Online Therapy: How Does It Work?

Therapy When and Where You Need It

Online therapy, also known as telehealth, e-therapy, or cyber-counseling, is when patients receive mental health services via the internet. These types of therapy services may be offered through email, text messaging, video conferencing, online chat, messaging, or internet phone. 

Telehealth therapy is a popular treatment option among patients. According to a survey conducted by Zocdoc, 87% of mental health-related appointments are virtual. Of those surveyed, 60% reported quick and easy access to care providers as the main reason for online therapy; 56% cited not having to adjust other responsibilities, such as work, to travel to in-person sessions; and 31% reported access to care providers who are located far away. 

Like in-person therapy sessions, online therapy has rules and ethics determined by the American Psychological Association (APA). These standards include: 

• Having a sufficient understanding of technology
• Working within their Scope of Practice
• Seeking out training, knowledge, and supervision
• Adhering to relevant laws and regulations

Just as in-person therapy can help with various health conditions, so can online therapy. In fact, telehealth therapy can effectively treat the following: 

• Addiction
• Anger management
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Interpersonal relationship conflict 

Studies show that one in five American adults has a mental health condition. Online therapy provides access to mental health providers any time of the night or day. If you or a loved one struggles with an addiction or co-occurring disorder, consider online therapy to learn healthy and effective coping methods. 

To discover how the mental and behavioral health care programs can help patients at You Behavioral Health via our online platform, give us a call at (855) 206-2268 to get started.

What to Expect When Starting Online Therapy

If you’re ready to take that next step of recovery and seek therapy treatment, it helps to know what to expect. While your first therapy session may feel uncomfortable and awkward, it will get easier as you go through treatment. Luckily, your therapist or counselor will guide the conversation to learn more about you, how you cope, and your symptoms. 

Keep in mind that it’s essential to be honest in these therapy sessions. After all, your therapist can only help you if you’re fully transparent with what’s going on with you. Plus, counselors aren’t there to judge you – they help you improve your mental health. 

Before your first online therapy session, consider these things: 

• The current challenges you’re facing that you’d like to unpack 
• Recent changes in your life
• Things you’ve already tried to feel better
• Observations that loved ones have made about you
• Information about your personal background
• How long you’ve been experiencing these difficulties

Now that you have those topics front of mind, here’s what you can expect from your first telehealth appointment: 

• Sign consent forms, privacy, and confidentiality, fees, and discuss payment
• Get to know each other
• Answer questions about you and your life

Mental health therapy is a gradual process of learning, overcoming adversity, and setting and achieving goals, all to enhance your overall well-being. Ensure you have realistic expectations of what you’re getting out of your first session. Often, the first session is just the beginning of a long and rewarding mental health journey. 

These are some therapy do’s to keep in mind: 

• Be kind to yourself
• Be honest
• Be willing to engage in self-reflection
• Close your session with a plan
• Give your therapist a few tries 

These are therapy don’ts to avoid: 

• Put up a wall
• Ask personal questions about your therapist
• Lie
• Drop a bomb on your way out the door
• Stick with a therapist you don’t feel comfortable with
• Sabotage yourself with unrealistic expectations

Benefits of Online Therapy

Online therapy and mental health services have many benefits. These are just a few: 

• Enhanced accessibility to care providers: in-person therapy can have many physical barriers to getting there. Thanks to technology, you can benefit from therapy services no matter where you are
• More convenient care option: e-therapy makes it possible for you to schedule sessions around your schedule, so you don’t have to take off work or miss family obligations 
• Affordable care option: many insurance companies include telehealth services for mental health in their coverage plans. Contact your insurance company to learn more about your options and ask if online therapy could be an option for you.
• Private and confidential treatment: with online therapy, you don’t have to worry about the possibility of running into someone you know at the therapist’s office.

Studies show that online therapy is equally as effective as traditional face-to-face counseling. In fact, one study showed that when combined with clinical care, online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can effectively treat depression, anxiety, and illness-related emotional distress. 

Some research even supports that e-therapy is more effective than face-to-face. A review of 17 studies found that online CBT was more effective than in-person at reducing the severity of depression symptoms. According to an article published in the “World Journal of Psychiatry,” patients who received online therapy reported “high levels of satisfaction” in their treatment. 

While online therapy has many benefits, there may be better choices for some. Consult a medical professional about whether e-therapy is a good option for you. 

How to Find an Online Therapist

Finding a therapist that you connect with can be challenging. However, working with someone you trust and respect is worth it. Here are steps to help you find the best online therapist for you: 

• Set your goals for therapy 
• Understand your insurance coverage and resources
• Research potential therapists
• Interview potential therapists
• Schedule your first session

Additional things to consider when choosing an online therapist is what kind of therapy you want to explore. For example, is CBT the right approach for you? Or would you benefit from dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), or psychodynamic therapy? Other options include finding a therapist through a treatment center, such as You Behavioral Health. 

You Behavioral Health’s Online Therapy Services

Through You Behavioral Health, you’ll go through a mental health assessment to help determine how to build your custom treatment plan. Then, the healing process begins. At You Behavioral Health, you can receive treatment on the go and save time and money in the process. You Behavioral Health treats a variety of health conditions, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Co-occurring disorders

At You Behavioral Health, patients can receive various therapy treatments, such as CBT, DBT, trauma-informed therapy, family therapy, and more. Plus, You Behavioral Health takes a holistic approach to healing. Therefore the care providers at this treatment center focus on your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. 

Plus, You Behavioral Health accepts most major insurance companies. Contact your insurance company to find out more about what your insurance plan covers and ask about mental health services. Get in touch with You Behavioral Health by calling (855) 206-2268 to learn about comprehensive virtual mental health treatment options.