Anytime you’re interacting with a psychotherapist using a website, a phone or a mobile app, you are taking part in telehealth services. The therapist may use phone, video conference, email or text message, to provide treatment for you. You may call it web therapy, phone therapy, text therapy or online therapy.
In my online therapy practice, I mainly use video conference to provide treatment for my clients.
Why People Like Online Therapy?
It is convenient and time-saving
You don’t have to worry about traveling miles to meet up with your therapist any more. Just log in the video conference platform, or dial the number, you can have your session wherever.
Online therapy usually takes less time away from your busy schedule, but still provide you with the help and support that you need from a professional.
If the therapist has an online scheduling system like I do, you will also find scheduling your next appointment super easy. No more playing phone tags. Just click on the availability you both have.
It can be more comfortable.
If you’re already experiencing anxiety in social situations, online therapy seems to be a more comfortable choice than talking to someone in person.
When you decide to reveal some personal or private information for the first time, online therapy feels like a safer and less stressful space.
Also, you don’t have to worry about seeing people you know in the waiting room.
It is effective.
Online therapy is not meant for people who are in high need. Since online therapist is distant from the client, it is difficult to respond quickly and effectively when a crisis happens. That’s why I screen my online therapy clients very carefully.
For people who are not in high risk situations, online therapy can be as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy. I include several studies here for your further reading:
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that online treatment was just as effective as face-to-face treatment for depression.
A 2018 study published in the Journal of Psychological Disorders found that online cognitive behavioral therapy is, "effective, acceptable and practical health care." The study found the online cognitive behavioral therapy was equally as effective as face-to-face treatment for major depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
A 2014 study published in Behavior Research and Therapy found that online cognitive behavioral therapy was effective in treating anxiety disorders. Treatment was cost-effective and the positive improvements were sustained at the one-year follow-up.
What to Think Carefully About Before Doing Online Therapy?
Is this the right tool for me?
Again, online therapy isn't meant for people with certain problems or conditions, such as suicidal intent, psychosis, severe trauma, etc. Without being able to interact face-to-face, therapist may miss out on body language and other cues that can help with the treatment. So if you are a body-centered person, online therapy may not be right for you.
A responsible online therapist will take at least 1-3 assessment sessions with you, to understand what’s your current situation and your goal, and then decide whether or not you are a good fit for the online sessions.
Is the platform/app/website secure and stable?
Your confidential information should be protected at any time. The online therapist should use a secure and HIPAA-compliant platform/app/site to meet/chat with you.
Make sure you have a good internet/phone signal before the session starts. If it is a video session, please prop up the device so that it is stable and that the camera is about level with your eyes. Dropped calls, frozen videos, and unstable audios can be barriers in the treatment.
Is the therapist licensed in the state I live?
It is very sad to say, but some people who advertise themselves as online therapists might not be licensed mental health treatment providers. You still need to verify the therapist’s license, make sure they are legal to provide services in the state you live.
For example, I am a CA licensed therapist, so I can provide treatment for people who are physically in the state of California. I am not eligible to provide services for people who are in Arizona or New York.
Dora Dui Chen, LCSW, Anxiety & Trauma Therapist
Dora is a bilingual/bi-cultural (Mandarin Chinese) psychotherapist offering therapy services to individuals and families in California. She specializes in supporting clients manage life stress and worry, heal emotional wounds, and find their true selves. Learn more about Dora’s online therapy services here.