How Online Therapy Helps
Many people considering going to therapy may picture the classic setting of a therapist’s office. Up until the pandemic, this was the predominant way people met with their therapists. However, we have all discovered many benefits to accessing therapy in a virtual or online setting; these are just a few.
Online Therapy Works
Recent research shows that for most clients, the clinical outcome of receiving therapy services is very similar to that of in-person therapy. Even before telehealth services became very popular during the pandemic, research demonstrated that the results of remotely delivered therapy were comparable to those of in-person therapy.
Time Saved for Busy Parents, Students, and Professionals
When many people think about attending therapy, they aren’t just thinking of all the reasons to attend. They are also considering the practical reality of fitting something else into their already busy lives. Showing up and being present in therapy is hard work in and of itself for many people, especially when they’re just getting started.
Then, when someone considers adding the extra time to their day once a week to attend therapy sessions, get ready to leave the house, drive to the office, park, and drive home, it makes attending therapy impractical or even impossible for many busy people. Add to that the traffic in many cities in Tennessee and California makes daily life even more stressful and challenging.
Therapy for busy professionals, parents, and students is more accessible than ever.
Increased Access for Rural Areas
Mental health resources can be scarce in small towns and remote areas. Some counties have just a handful of mental health professionals. Online therapy helps rural Tennesseans and Californians access the support they need.
A long-standing issue is that if a provider is in a small, close-knit community, that therapist is more likely to have direct or indirect connections to potential clients. This can create discomfort for clients seeking therapy for sensitive issues they would like to keep private. Therapists are required to keep client information confidential; however, it’s not unreasonable to prefer to work with someone you are not at all personally connected to.
Therapists are also bound by codes of ethics that prohibit “dual relationships.” A dual relationship is where the therapist and client have both a personal and a professional relationship. Before online therapy became more available, sometimes in very small and isolated communities, people had no choice but to see a therapist with whom they knew personally in some other way. But now, this unethical and uncomfortable situation can be avoided thanks to technology. Clients can now seek out therapists who live in other areas of their state.
Find the Best Fit
Clients can now find a therapist in Tennessee or California who is the best fit for them, regardless of geographic distance. Some providers in one’s close area may not specialize in the areas of concern for which one is seeking therapy. Working with a provider online can help ensure that people get the right care from the right person.
Accessibility for Disabled Individuals
Many people living with disabilities and physical health problems have had to go through extra steps and hassles to access therapy in the past. Some in-home programs have existed, but they were often very limited in the number of clients one therapist could serve, and the cost can be higher. The extra time, energy, and labor to attend therapy sessions in person can be burdensome for many people, but this is especially true for people with disabilities. Many people have gone without the support they need and deserve due to the practical barriers involved in attending sessions in person. Thankfully, online therapy now helps disabled Tennesseans access therapy from the comfort and security of their own space.
Reach Out
If you are looking for a therapist in Tennessee or California, feel free to learn more about my services, specialties, and approach. You can also contact me for more information and to schedule a free consultation.
