The post is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
Though many people are interested in therapy, this treatment option is not always accessible or convenient. For example, access to therapy may be limited due to location or because the patient experiences limited mobility. Furthermore, therapy can be expensive, preventing low-income populations from receiving the care they need.
However, therapy is still an incredible tool that can help people improve their lives. Therapists treat numerous mental illnesses and disorders and give guidance and support to a multitude of issues. Almost everyone can benefit from therapy, but unfortunately, not everyone has access to it.
Luckily, online chat therapy has become increasingly popular over the past few years, making it much easier for people to access this important resource. However, some people believe that it is not as helpful as in-person therapy. Luckily this is not the case. Not only is it just as effective, but it has many benefits over in-person therapy as well. Here are five reasons to try online chat therapy.
Just As Effective As Regular Therapy
You can practically discuss any issue with a therapist online that can be discussed in person. Though certain treatments may be more challenging to conduct through video or text chat, typical talk or psychotherapy can work just the same as talking to a therapist in person.
This means that not only can they help treat the same conditions, but they can also provide guidance and support for various challenging situations. There are many ways that people benefit from online therapy. A few of them include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Panic disorder
- Eating disorders
- Chronic stress
- Grief
- Relationship issues
- Loneliness
- Job changes
- Other major life changes
- Self-discovery
Cost-Effective
One of the best reasons to try online chat therapy is that it is much more cost-effective than in-person therapy. Though everyone enjoys saving money, this is a crucial benefit for those who can’t afford therapy. Cost is a widespread barrier to treatment, which means that many people struggle through life without the care they need. Online therapy makes treatment more affordable, so more people can get support from a therapist.
Furthermore, depending on the service, online therapy may be a better value for your buck. Not only is the weekly cost a fraction of in-person counseling (typically only costing about $50 to $100 per week), but some online services allow you to have access to your counselor all week. That means the fee you pay isn’t just for one session; it is for a whole week of interactions.
More Choices Of Therapists
If you live in a remote area, you know that your options for therapy are limited. There may only be a few therapists nearby, and they may not always be the best fit for your particular condition or situation. If this is the case, you may be stuck deciding between working with a therapist who can’t provide the help you need or not talking with a therapist at all.
Online therapy platforms typically have hundreds, if not thousands, of therapists to choose from. They all have unique backgrounds and specialties, meaning there are bound to be at least a few options that are a good fit for you. Your geographic location no longer limits you when looking for the perfect therapist or counselor.
Flexible Scheduling
Since you can conduct online therapy sessions any time and anywhere, scheduling your sessions is much easier than if you were restricted to in-person therapy. In-person therapy is limited to the therapist or clinic’s business hours. This is typical 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for most businesses, which can be inconvenient for those who typically work during those hours.
Online therapists may have more flexibility as they may not be restricted to the hours that their clinic or business sets. Since they also can potentially work from their home and create their own schedule, they may be more flexible with their working hours. Furthermore, since you will also have access to thousands of counselors, you can search for someone in your time zone or who is willing to work around your work schedule and other responsibilities.
No Need To Commute
Some people can’t receive the mental health care they need because they have difficulty leaving their home or traveling. Since therapists rarely do in-home visits, many people can’t access the treatment they need because they have a disability or limited mobility. However, these conditions can often affect mental health, meaning these clients greatly need therapeutic services.
Online therapy eradicates this issue. Now, anyone can access mental health care from the comfort of their home. All they need to do is log into their computer or use an app on their phone. They can even have their session while lying on the bed or couch if they wish.
Final Thoughts
Online therapy is a great option for those who seek treatment but are worried about the cost or limited options and availability. Chatting with a therapist online is much more flexible and easy than meeting someone in person but still provides all the same benefits. If you are still unsure about whether you want to try this form of therapy out, you can learn more about it by heading to the link below:
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