Pros And Cons of Online Therapy & Counseling

Due to the pandemic, therapists who had previously seen patients almost solely in person now support their current or potential patients through video conferencing or phone consultation using tablets, mobile phones, and laptops.

An increasing amount of research supports the efficacy of online therapy, or online counseling as some refer to it, which is a relatively new alternative for getting treatment for mental health difficulties. In this article, we have explained the benefits and drawbacks of online counseling, making it easier for you to choose between the two options.

To support the work of the people working on TherapyHunter.com, we may receive compensation if you sign up for online counseling through the links provided.

Price Comparison

The therapy session costs range from $100 to $200. This varies significantly depending on the country and location where you seek therapy.

Additionally, the money you pay for therapy must cover more than just the time your therapist spends with you. Therapists are required to pay annual license dues and malpractice insurance costs.

Whereas, if you want to receive more convenient and affordable therapy, BetterHelp is the best option.

BetterHelp has a weekly fee of $60 to $90, payable every four weeks. 

Through Betterhelp, you can quickly and easily discover counselors and therapists without needing to meet in person by using your phones, tablets, and computers, making things simpler and faster for clients and therapists.

Benefits of Online Therapy And Counseling

Online therapy refers to obtaining therapy for mental health difficulties through live chat, the phone, video, or messaging. Email counseling is more of an ongoing email conversation.

The fundamental difference between traditional therapy and online therapy is that the latter takes place at a distance rather than with the client and therapist present. Below are the benefits of online therapy and counseling.

Convenience

Through online therapy, you can access treatment services in the convenience and comfort of your home. 

This aspect is helpful for those who live in remote locations where a variety of therapeutic services might not be readily available or for individuals who have transportation or mobility issues. 

Furthermore, online therapy can also be more adaptable. For instance, you can easily set up or change an appointment, which can be helpful for individuals with hectic jobs, family, or tight schedules.

Accessibility

Online counseling may be simpler for people who fear stigma or find it hard to interact with people face to face to see an online therapist. Online counseling can help with disclosure since some people find it easier to be open and honest about their thoughts and experiences online.

We no longer have extra time; therefore, getting services online and in the comfort of your home is more of a necessity than a want in a world where everything is continuously changing.

Anonymity

One of the main and most important aspects influencing the popularity of online counseling services such as BetterHelp is anonymity. It actually does not matter whether or not people are anonymous online. 

Some people find it more comfortable to communicate in an online chat room and may not have even mentioned this to an in-person therapist or consultant.

Alternative For In-Person Therapy

Online therapy offers more alternatives and certain advantages over traditional therapy. Furthermore, online therapy allows you to get counseling in the privacy, comfort, and convenience of your home or any other location. 

Even if your lifestyle or line of work necessitates frequent relocation, you can still work with the same therapist on your therapy. You have a wider selection of certified therapists to pick from as you are not limited to those in your surrounding neighborhood.

To support the work of the people working on TherapyHunter.com, we may receive compensation if you sign up for online counseling through the links provided.

Drawbacks of Online Therapy And Counseling

If you are considering online therapy and counseling, it is crucial to consider, and careful thought must be given to minimize any detrimental effects that this delivery method may have on you. Following are the drawbacks of online therapy and counseling:

Technological Difficulties 

Many would still say that the therapeutic connection between the therapist and client, which is ideal in a face-to-face environment, is where therapy’s actual healing and transformational power rests.

Online treatment depends on a strong internet connection. Technical issues might happen, such as bad internet connection, low-resolution video feeds, or video time delays. These issues can be annoying and disruptive, which is not good for the therapeutic process.

Overlook Non-Verbal Communication

In order to understand their client’s circumstances and welfare, therapists rely on verbal and non-verbal clues such as eye contact, body language, and tone of voice. 

A therapist might miss a lot during an online therapy session, especially if a face-to-face connection has not yet been made.

Not Suitable For All Issues

Online therapy may not be for everyone. Nevertheless, online treatment has emerged as a feasible choice for certain patients and under certain conditions. 

Online counseling is not recommended for more severe problems such as suicidal intent. People who seek assistance with these challenges will need more intensive or in-person interventions.

​The Best Online Therapy And Counseling Platform

BetterHelp online therapy and counseling platform is one of the best online therapy sites. You can check our full review of BetterHelp here. They  provide affordable therapy as a substitute for in-person therapy, which frequently costs $100 to $200 per session.

Whereas, BetterHelp only costs between $60 to $90. Because it enables therapists to communicate with you remotely through text-based, video, phone, and live chat. All of which can be done easily on your device. 

Based on the details you provide when you join up, Better Help will pair you with a therapist who meets your needs as soon as you do. You can also change your assigned therapist if you are not satisfied. 

BetterHelp guarantees that its customers receive the greatest assistance possible. By linking them to qualified therapists and counselors who know what they need to accomplish, with almost 25,000 certified therapists readily available online at the push of a button. 

The company understands its customer demands, which allows it to offer therapy-related services to clients. Through BetterHelp, you can get the support you want when you require it by selecting the approach that works best for you. 

Despite not taking insurance, BetterHelp offers the benefit of being able to message your therapist at any time and one live video, phone, or chat session each week for the cost of one in-person appointment with a therapist.

Verdict

During the pandemic, its significance as a starting point for treatment or as a helpful supplement to in-person therapy was underlined, and now that it has earned its position, it is probably here to stay.

Digital technology has ingrained itself into our everyday lives, and there is every reason to think that it will play a bigger and bigger part in maintaining our mental health and overall welfare.

Better Help is the biggest online counseling service in the world. All of the therapists at BetterHelp are well trained to support you as you work to better your life. This is a possibility to consider if you seek inexpensive, convenient, and hassle-free care.