Should You Try Online Therapy?

While various forms of online therapy have been available since the start of the internet, it has only started gaining popularity in recent years.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected many people’s mental health, but they couldn’t leave their homes to seek in-person therapy services.

Not wanting people to miss out on the help they needed, many therapists started offering online services, and they have been growing in popularity ever since.

While not everyone is convinced that online therapy is right for them, you might like to start exploring it for some of the following reasons. 

Many Insurance Providers Cover It

While online therapy wasn’t always available at a reduced cost through insurance providers, you now don’t have to look far to find online therapy covered by insurance.

Many insurance providers know that online therapy can be as valuable as in-person therapy and now offer full or partial coverage through specific providers.

It also doesn’t typically matter whether you have a copay, a deductible, or pay for therapy out of your own pocket, you can also use a health savings account or flexible spending account to cover the costs. 

Save Time

Many people can be put off the idea of attending therapy due to the time it takes.

Not only do you have to set aside time for the appointment itself, but driving to and from it and finding parking. When you’re struggling with your mental health, it can often be a great deal of additional stress and anxiety you don’t need.

Online therapy can provide considerable time savings.

Whether you’re at home, the office, or somewhere else, you can tuck yourself away in a quiet part of your location and attend your online appointment from wherever you are. 

Overcome Location and Travel Barriers

Mental health support can be out of reach for many people simply because they don’t live somewhere where such services are provided.

They might also not be within convenient driving distance or have access to public transportation. 

In that case, it’s easy to assume that you must suffer in silence without access to the support you need for depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges.

As long as you have mobile data or a sound internet connection, your location and travel challenges don’t have to be a barrier to getting the help you need.

You can stay in the comfort of your own home while talking to a trained therapist elsewhere in the state or country. 

Stay In Your Comfort Zone

For people experiencing mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, chronic stress, or PTSD, something as straightforward as walking outside can require a great deal of effort.

Such can be the stress associated with entering a new environment that you might avoid it at all costs. 

Online therapy enables you to stay in your comfort zone.

You can speak to trained professionals online, work through life’s challenges, and eventually build the courage to leave your comfort zone at your own pace. 

In-person therapy sessions are indeed helpful, but they aren’t the only option at your disposal. If you fear leaving your comfort zone or have transportation or geographical barriers, online therapy might be a worthwhile option to explore. 

Image by Pricilla Du Preez from Unsplash

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