The pros and cons of online therapy

Global Courant

Online therapy, mental health care delivered over the internet by a mental health consultant, has been an effective and convenient option for many years. However, in these days of COVID-restricted societies, it has become more of a necessity than an option, requiring a degree of adaptation for clients and counselors alike.

As a psychologist who has worked as a “traditional” face-to-face counselor for over 25 years, I was skeptical at first. Would the client and I really be able to establish a proper connection in cyberspace? What about my ability to decipher body language during a Zoom meeting? Could I provide enough emotional support behind the screen to a client in emotional distress? I leaned into the cons, while the obvious pros murmured unconvincingly in the background.

My first online session didn’t do much to convince me otherwise: problems connecting to the internet, not getting the sound, and my discomfort with the new “office” made it a bust. After a few more sessions, however, it started to flow. Soon it became a comfortable routine, and the client was just as “real” in this setting. I even had clients who tried both settings, face-to-face and online, and then chose to continue online. The pros began to outweigh the cons and why?

The Advantages

Privacy: Most if not all clients value privacy when seeking mental health treatment. Online therapy offers additional privacy, as there is no need to go to an office, where one can potentially meet other clients or therapists. This is especially comfortable for a client who may be leaving the office emotionally and in need of time to themselves.

Time and logistics: no time (or cost) wasted on transport and a session can even be scheduled during the lunch break at work or after work at the office. Even the car can be used as an office from time to time!

Effectiveness: Research has shown that online therapy can be just as effective in treating mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, and mild to moderate addiction.

Accessibility: Anyone with a reliable internet connection can access an online meeting. This means that people who live in remote locations, are disabled or have children to care for can now easily access treatment.

Convenience: Online therapy done from the comfort of your home often allows you to have sessions that fit into your own schedule, as opposed to standard office hours.

Location: There is no location! You can choose your preferred therapist regardless of the country they live in. Since working in different countries over the years, I have had the pleasure of providing continuous therapy to my clients all over the world, even though we are

countries and time zones apart.

The Cons

Confidentiality. Keeping your personal information private is always an important priority in psychotherapy, but online counseling adds a layer of complexity, especially when the therapist sends information and exercises to the client rather than handing it over privately. It is an issue to be addressed between the client and the therapist.

Insurance. Some, but not all, insurance companies accept online treatments. But in these times of corona, insurance companies have also had to adjust their requirements. Still, checking with your insurance company can put your mind at ease.

Not pending. People who are in acute distress, suicidal or have severe psychiatric illness need immediate treatment or personal care and e-therapy cannot provide sufficient help in these cases. However, if you are already in online treatment, your counselor can assist you by directing you to the necessary settings.

COVID. Last but not least, online therapy offers the obvious and 100% safe option to catch Covid in the office and avoid the hassle of quarantine. We recently had a counselor in the office with covid, and then clients and therapists who had been in close contact, including myself, had to quarantine for a week.

I hope this article has been able to provide a general overview of the pros and cons of online therapy. Personally, I am a convert and a strong supporter of online treatment for clients with mild to moderate mental health issues, and I would highly recommend anyone who is still skeptical to give it a try!

The pros and cons of online therapy

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