Benefits of Using online Therapy

Benefits of Using Online Therapy

Jolayne Breedlove

University of Maryland University College

Benefits of Using Online Therapy

        With the growing amount of stressors people experience in their daily lives, many people are seeking out counseling services to help them cope with the added stressors. In the past, one had to make an appointment and go to an office at the designated time to meet with a counselor; however, that is not the case now.  In recent times the use of online therapy has become more and more prominent. The use of online therapy to assess and diagnose patients is an excellent addition to traditional therapy services because it offers more accessibility, anonymity, and affordability.

        The first reason that the use of online therapy would be beneficial to patients is that it is extremely accessible. By using online therapy, many people would be able to seek services that wouldn’t be able to do so in an office setting.  For example, those who are disabled and are not able to easily leave their homes could easily access therapy they need online. There are also those who live in very remote places and do not have the ability to simply drive a few minutes into town for a therapy session.  Online sessions make it much easier and more likely for those who live in rural areas to seek therapy.  

        The second reason that the use of online therapy would be beneficial to patients is that it tends to be much more affordable than actually going to an in person session. The cost for the patient is often less because the therapist does not have to worry about renting an office, travel costs, or any other major overhead costs and can pass the savings onto the patient. A study performed by Bergström, et al, found that Internet based cognitive behavior therapy considerably more cost-effective than group therapy and that it is an effective treatment plan (2010).

        The third reason that the use of online therapy would be beneficial to patients is that it offers a great deal of anonymity.  When one considers that many often choose not to engage in therapy due to the stigma that can sometimes be attached it is easy to see why anonymity would be a huge benefit. When emails or chats are used for therapy sessions, a patient may be more likely to be honest and open with the therapists because he will not worry about being judged by his race, gender, appearance etc. It has been shown that users of MoodGYM, an online therapeutic site, have reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression as a result of using the site (Bell, 2007).  Websites such as this one and others like it give those who may not be comfortable discussing issues they are facing with a real live person the ability to still obtain therapy that will improve their mental health.