Online Therapy for Mental Health
By Taína Cuevas
Millions of people have found online therapy sites to be an effective, convenient alternative to traditional in-person therapy.
It’s easy to understand the appeal too. These sites provide access to licensed therapists through a variety of means – text, direct message, phone, or video – from the comfort of the patient’s home and for a fairly low price.
Their flexibility can also make it easier for busy people to fit appointments into their schedules.
And, while the impersonal nature of connecting online might be off-putting to some, for many who are shy, agoraphobic, or prefer writing to talking, messaging and texting with therapists can prove to be helpful options.
As a bonus, you don’t need a referral to use an online counsellor’s services.
While the NHS requires that you visit your GP to obtain a referral for psychiatric or mental health services, these sites do not have the same restrictions.
It’s important to note, however, that the reason is partly because they don’t have medical doctors on staff.
This means that, if you need medication, you will still need a traditional doctor as they won’t be able to prescribe it.
Most therapy sites employ professional counsellors, not psychologists or psychiatrists; and, because many are located in the United States, their licensing requirements are not the same as they would be in the U.K. or the E.U.
This is why, when it comes to online therapy sites, it’s important to choose carefully and verify your assigned counsellor’s credentials, as some sites have been found to use unqualified therapists.
So, while online therapy sites can be a useful alternative, they are definitely not for everyone and not for every case.
In fact, most sites actively discourage people with serious, disruptive symptoms like suicidal thoughts, flashbacks of traumatic events, addictions, or eating disorders from engaging their services.
If you are among those, and you are currently living with major depression, PTSD, or have relapsed on an addiction or eating disorder, traditional, in-person therapy is still the best course of action.
(Additionally, if you are or have been struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, the NHS has a list of resources and hotlines you can contact 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.)
The fact is that online therapists cannot ensure that they’ll be available in case of an emergency.
Depending on your subscription plan, some sites limit your contacts with your assigned therapist, which can keep you from getting the prompt attention you need.
Additionally, some sites don’t collect much contact information on their patients. While this helps keep your information private, it also makes them unable to contact your loved ones if they feel you’re a danger to yourself or others.
When is online therapy a good option?
Online therapy is a good option when your symptoms are slightly to moderately disruptive or— if your symptoms are more severe— as an adjunct to other types of therapy you’re already engaging in.
It has proven helpful for those struggling with dysthymia (mild depression), obsessive-compulsive disorder, other anxiety disorders, and as an additional source of support for those already in recovery for addiction.
It has also been found to be an effective option for couples looking for counselling, who can find it easier to set up sessions that fit both their schedules.
Author Bio
Taína Cuevas is an editor at ConsumersAdvocate.org and a certified mindfulness meditation teacher. With over 15 years of professional research and writing experience, her areas of focus include mental health, wellness, and holistic practice
The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect all or some of our beliefs and policy. Any links on this page does not necessarily mean they have been endorsed by Defying Mental Illness.
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