With everything that is happening, is therapy still a possibility?
Absolutely. Many therapists are now offering online therapy.
Social distancing protects our physical health but we also need to take steps to protect our mental and emotional health.
Online therapy, also called teletherapy, is therapy conducted via the internet, video conferencing, phone call, or even texting. It has been shown to be just as effective as in-person counseling.
COVID-19 is a global pandemic and we don’t know what our future holds. This situation may lead to increased levels of fear or anxiety and because of this, now is a great time to utilize online therapy options.
One such option is the Relationship Therapy Center in Roseville, California. Click >HERE< to schedule an appointment.
Who can benefit from online therapy?
Almost all of us.
Online therapy is a great option right now for patients who are already seeing a therapist and want to transition to teletherapy as a way to stay socially isolated while continuing to see a professional.
Online therapy allows you to continue to see your therapist without a disruption in your treatment schedule. The only thing that has to change is that you go from in-person interaction to online sessions.
It’s also a great option for individuals who feel stressed and anxious about the situation we are in. If this is you, consider talking to a therapist.
Social isolation and the fear surrounding Coronavirus: COVID-19 may lead to increased levels of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and/or fear; many people may find that talking to a health professional is needed now more than ever.
What are the benefits of online therapy?
There are many benefits of online therapy, most of which are especially useful as we navigate the spread of COVID-19.
The first benefit is that online therapy allows you to stay at home and see a therapist from the comfort of your own house. A lot of us have been asked to stay at home and shelter-in-place and transitioning to therapy via the internet is a practical solution for social isolation.
Scheduling is flexible. With online therapy, you can easily make an appointment that fits into your schedule.
It’s private. Seeing a therapist online, from the comfort of your own home ensures that no one sees you in a parking lot or elevator you’d prefer not to be seen in. Avoid awkward conversations with friends or colleagues by scheduling an appointment online.
Online therapy also ensures regularly scheduled therapy appointments are not disrupted. Although jobs, schools, events, and other social events have been cancelled, there’s no reason for you to cancel therapy.
What else do you need to know?
Before beginning online therapy, it’s a good idea to do a bit of research. Look at all of your options, ask your friends for a referral or set up a consultation.
Also ask about your therapist’s privacy protection. Make sure they have a secure system to keep your private information, well, private.
Another good thing to know is that every state has different licensing procedures and you should make sure your therapist is legally licensed to offer therapy in your state.
When is online therapy not the best option?
There are a few situations in which online therapy may not be the best choice for you.
If you feel on the brink of breakdown, are extremely depressed, suffering from an eating disorder, or have experienced extreme trauma, consider continuing with in-person therapy.
Although online therapy is a great option for many people, there are some, more extreme situations that require in-person interaction.
To sum up…
With the spread of COVID-19, many of us are likely to experience increased levels of fear, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and/or isolation.
Online therapy is an excellent tool to help both new and existing patients navigate this time.
Being socially isolated does not mean we should neglect our mental health or cease to be connected and now is a great time to seek the help of a professional.
Please don’t neglect your mental health at this time and let us help!