Technological advancements have more than a handful of benefits to offer, including the possibility of teletherapy, also known as online therapy. It uses web-based applications to provide patients with the therapy and counseling they require. One can address their mental health issues and seek guidance without having to spend time commuting. Several types of therapies are available online, but before choosing, one must consider the pros and cons of the service.

Advantages of online therapy sessions

Efficiency
There have been studies that suggest online therapy sessions may be just as effective as in-person sessions. Different types of mental health conditions were researched, and it was found that there was minimal difference in positive patient outcomes. Consequently, online therapy sessions are a preferable option to having no sessions at all. Furthermore, patients do not have to worry about any social stigma while seeking the care they need.

Accessibility
Online therapy sessions are more accessible than in-person sessions. People who are home-bound due to various reasons can easily schedule a session and get access to the treatment they need. Moreover, it can be more convenient to receive therapy sessions from a distant professional who would otherwise be unavailable.

Convenience
In most cases, online therapy sessions are more affordable and convenient for patients. They allow patients to schedule their sessions at a time that suits them best. In addition, patients can attend the session from the comfort of their own homes or any location in the world.

More approachable
People in remote or rural areas may face difficulties in accessing in-person therapy due to distance, time constraints, or the availability or lack of qualified experts in the area. Online therapy sessions can provide access to various types of mental health therapy treatments that may otherwise not be available to them.

Finding the right therapist
With online options and a working internet connection, one can easily find the right therapist according to one’s needs. The patients can stay connected with the expert throughout their treatment course without having to worry about commute and other related hindrances.

Disadvantages of online therapy sessions

Lack of insurance coverage
Insurance coverage for online therapy sessions varies widely. A patient’s coverage is based on the type of policy they hold, the state they reside in, the qualification and licensing of the therapists, and other factors. Additionally, some therapists may not accept insurance as payment, and even if they do, one may be limited to a policy that does not cover online sessions.

Unreliability of technology
Therapy sessions require confidentiality to ensure the patient’s privacy. This is even more important when it comes to online therapy sessions. However, these remote sessions may complicate the situation. Since the information exchanged during these sessions is online, there is a risk of hacking, recording, or leaking sensitive patient information in secrecy. Additionally, the data on hand may be misused. Technology also presents its own set of challenges, which can make online therapy sessions different from traditional in-person sessions. These challenges affect both patients and therapists.

Ethical concerns
Online therapy sessions can pose some challenges regarding legal and ethical code enforcement. While it allows clients to choose therapists from anywhere in the world, it can also create problems since different states have varying guidelines and licensing requirements for treating patients. Before starting treatment, patients should verify the licensing, experience, expertise, and qualifications of the professional to ensure they are qualified to provide therapy.

Limited cues
Video conference platforms do not allow therapists or counselors to see the patient’s body, making it easy for them to miss some cues. Body language plays an important role in therapy. While online therapy sessions have their perks, they cannot replace all the benefits of in-person sessions. Therapists can use cues from the person’s body language to make the session more impactful and result-oriented.

It may not be for everyone
Not all mental health conditions are suitable to be treated through a screen. Some conditions, like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, require close monitoring, and it can be difficult to assess the patient’s condition through remote communication. Therapists can provide a combination of treatments during in-person mental health therapy sessions. Additionally, online therapy sessions may not be suitable during a crisis. If patients with mental health conditions require physical intervention or immediate care, they can benefit more from in-person therapy than online sessions.