, friends, pets, or other distractions. If you are having a difficult time finding a private space, you may consider more unconventional locations such as a laundry room, walk in closet, basement, attic, or your parked car in a safe location (emphasis on parked). Ask others not to disturb you during your session time, and consider using headphones/earphones to increase your privacy.
As we all know, technology can be fickle at times. It requires a level of technical competence to troubleshoot when things go awry. To maintain a solid internet connection, close (not just minimize) all non-therapy programs, web browsers, and windows before the session as these programs may continue to use the internet connection in the background and slow your video. Connect your computer or other device directly to your internet router using an ethernet cord. If you are unable to connect directly to the router, try to move as close to the WiFi router as possible while still maintaining your privacy and confidentiality. Make sure your antivirus software and system software updates are not scheduled to run during the session.
Technology is also connected to the internet and no matter how hard you try and what protections you put in place, there will always be the chance that other people may gain access to your private conversation or any stored data could be accessed by unauthorized persons. To protect the confidential information of clients, your therapist’s computer should have a firewall, the latest virus protection software, encryption, and a password, at the very least. You should also maintain similar minimum levels of security in the devices you choose to use.
So what do you say? Are you ready to make that jump?
Feel free to reach out to me if you still have questions —> Contact us today!
If you’re located in Virginia or Florida, consider online therapy through Esprit Therapeutics!
