The Benefits of Online Therapy
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in innumerable ways. But, as stressful as this experience has been for most of us, we have learned a lot, individually and collectively.
Emerging from the adaptations that we were forced to make, is an increased awareness and accessibility of treatment tools that have been available for some time. Telehealth (or telemedicine) and online therapy have been around for decades but are now experiencing a surge in popularity because of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
Here are some benefits of online therapy:
Better Access to Care
In rural Alberta, it can be difficult to find specialized mental health treatment for specific concerns. Online therapy provides access to specialized psychological treatments for those who need it, regardless of where they live.
Privacy
Despite the progress we’ve made over the last couple of decades, there is still a stigma attached to seeking mental health treatment. This stigma stops many people from seeking the help they need. Online therapy means an individual can receive help from the comfort of their home without anyone knowing. This may be especially relevant to people who live in smaller communities.
Convenience
Do family demands, work responsibilities, or traffic jams get in the way of you getting to appointments? Access to online therapy reduces many of these barriers.
Safety
Online therapy allows people to receive the help they need, when they need it, regardless of any unsafe conditions, such as illness, icy roads, or unexpected weather events.
Access for people with limited mobility
Oftentimes the people who need therapy the most are the very people who find it difficult to leave their homes or navigate the outside world. Online therapy makes psychological treatment more accessible to these people.
Given the benefits of online therapy and the potential to extend our reach, we’ve decided to become a dedicated virtual psychological practice. If you’d like to explore online therapy, please get in touch with me.
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