Is online therapy effective?

Rob (No)

The internet has availed several avenues for mental health treatment, including online therapy, which has grown in popularity following the COVID pandemic. While it does help with treating mental health, online therapy isn't nearly as effective as in-person therapy for several reasons. Firstly, online therapy makes use of video conferencing platforms, which poses privacy concerns. Patients may not feel comfortable sharing their personal problems online, which may hinder the overall effectiveness of the process. There is a lack of confidentiality that's otherwise present in in-person therapy.

One key value of in-person therapy is the bond and intimacy that can be created and shared between the therapist and the patient. This is built from the interaction of two people sharing a physical space, which is unavailable in online therapy. Patients regard the sessions as a chore rather than a chance to talk about their problems with someone. This is a problem since therapy works best when both parties work together to help the patient find a solution to their problem. 

Meeting via video call also limits the use of clear non-verbal cues such as gestures and facial expressions, which usually help the therapist read and interpret a patient's mood and emotions for more effective counseling. 

Online therapy may be subject to distractions from family members, digital devices, internet disruptions, and other factors on the patient's end. When a patient meets a therapist in person, and everyone is on the same page, it is easier to concentrate on the task at hand than over the internet, where the patient can quickly get video call fatigue. So, while online therapy is a good immediate step for someone dealing with urgent mental health issues, it's not as effective or recommended as in-person therapy in the long run.

Bre (Yes)

The real results of online therapy have been well-established since long before the global pandemic of 2020, in which online therapy needs drastically increased. Studies show how online therapy for anxiety, trauma, and depression is as effective as in-person therapy, reducing symptoms and achieving the same level of patient satisfaction. It even improves outcomes for medical doctors. 

Remote therapy creates a more accessible and affordable treatment option for all patients and providers, especially those with mobility issues. Remote therapy removes access and transportation barriers to broaden availability and give patients and practitioners a much more cost-effective, comfortable, and convenient way to conduct equally impactful sessions from afar. It reduces waste by sparing commutes and can be done without renting an office, saving time and money.

'Telehealth' allows for consistently and punctually showing up ready to begin, promoting ongoing progress. Appointments can be started and ended promptly to get the most out of every session. Back-to-back appointments are more efficiently and productively conducted, and additional resources can be accessed and shared immediately.

Remote therapy gives additional privacy, with completely confidential transitions, so there's no risk of unexpectedly crossing paths with anyone or being overheard through walls. Plus, it's often less expensive and more affordable for patients. The clear, compelling upsides make remote therapy a desirable option. Virtual-based therapy services are a near-instant means of receiving the same life tools and professional guidance, effectively improving patient outcomes and in-person therapy while eliminating unnecessary treatment obstacles during a trying time.