We live in an age where monumental changes are happening around us. One of the most significant changes in the last two years is remote facilities for once person-centered jobs. Teaching, consultancy, and therapy have now moved to online platforms because of the ongoing pandemic. Though many of us may have mixed feelings, the shift is crucial to ensure that the virus doesn’t spread further.
Online therapy, however, may last after the pandemic ends. The benefits of online therapy are significant enough for us to consider carrying in the future. Though it may initially take some time to get used to, the benefits arguably outweigh the drawbacks. What are these benefits? We’ve listed some below.
More confidentiality
Patient confidentiality is a crucial aspect of mental health counseling. Whether in person or online, the government is the only other stakeholder who has access to these records.
Moreover, the government can only subpoena the documents if there is probable cause for concern in a medico-legal situation or national security. Moreover, through online therapy sessions, clients can find quite secluded places in the house to ensure no one hears them. Since you’ll be attending a session in private, no one will know about it, and your data will be safe through end-to end- encryption.
More options of professionals to choose from
Seeking online help removes the limitation of seeking help from a professional near your location. You can connect with anyone from anywhere around the world. Moreover, many professionals provide specialized services depending on their expertise and qualifications. So before you look for options, you may want to read up on clinical mental health counseling vs clinical psychology and other specializations to weigh your options and choose accordingly.
Less time wasted in commute
There is no denying that online therapy is easier for both stakeholders. Sitting around in the comfort of your home, not having to get dressed, and not getting stuck in rush hour traffic is considerably more feasible than otherwise. you save more time and frustration.
Therapists and clients both benefit from a slightly more laid-back approach to the healing process. One of the main goals of a therapeutic relationship is to make the client feel as comfortable as possible. This becomes considerably easier when you’re in your natural environment.
You save money
Well, duh, you won’t have to spend money on fuel and public transport to reach your therapist’s office. But that’s not all of it. Therapists no longer have to rent office spaces for the clients to visit. Depending on where these spaces were, they could cost a fortune every month. With the pandemic looming, many therapists had to pay for their expenses out of their pockets because clients weren’t willing to leave their homes.
Clients also benefit from an online relationship because counselors usually charge less for remote therapy. Their standard rates are set to account for overhead costs. However,they can charge their clients less money if they do away with office rent and utilities.With both stakeholders benefiting, online therapy stands to become the new normal. This is one factor that will always sway even the hardest skeptics is cost.
No transport-related issues
We’ve already mentioned that online therapy eliminates the expenses of fuel. Still, it can also be highly stressful and hectic for people who have to drive far away to meet their therapist. With online therapy sessions, transport is no longer an issue.
Sit at home and enjoy the relaxing therapy session with a professional. This way you don’t have to deal with the stress of traffic etc., and avoid incurring additional costs. Other than that, it’s safer. The roads are a dangerous place for just about anyone. Thousands of people die in automobile accidents every year. You reduce the chance of such an occurrence to zero if you don’t put yourself in that position.
More time for each client (rest for the therapists)
One of the most significant issues that plagued therapists is that they would have to go from one patient to another without a break. This took a severe toll on the counselor and left them mentally exhausted after a session. In the bargain, many of them would try to let the client go a few minutes early so that they could catch a breather in between.
With the entire day at your disposal and no one waiting, therapists can give clients the entire session and buy yourself some time as well. They don’t need to rush between sessions the way you would have done if you were conducting face-to-face therapy.
Moreover, you as a patient don’t feel that your therapist is trying to get rid of you. One may not realize how profound of an impact this may have on the therapeutic relationship. More time per patient means a better and more personalized experience. This can lead to faster recovery.
Conclusion
Modern society has made developments in raising awareness about mental health issues. These are easily some of the most revolutionary social changes we have seen in recent years. After gaining speed, it would be tragic if society regressed because of the pandemic. The fact that we moved online nearly immediately is evidence of the human determination to overcome the odds.
Mentally maladapted individuals worked to get sessions with their therapists and bring positive changes to their lives. Online therapy is here to stay. Regardless of how unnatural it may seem, it is arguably better than in-person therapy sessions.
