Before the Covid pandemic, only 39% of therapists worked remotely. But 98% of therapists offered their services online during the pandemic. Many have even signed up on various sites offering therapy remotely. Betterhelp, one of the largest sites, has over 2000 registered therapists. Besides access to a large pool of therapists, you will get affordable online therapy.
Now that therapists have brought the services closer to you, it is easier to get help today than a few years ago. Before the pandemic, many therapists took issue with online therapy until they realized it worked and that their clients preferred it to in-person therapy.
Remote therapy is convenient
The thought of driving across town to attend an hour’s session with a therapist and then driving back can be off-putting, especially if you encounter traffic both ways. Sometimes you may be short of time or energy to attend in-person therapy. Remote therapy is a solution to these challenges.
Talking to a therapist remotely allows you to attend the sessions from the comfort of your home. This saves you time and reduces your chances of missing your therapy sessions.
You also have multiple options when it comes to the mode of communication. You can choose to communicate by email, telephone calls, or video chat. You don’t even need to confine yourself to one mode of communication. Most therapists are open to using any form of communication that you prefer.
Get help from a specialist
Sometimes getting a therapist close to you specializing in issues you are facing may not be possible. So, you are forced to talk to any therapist. Fortunately, most therapists are trained to use their skills to handle different scenarios.
When you seek out therapists remotely, you are more likely to find one offering specialty services, like addiction, relationships, marriage, teen, and behavioral therapy. Knowing that you are getting help from someone who understands your challenges and how you can maneuver the challenges.
Additionally, most specialists have encountered clients who face similar challenges and may be in a better position to guide you because they know what works and what doesn’t.
Online therapy sites also have a large pool of therapists, some of the best globally. So, you have the opportunity to talk to renowned therapists with the right experience and expertise.
You don’t need an appointment to get help
One advantage to investing in the services of an online therapist is the benefit of having over in-person therapy at a time of day or night that works with your schedule. Therapists offering in-person services hardly ever offer services based on a crisis or emergency. Most will try to find a slot for you when you call them, and sometimes the appointment may be weeks away. Unfortunately, this is not helpful, especially if you need a listening ear urgently.
When you reach out to an online therapy site, your assigned therapists will respond anytime you need help. However, if there is a time when you need your therapist and he is not available, another one will be provided. So, you will never feel like you have no one to talk to when you desperately need to talk , especially if you feel you cannot wait.
Alternatively, you can reach out to your therapist by writing an email. Sometimes you need to voice your concerns, and knowing your therapist will read what you were feeling at the time will give you comfort.
You may be more open with an online therapist
Face-to-face therapy is sometimes difficult when addressing a sensitive subject. Some people fail to seek therapy because they don’t know how to voice their problems or fear being judged. There is also the fear that the people around you will know you are seeing a therapist, which might get the rumor mill going.
Talking to a therapist remotely will give you a sense of privacy and confidence that what you discuss will remain between you and your therapist. You may also be more open to discussing your situation, feelings, and worries with a stranger over the phone than during an in-person session where you will say what you feel is appropriate because you will be watching the therapist’s reaction.
Talking to a therapist remotely has its advantages. For years, therapists considered teletherapy ineffective because they were used to in-person sessions. But most have chosen to continue with remote therapy because their clients prefer it. They also discovered it works as well as face-to-face therapy. So, you have a lot to gain from talking to a therapist remotely.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg.
