Online therapy isn’t just for lockdowns. It’s as effective as in-person therapy – and has a lot of additional benefits too. Here’s why it could be right for you.

We’ve all become more reliant on technology in recent years – for shopping, learning, socialising – pretty much every aspect of life. And therapy is another valuable service we can now access online, wherever and whenever suits us. But online therapy isn’t just for lockdowns. The benefits of online therapy are now widely recognised. So it’s here to stay – even after COVID.

The growth of online therapy is predicted to continue even post-pandemic. While lockdowns forced life – and therapy – online, research shows the benefits of a therapeutic video chat online. It’s as effective as in-person therapy, and comes with a whole host of additional benefits. These include the pragmatic such as convenience and cost – but also less obvious ones, to do with the therapeutic relationship.

So if you’re thinking about taking the plunge and wondering if it’s right for you, read on to learn more about the benefits of online therapy – and how you can get started.

Key Benefits of Online Therapy

Gone are the days when the only way to get mental health support was on a therapist’s couch. With the rise of online therapy, you can now speak to a qualified psychologist wherever and whenever suits you. The support you need is literally at your fingertips.

​​With advantages including accessibility, cost, time, privacy – it’s not-surprising that more and more of us are turning to the web for support. And you don’t even need to be too digital-savvy to get started. Some of the key benefits of online therapy include:

• Accessibility. There are plenty of physical barriers to accessing in-person therapy. You may live in a rural location, or not drive. If you have a physical disability, trudging across the city might be a bit of a nightmare. Or leaving your bed might just seem near-impossible when you’re feeling low. Online therapy helps sweep these geographic hurdles aside. Distance is no longer a barrier because there’s someone ready and waiting to help you at the click of a button – right there on your phone, tablet or laptop.
• Time. In our hectic lives, ‘me time’ can be hard to come by. You might have a frantic schedule and work irregular hours. Or perhaps you’re a single parent or a carer who’s always racing against the clock. Online therapy fits around your schedule, so you can chat to a therapist whenever and wherever suits you – whether that’s a quick video call squeezed in before your morning commute or a handy live messenger chat just before putting the kids to bed. It
• Privacy. Worried about bumping into a nosy neighbour in the waiting room? Or maybe you’d prefer chatting about how you’re feeling within the confines of your own home? For some, online therapy offers a comforting sense of privacy. Plus there are plenty of security measures in place to protect your privacy online – from high-grade encryption services to virus and password protection.
• Home comforts. Let’s face it: opening up and talking about how we’re really feeling can be tough. Really tough. But, sometimes, it’s the little things that make it easier. Some of us may feel more comfortable opening up online than in person. It may feel less daunting. Or perhaps you’d feel more at ease if you could snuggle up on your sofa with a cosy pair of bedroom slippers.
• Cost. The world would be a happier place if everyone could access therapy, not just a select few. If you’re strapped for cash and in-person therapy seems pricey, online therapy could be a good middle ground. It often provides greater flexibility: for example, you might be able to take advantage of shorter session times or live messenger therapy options that are just as effective but more affordable.
• Social distancing. COVID has taken a huge toll on our mental wellbeing. And if you’re already feeling nervous about meeting new people face to face, that’s one anxiety and barrier to therapy you can easily avoid. Though social distancing guidelines have eased in many jurisdictions, it’s still recommended in many places – and many of us are still reluctant to meet professionals in person when there’s another option. It may also simply be harder to book in-person appointments. Fortunately, none of these worries apply to online sessions. You still get the expert support you need. You can still put in the work and look after your mental health. But you can do so from the comfort (and safety) of your own home.
• Greater insights. Online therapy gives you the chance to show your therapist your home environment – which may provide useful clues for your therapy and treatment. Taking the conversation beyond the confines of a physical therapist’s office can breathe new energy and possibilities into the therapeutic process.

Taking care of our minds is more important than ever. So if you’re thinking about taking the plunge, these are just a few reasons why online therapy could work for you.