The Benefits of In-Person and Online Therapy
By Jersie Schreder
In today’s world, technology is rapidly advancing. These advancements have begun to include mental health treatments. Online therapy has been the biggest development, and while this may be a result of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it is becoming increasingly popular post-pandemic. The stigma around mental health care is changing for the better and therapy is becoming more accessible. In this blog, we will discuss what talk therapy is, why people utilize it, and the differences and effectiveness between in-person therapy and online therapy.
What is Talk Therapy?
It is estimated that in 2019, around 10% of the U.S. population participated in therapy or counseling (Terlizzi & Zablotsky, 2020). Talk therapy involves meeting with a licensed professional to discuss emotions, behaviors, trauma, and other things that are causing problems in one’s life. One person’s therapy session will be different than someone else’s due to the complex nature of the difficulties we face in life. Therapists, social workers, psychologists, and all other professionals in this field are confidential sources and provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment for their clients. A therapy session is usually around 30 to 50 minutes, and it is up to the individual and provider to decide how often sessions should happen.
Why Do People Seek Therapy? What are the Benefits?
People can seek therapy for a variety of reasons. Some big reasons include treatment for a diagnosed mental health disorder such as generalized anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, bipolar, and more. However, therapy can also help with other not-so-obvious problems like substance abuse, feelings of loneliness and isolation, guilt, anger, stress, mood swings, or harmful thoughts. The truth is, there are no right or wrong reasons to see a therapist. If you feel it would be beneficial to you, then give it a try!
There are numerous benefits to talk therapy. Therapy can help improve your communication, problem-solving, and coping skills (Lindberg, 2020). It can aid in managing difficult life problems and help you learn how to react in the future. Therapists are trained to help us identify negative thought patterns and teach us how to be more self-aware. Other benefits include feelings of empowerment, understanding, and support. Overall, therapy is meant to help people understand what is causing them distress and work to either cope with it or overcome it.
Effectiveness of Online Therapy
So, how does online therapy compare to in-person? The American Psychological Association estimates that 40% of those who were already using telehealth services during the pandemic want to continue using them post-pandemic (American Psychological Association, 2021). Research studies have been working to answer questions surrounding online therapy platforms like BetterHelp or TalkSpace. Preliminary results from Marcelle et al. found that online therapy can be considered a viable option for treating mental health disorders (2019). Their study found significant symptom reduction in participants utilizing online therapy and highlights this option as a means for overcoming unequal access to services.
Online therapy can provide a unique set of benefits for those looking to get into counseling. Online therapy allows those living in remote or rural areas to receive quality treatment without the long commutes. This kind of therapy also allows those with significant physical limitations to access a licensed therapist. Perhaps the biggest benefit of online therapy is the convenience. A busy college student can schedule sessions around classes or work and parents are able to save money on childcare while receiving services via telehealth. While online therapy can be beneficial, there are also some drawbacks. Confidentiality and privacy concerns can arise from being online. It can also be hard to gain a full understanding of someone with whom you aren’t in the same room, and this is the main reason why online therapy is not recommended for those with serious psychological disorders or addictions (Cherry, 2022). Overall, there are pros and cons to online therapy, however, it is up to the individual to research and decide what they are comfortable with and what will give them the best outcomes.
Tips
If you are considering trying talk therapy either in person or online, there are a few tips that may be helpful in facilitating a good experience.
First, find the right therapist! There are so many different personalities, and every therapist does things a little differently. If the first one you go to doesn’t feel right, don’t get discouraged. It will be worth it to find a therapist you click with!
Second, don’t judge yourself. Therapy is a safe space to lean into emotions and talk through hard things. Remember to be proud of the progress you are making!
Third, bring a list of issues or events you want to talk about. This can ensure you remember important things and it keeps the session on the right track.
Overall, therapy is a wonderful tool for self-improvement and whether someone chooses to utilize services in person or online, the benefits will be evident. Below are some links to different online therapy platforms and articles discussing how to find therapists and what to expect during the first session.
References
Cherry, K. (2022, May 16). The Pros and cons of online therapy. Verywell Mind. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.verywellmind.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-online-therapy-2795225
Lindberg, S. (2020, October 23). Benefits of therapy for yourself, family, and relationships. Healthline. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-therapy
Marcelle, E. T., Nolting, L., Hinshaw, S. P., & Aguilera, A. (2019, January 23). Effectiveness of a multimodal digital psychotherapy platform for Adult Depression: A naturalistic feasibility study. JMIR mHealth and uHealth. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6364202/
New nationwide poll shows an increased popularity for telehealth services. Psychiatry.org - New Nationwide Poll Shows an Increased Popularity for Telehealth Services. (2021, May 27). Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/new-nationwide-poll-shows-an-increased-popularity
Terlizzi, E., & Zablotsky, B. (2020, September 23). Products - data briefs - number 380 - September 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db380.htm