As more and more of our normal daily lives are moving online through work, remote learning, and socializing, you may be wondering how talk therapy can be done online and whether or not it works. Research shows us that doing therapy virtually through an online video platform with a trained counselor can be just as effective as in-person counseling for a variety of treatment issues. Therapy done online, or teletherapy, with a skilled professional can provide you support with your stress, help you relieve your anxiety, decrease your isolation associated with depression, and process through your grief, among other things.
Surprisingly, there are multiple benefits of doing online therapy. While there has always been a demand and interest in online counseling, right now there is even more need for everyone to limit in-person contact with others and to social distance themselves physically. Online therapy is a great answer to getting your mental health treatment needs met, increasing your motivation to take care of yourself emotionally, and focusing on your own personal struggles and growth during this intense time. Check out our blog How Online Counseling Can Help During COVID-19 for more specific information about what treatment concerns are appropriate for online therapy.
The 8 Benefits of Online Therapy in Colorado:
1) Easy access
There are many rural areas in Colorado that have few if any mental health providers. Online therapy gives you easy access to counselors if you live in a remote area. If you have limited transportation, are unable to leave your home, or are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible (such as during a pandemic), then seeking an online counselor for help with your treatment needs just makes sense.
2) Cheaper
While session rates for online versus in-person therapy are usually the same, you will save money on gas and parking by not leaving your house. Depending on how far away your therapist may be and how often you see your therapist, this small amount of money can add up significantly over the weeks and months.
3) No weather cancellations
Online counseling can be done in any type of weather; snow, rain, or sleet. Because neither you nor your therapist needs to leave home to go into the office, there will be less cancellations due to inclement weather and thus your therapy progress will be uninterrupted. Better progress usually means fewer overall sessions and less cost to you to meet your treatment goals.
4) Can schedule more often
Because you have no commute time, you can schedule appointments as often as you wish (within reason of course!). If you want twice weekly appointments, it will likely be easier to schedule and attend these than if you were to go in-person. Depending on your therapist’s schedule, you may even be able to schedule shorter daily check-ins to help keep you on track with your treatment goals.
5) Better access to specialists
You are not limited by what counselors are located within driving distance from your work or home. Doing online therapy, you now have access to all of the specialists in your treatment area throughout Colorado. If you have a particular treatment need that only a few therapists in the state specialize in, you’ll have better access to these specialists by doing online counseling.
6) Increased comfort
Let’s face it, going to therapy can be uncomfortable. You’re opening up to a counselor and telling him or her your most sacred secrets, and that can be very uncomfortable for most of us. Doing therapy in the comfort of your own home can help make things easier, especially if you can sit on your own bed, or have your dog/cat in your lap while talking. The power of feeling comfortable while discussing difficult topics is not to be underestimated.
7) Quicker intake appointment
Because your schedule is likely more flexible when doing therapy from home, you may experience a shorter wait time between contacting a therapist and your first appointment. Your therapist’s schedule may also be more flexible and he/she may be able to fit in an appointment outside of their normal appointment times.
8) More efficient use of your time
You can schedule a therapy appointment during the day at natural break times in your schedule. Scheduling an online counseling appointment during your lunch break, when a meeting was cancelled, or while your child(ren) are napping is a very efficient use of your time. You are not dependent on someone else being home to watch the kids, or having to account for commute time, and we all want to use what time we have in our days more efficiently.
How to Take Care of your Mental Health Online
As you can see, there are multiple benefits of doing online therapy in Colorado, some that you may never have thought of. If you are thinking about counseling for mental health concerns, heightened anxiety, or just for additional emotional support, online therapy is a convenient, efficient, and effective way to get your treatment needs met.
If you are interested in how the caring and experienced therapists at Catalyss Counseling can provide you with online therapy in Colorado, you can contact us with any questions or schedule directly online with a therapist of your choice. We can help you feel better and support your emotional wellness.
Author Biography
Shannon Heers is a psychotherapist, guest blogger, and owner of Catalyss Counseling in Englewood, CO. Shannon helps adults in professional careers manage anxiety, depression, work-life balance, and grief and loss. Follow Catalyss Counseling on LinkedIn and Facebook.
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