If you are thinking of doing online therapy, it is because you want to take advantage of new technologies. It will be a good idea only when you know and value the advantages and disadvantages of online therapy and think if it really is a good option for you or not.

Advantages of online therapy

1. Ideal if you live in a rural area

If you live far from more crowded places, you may have less possibility of being able to access a psychologist’s clinic. In this case, online therapy is a good way to get the treatment you need, taking into account that you could not have it otherwise.

2. Accessibility to people with physical limitations

Online therapy is also good for people with physical limitations who cannot leave their home, can be treated by a professional. Although home therapy is also an option, it can be considerably more expensive.

People who are unable to leave their home for various reasons, such as physical or mental illness, may find online therapy a useful alternative to traditional psychotherapy settings.

3. It is more affordable

Online therapy is more affordable than therapy in a clinic. You will receive the sessions from the comfort of your home and in addition, it is also more comfortable because you can organize the sessions taking into account the hours that best suit you and fit with those of the professional. Even if you have contracted private health insurance, you can find out if the psychologists who enter your policy have an online care offer.

4. Educational tool

Online therapy can be a tool to help people learn more about mental health. Even if you think your mental health is strong, online therapy can help you become even stronger psychologically. You can learn more about health behavior and have good coping strategies that will help you have better psychological health.

Disadvantages of online therapy

1. Concerns about confidentiality or privacy

Maintaining the privacy of your personal information is a major concern in psychotherapy and online therapy can be complex. Confidentiality is very important in online therapy, just like any other form of treatment management.

2. Online therapists cannot respond to crisis situations

Since online therapists are far from the client, it is difficult to respond quickly and effectively when a moment of crisis occurs. If a client experiences suicidal thoughts or has suffered a personal tragedy, it may be difficult or even impossible for the therapist to provide direct assistance.

3. Not appropriate for people with serious psychiatric illness

Online therapy can be useful for a variety of situations, but not when it comes to more serious psychiatric illnesses that require direct and close treatment. It is also not appropriate for people with complicated problems. The scope of therapy tends to be limited, so it is rarely effective in more complex situations.

4. Online therapy may lack relevant information

In many cases online therapists cannot see the facial expressions, hear the voice or see the body language of their client. These cues can often be quite revealing and give the therapist a clearer picture of feelings, thoughts, moods, and behaviors. Although a video call can give a little more information, it will never be the same as face-to-face interaction.

5. Are you really the professional you say you are?

It is important that a person who is going to pay for the services of a professional can make sure that they really are a good professional and the person who speaks. Unfortunately identity theft and scams are the order of the day and it is necessary to make sure who is really treating you is who they say they are.