Is Teletherapy Really That Beneficial?

A Closer Look at the Latest Trend in Mental Health Care

Navigating your mental health can be tricky. That’s why therapists exist. In a perfect world, you would have no issue setting up an appointment with one and expelling everything that has been causing you strain. With a clearer mind and an energized spirit, you’re ready to start bettering your quality of life!

Oh, but the pandemic threw a wrench in those plans, didn’t it?

When your therapist told you they would no longer be taking in person visits you felt your world crumble. You thought that was the end of something great. Emails from your therapist’s office explaining options for teletherapy were ignored, since you knew that phone calls wouldn’t be the same as the real thing. Or so you believed.

But what if you found out that teletherapy can be just as effective as in person therapy?

Don’t give up on your mental health just because the typical format has changed. Let’s explore the details of teletherapy and how it has successfully integrated itself into our society.

What is Teletherapy?

If you haven’t been to therapy recently, or merely remain outside of the mental health sphere, you might not be familiar with teletherapy. This might even be the first time you’re hearing about teletherapy, which is totally fine.

The good news is that it’s a relatively self-explanatory concept - teletherapy is like regular therapy, but the appointments occur via phone or internet rather than in person. You do not interact with your therapist in a physical setting and you might not even see their face during the appointment. Though you will know each other’s names, teletherapy has a lot more anonymity behind it in comparison to traditional therapy.

A man is on a video call with another person on his laptop. — Teletherapy has become commonplace in our society since the beginning of the pandemic and offers many of the same benefits as traditional therapy. There is no significant difference between in person therapy sessions and teletherapy sessions despite the stigma.

Who Benefits From Teletherapy?

The honest answer is anyone can benefit from teletherapy. Research shows that teletherapy has produced similar results as traditional therapy, which means there is no significant difference between the two types.

In some cases teletherapy has been a more effective method of treatment than traditional therapy. There are a lot of characteristics of teletherapy that are unique and cannot be replicated by traditional methods, making it a great alternative for people who have lifestyles that do not warrant much time for regular sessions.

Pros of Teletherapy

Flexible for client’s needs
Offers greater access to care
Allows for more privacy
Lower costs for some services
Reduced wait times

A woman sits on a bed with her laptop. — Teletherapy can be completed over the phone or virtually. The convenience of being able to attend appointments from the comfort of your own home may serve as a motivating factor and encourage your attendance.

A Case By Case Basis

Concerning Students

If you are a college student who struggles with mental health issues, you might have realized how hectic counseling centers at most universities can be. The sheer amount of students who seek out therapy services is ever increasing, and sometimes booking an appointment can be a daunting task. It doesn’t have to be that way, though.

Teletherapy is a great alternative for busy students who have to micromanage their schedules just to keep afloat. Virtual appointments take away the long wait times in crowded counseling centers and give you a chance to catch your breath in the privacy of your dorm.

The advantages teletherapy offers in accessibility make attending appointments easy and free of hassle. It is especially helpful in college towns where mental health care providers might be hard to come by.

It Might Not Be For Everyone

Though teletherapy has been shown to offer many of the same benefits of traditional therapy, that does not mean teletherapy is appropriate for everyone. What works for some people might not be so effective for others.

Remember that everybody is different. One person’s experience with teletherapy could be very unlike your own, and that’s perfectly alright. Some people have certain conditions, physical or mental, that require special attention that only an in person therapy visit can offer. This does not mean that teletherapy is an ineffective method of treatment, so do not let any negative feedback deter you from giving it a try if you think it is something that could possibly help you out.

A woman walks along a nature trail in the sunlight. — Your well being is important and you deserve to feel happy in life. Never be afraid of seeking help, whether it involves in person therapy or a long distance method. You will certainly achieve results as long as you do your part.

Don’t Give Up On Your Mental Health

Change can be scary. If you’ve never experienced teletherapy before, transitioning to this method can seem like a daunting challenge. Even though teletherapy can come across as a less than ideal scenario, know that there is nothing to fear from it. You will still receive the support that you need and make meaningful developments in your mental health journey.

The stigma you hear regarding teletherapy mainly comes from individuals who have not experienced it for themselves and have a preconceived notion of what it entails. Some people believe therapists cannot sufficiently help you if they are not able to see you in a physical setting, but that is simply a misconception.

You know yourself better than anyone else, so do what is best for you. If you believe teletherapy can be of help to you then give it a shot! Don’t pay any mind to those who object to it. Only you can make the right choice when it comes to your mental health.

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