Online psychological treatment has a relatively short history, but The figure of the online psychologist is gaining more and more prominence.
Times are changing and today it is now possible to receive psychological therapy on the Internet, as new technologies have provided new forms of communication with patients, and more and more research confirms that this form of psychotherapy is beneficial for well-being. and people’s mental health.
Convenience and confidentiality are some examples of its advantages. In this article, we will review the benefits of the online psychologist.
Benefits of the online psychologist
Online therapy has opened new avenues for mental health treatment and improving people’s well-being. But, What really are the benefits of an online psychologist?
Below we present them to you.
1. Access from anywhere
Online therapy allows access from anywhere, and the reasons can be varied. This means that people have more diverse options adapted to their needs, since location is not an element that limits the offer.
2. Convenience
The online psychologist offers convenience and the ability to choose times. This allows anyone to have access to this service and, therefore, see their well-being improved.
3. Comfort
One of the most notable benefits of online therapy is convenience. And taking advantage of the potential of online psychotherapy also means incorporating these sessions into the schedule with great ease, since there is no need to prepare to leave the house, travel and calculate the times necessary to get to the consultation.
4. Lower cost
An online psychologist does not need, for example, a large office with a waiting room or other requirements that are necessary in face-to-face therapy. Although the cost is lower, the quality of service remains the same.
5. Trust
The online therapy modality is subject to the same ethical standards as in-person psychotherapy, and this also includes confidentiality. Furthermore, the fact of being able to count on the psychologist’s services while in our own home makes it easier to open up honestly to the therapy, since we feel surrounded by an environment that is familiar to us, which discourages us as patients from remaining in a state of nervousness and “being alert.”
6. Other communication options
Thanks to online therapy, Patients can benefit from different forms of communication that may be appropriate for them. In fact, many of these online clinics offer a new service, in which it is possible to connect with a psychologist through chat, both on your mobile phone and on your computer (through their website or their iOS and Android app).
The most common is the use of video calls once a week, in which the psychologist has a one-hour session with the patient. In addition, there is also the possibility of using text messages, voice messages and images.
7. Writing as a therapeutic tool
Sometimes, When talking face to face with the therapist, some patients do not get to the bottom of the matter but by writing down thoughts, the patient can take their time to explain what they really want.
8. Ease of taking the step
Online therapy is carried out from home or a place where the patient feels safe and comfortable and, therefore, makes it easier for them to take the step without needing anything more than an internet connection from their mobile phone or computer.
9. Privacy
As we have seen, the simplicity of online therapy affects the way the patient feels during therapy, as they do not have to leave their home. This is due to conduct the video call session from a location of your choice where you feel comfortable and safe and you don’t even have to worry about others knowing that you are going to therapy.
10. Follow-up with the psychologist despite travel
As wherever there is an Internet connection an online psychological therapy session can be carried out (as long as privacy and quiet spaces are available), even if we travel or move, we can continue with the therapeutic process. This type of therapy offers the possibility of connecting with an online psychologist from anywhere in the world and at the time the patient needs it most.