Ultimate convenience, ease of access, and increased affordability are just a few of the benefits online counseling offers over traditional therapy.
But even knowing the incredible benefits that online counseling offers patients from around the world, you might wonder if this kind of therapy can benefit you.
While online therapy does have some disadvantages, there are substantially more pros than cons. Here are some common conditions that may benefit from virtual therapy:
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are now one of the most prevalent mental health conditions, and this statistic makes a lot more sense when considering the impacts of the covid19 pandemic.
Beyond that, however, many individuals have been living with anxiety disorders for years prior to the pandemic.
This category of disorders includes social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, claustrophobia, and a few others.
Virtual therapy is worth considering if you are struggling with any of the above. Because anxiety disorders sometimes leave people reluctant to leave the house, remote counseling can be especially beneficial.
Both traditional and virtual therapy can be helpful in treating stress and anxiety through identifying the root cause, encouraging self-discovery, and restoring patient confidence.
Depression
As with anxiety disorders, there are several different types of depression, from major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder to seasonal affective disorder and postpartum depression.
Diagnosis requires evaluation by a mental health practitioner or a physician, and the symptoms need to persist for at least two weeks for a diagnosis to be relevant.
When considering the symptoms of depression, virtual counseling makes sense for patients in need of a diagnosis.
Because consultations are done from home, the potential struggle of preparing for and getting to an appointment can be avoided.
Depressive disorders can also be caused by a hormonal imbalance. It’s important to prioritize exercise, healthy eating habits, and an overall healthy lifestyle in addition to therapy when treating depression.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders include bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and anorexia nervosa.
These disorders are categorized by extreme eating behaviors that typically take root in complex physiological and biological causes that may also include anxiety disorders or depressive disorders.
When it comes to treatment, patients sometimes need more support than routine therapy.
But for those starting their healing journey, virtual therapy may be a good option for receiving an initial diagnosis and recommendations for more involved treatment that may be required.
Substance Use Disorder
Substance abuse has plagued most parts of the globe for several decades, destroying families and ruining lives. And despite its frequency, substance use disorder is a lot more complex than most would assume.
Initially, patients may need to devote themselves to recovery within a rehabilitation center. But after that, it’s common for patients to require the ongoing support of a professional therapist.
Substance use and abuse are often triggered by other mental health disorders like social anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and even complex trauma disorders.
As a result, patients seeking a better life need more support than initial rehabilitation has to offer. Virtual therapy can be a great way for those recovering from substance abuse to have the support they need when they need it.
Phobias
Anxiety disorders may sometimes show themselves in the form of phobias. And it’s no secret that phobias can quickly take control of an individual’s ability to function on a daily basis.
Phobias can range from agoraphobia, preventing patients from leaving their homes, to claustrophobia, the fear of enclosed spaces, and everything in between.
If you are battling with any kind of phobia that’s starting to take over your life, it’s worthwhile to consult an online therapist to get you stated on moving past your fear.
Depending on the type of phobia you’re dealing with, being able to consult with a therapist in the comfort of your own home may be especially comforting.
Online counseling may also be helpful for treating a variety of other personality disorders and mood disorders.
When you find the right therapist, virtual therapy can be just as beneficial as traditional therapy, letting you access mental health treatment from the comfort of your home for just about any reason.
And, of course, online counseling offers additional benefits including ease of access, convenience, and potentially increased affordability.
But, whether you decide to opt for virtual therapy or traditional therapy, it’s essential to find an experienced therapist that you are comfortable with.
Make sure to look over the types of therapy offered, session prices, and patient reviews when making your decision.
Remember, if a therapist isn’t a good fit, there’s no shame in finding another one. When it comes to your mental well-being, making sure you’re comfortable with your therapy is the most important thing you can do.