10 Surprising Facts About Online Therapy

Online therapy has been around for a while but didn’t really start gaining momentum until last year. During the pandemic, many people curtailed in-person meetings in favor of safer appointments online. Plus, the pandemic put additional stress on many people, which led to many seeking support. A few surprising facts about online therapy:

1. Video therapy has been well-studied.

Just under 100,000 patients with the Department of Veterans Affairs participated in a long-term study of the effects of online therapy. Researchers found that patients who had access to online therapy reduced hospitalization of patients by 25%.

2. Online therapy has been available in different forms for many years.

In 2006, a small group of people participated in a study of grief counseling delivered over email. The study focused on cognitive behavioral therapy for people dealing with complicated grief.

3. Many people form strong connections with online therapists.

While some experts have expressed concern about the relationships between online therapists and patients, research indicates that online therapy can allow for deep connection and progress. Patients in a study performed in 2013 said that they felt safe with their therapist and were able to explore deep issues.

4. There are many ways to do online therapy.

Different platforms offer different kinds of solutions for people who are seeking help online. Some therapists offer ongoing email-based counseling. Others offer video chat therapy where the therapist and patient talk face-to-face. Still, others offer phone-based or text-based sessions.

5. Many parts of the country do not have enough therapists working.

In many regions, there are not enough therapists to serve all of the individuals who are seeking help. Online therapy can bridge the gap and help many patients get access to care that would otherwise not be available. This means that people can get the health they need even if they live in an area that does not have enough mental health practitioners.

6. Health insurance may cover online therapy.

While each policy is different, more and more are offering coverage for online therapy sessions. Around one in four people dealing with mental illness could not access mental health care last year. Having insurance that will cover online therapy can make it easier to get the help that people need.

7. Online therapy can be very affordable.

If your health insurance does not cover online therapy, or if you wish to see someone who is not in your insurance network, paying out of pocket can be easier than you think. Some online therapy sites offer discounts for people who meet certain income guidelines. There are also often discounts for people who book several appointments at a time instead of paying for each appointment one by one.

8. Online therapy is safe and secure.

Many people who consider online therapy may hesitate because they are worried about their privacy. However, most online therapy is conducted through secure connections to protect patient privacy. If you are not sure about the measures taken by a specific site, take a look at their FAQ to see if network security is addressed. Additionally, you can call or email the provider to ask more about their security.

9. Online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face.

In 2018, the Journal of Psychological Disorders published a study that found that online cognitive behavior therapy is effective and practical. Researchers followed people who opted for online CBT in place of face-to-face for conditions that included social anxiety, panic disorders, and major depression. They discovered that this group had as much improvement as one that used face-to-face therapy instead.

10. Online therapy can be less intimidating than face-to-face.

Many people avoid seeking therapy because they are worried about seeing someone they know in their therapist’s waiting room. Online therapy offers an option that is private, so people can avoid the risk of others finding out that they are seeking therapy. While the stigma against mental healthcare is unfair, being able to seek help privately can make people more likely to look for assistance.

While this option was not well-known even a few years ago, more and more people are looking at the benefits of seeking therapy online. Tele-visit therapy can offer people affordable, effective treatment from the comfort of home.