E-Therapy: Is It Right For You?

 

E-therapy, whether through telephone, e-mail, video or chat therapy, is not the same experience as face-to-face therapy but rather a unique experience of its own that may be helpful for some individuals and not to others.

In addition, e-therapy is still relatively new, therefore only a small body of research exists to support its effectiveness. This does not mean that e- therapy is ineffective but rather that it should be considered experimental at this stage of its development.

However, e-therapy can be effective and helpful for the right person in the right circumstances. Please read the following pros and cons to see if e- therapy might be right for you.

POSSIBLE ADVANTAGES OF E-THERAPY ARE:

1.       You can engage in therapy even if you are homebound or live in a remote area.

2.       You can send emails at anytime of the day or night.

3.       You will have an automatic written record of the therapy.

4.       You can read the therapist's responses as often as is helpful to you.

5.       You can take as much time as needed to compose your emails.

6.       You can choose a single consultation or ongoing therapy.

7.       You do not have to travel to a therapist's office or mental health clinic.

8.       It's possible to engage in therapy from home, work, or even while traveling.

9.       E-therapy is generally more affordable than face-to-face therapy.

10.   E-therapy can be less intimidating with no stigma attached.

POSSIBLE DISADVANTAGES OF ONLINE THERAPY ARE:

1.       The lack of body language and verbal (spoken) cues;

2.       The possibility of misunderstandings due to text-based communications;

3.       Problems associated with technology failures (i.e., power outages, crashes);

4.       Risks to confidentiality due to technology (i.e. hackers);

5.       Potential difficulties in verifying the identity of either party;

6.       Problems in helping a suicidal or homicidal client;

7.       The requirement of being comfortable with computers and keyboards;

8.       The fact that insurance companies generally will not pay for E-therapy.

YOU SHOULD NOT CONSIDER ONLINE THERAPY IF:

ALTERNATIVES TO ONLINE THERAPY:

1.       Face-to-face therapy or counseling from a mental health professional;

2.       Finding a support group in the community;

3.       Using family or friends as supports;

4.       Reading self-help books.

If you think online therapy might be right for you, then click on the link below.

Schedule Online

Request a therapy appointment online here.