Online therapy (also referred to as Internet therapy, distance therapy, cyber therapy or e-therapy) is used to describe the variety of ways a professional counselor or psychotherapist can communicate with you over the Internet or telephone. It may consist of emotional support, mental health advice or the same professional services clients receive in face-to-face therapy. It could be as brief as one question, or an ongoing conversation. It may take the form of e-mail, chat, video or even Internet phone (voice-over-IP).
Online therapy is not the same as traditional face-to-face psychotherapy. There are some people it will not work as well for. However, there is mounting evidence that it is very effective for some. An Australian researcher, Gavin Andrews, recently published a study that indicates that Internet-based therapies are as successful as face-to-face treatments at combating depression. Many more people need therapy than those who are already receiving it. In 2005, NPR reported that barely a third of Americans with mental illness get proper treatment. For many the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment still gets in the way, or trust issues make it difficult to sit with someone in person while revealing personal information. Online therapy can also feel safer or like a good first step for those who feel overwhelmed at the prospect of seeking help and the trust risks involved. For example, many sexual abuse survivors report that they feel too frightened to see a therapist in person, at least in the initial stages of their healing. It may be much less frightening for them to receive therapy online from the safety and familiarity of their own home.
In considering the possibility of Online Therapy it is important to consider the potential benefits and areas of concern. The following lists are not all inclusive but hopefully give you a starting point.
When might Online Therapy be a good choice for you?
Kathleen Young, Psy.D.
