Your Guide for Addiction and Recovery
What Is Online Therapy?
With the expanding world of technology and the growing need for accessible mental health care, more and more people are finding therapy services at their fingertips through online therapy every day. Online therapy, also called telepsychology or teletherapy, provides individuals with professional counseling via video or phone call, email, or text. As many individuals could not attend their in-person counseling sessions due to COVID-19 restrictions and related health risks in recent years, online therapy provides an opportunity for individuals to connect with qualified professionals safely and routinely from their homes.
Online therapy, like traditional counseling, can address a wide array of topics, including relationship concerns, stress, anger management, bereavement, and trauma. Additionally, teletherapy can address mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and can be implemented in substance abuse treatment. Another form of therapy that individuals can access online is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. This psychotherapy treatment was initially designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. EDMR is also recognized by the Department of Defense and Veterans Health Administration for helping treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Online therapy isn’t suitable for all conditions or situations. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), situations or conditions deemed unsuitable for online therapy include:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Homicidal thoughts
- Severe substance use disorders
- Severe eating disorders
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Thought disorders (like schizophrenia), which may include delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking
(Source: Addiction Center)
- Accessibility
- Convenience And Availability
- Similar Outcomes
- Destigmatizing Mental Health Care
- Lack Of Privacy During Online Sessions
- Lack Of Connection
- Lack Of Computer Knowledge, Experience, Or Access
- What To Look For Before Choosing Online Therapy
- Are The Therapists On This Site Licensed?
- Will My Insurance Cover These Services?
- How Often Will I See My Therapist, And How Long Is Each Session?
- Do The Therapists Have Experience With The Issues I Am Seeking Counseling For?
- Will I Be Able To Choose My Therapist?
- Will I Receive A Diagnosis Or Be Prescribed Medication?
- Are These Platforms Confidential And Private?
- Resources Are A Click Away
Learn more about 'Online Therapy' on the Addiction Center Website.
Source / Reference: Addiction Center
Published with permission from Addiction Center
