Virtual therapy is a method for receiving counseling from a mental health professional.
It has many names: telepsychology, online therapy, web therapy, phone therapy, and even text therapy. You can experience virtual therapy through text messaging apps, video chats, phone calls, or email. This mode of therapy has grown in popularity due to social distancing practices mandated during COVID-19. It allows patients to receive professional treatment from the comfort and safety of their homes.
At Dr. Quintal and Associates Counseling Center, each session will feel unique and personal. Our licensed therapists treat our clients in Florida’s Suncoast with integrity and respect. Whether you choose traditional or virtual therapy, our team of mental health professionals will focus on empowering you and improving your mental well-being.
Is Virtual Therapy Effective?
In-office, traditional therapy with psychologists or social workers is a tried-and-true method that has been helping people for a long time. However, studies show that virtual therapy can be just as effective. Some patients find it easier to open up through virtual modes of talking. In addition, online therapists can communicate with patients from anywhere, not just their local area, and they can accommodate people who would otherwise have trouble getting to a therapist’s office due to disability or remoteness.
Both traditional and virtual therapy can help with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, and toxic relationships.
Here are some reasons a virtual session might work for you:
Privacy
Mental health issues are not something that most people feel comfortable discussing with their friends and family. Virtual therapy increases privacy in two ways. First, you can receive treatment anonymously. Second, you don’t have to worry about running into a friend or family member in a therapist’s waiting room.
Better Documentation
Meeting your therapist once a week is an excellent option. However, sometimes later in the week, you may find it difficult to recall everything that you and your therapist discussed. With virtual therapy, you can email or message your therapist between sessions. Written communication allows for either time-delayed or real-time responses and can act as documentation for tracking your progress or monitoring setbacks.
Wide Selection
Virtual therapy widens your selection of therapists and the likelihood of finding a therapist specializing in your mental health issue since you’re not limited to your local community. With online therapy, you can find the right therapist more quickly because you have more to choose from.
Convenience
One of the biggest reasons people prefer virtual therapy is convenience. As long as you have an internet connection, you can access your therapist from anywhere. It reduces obstacles like finding child care or asking for time off work. It saves time and money driving through traffic, fighting public transportation, and sitting in the waiting room. In addition, virtual therapy is an excellent solution for people with conditions that make it difficult to leave the house.
Safety and Comfort
Opening up and making yourself vulnerable can be challenging. Some people find it easier to do with a “confidential stranger” online. Also, most people feel safer coping with complicated feelings from the safety and comfort of their bed, couch, or favorite chair, maybe with a pet in their lap. Many younger adults prefer virtual communication because they feel safer talking to someone on the other side of a screen..
Virtual therapy can be an excellent first step for people struggling with social anxiety.
Economy
In general, virtual therapy is less expensive than face-to-face therapy, especially if you enroll in a weekly or monthly plan that many online services offer. Although health insurance companies have been slow to cover online therapy, an increasing number of insurance companies are starting to cover some virtual therapy providers. Be sure to check with your insurance company.
How Do I Find the Right Therapist?
Before you start virtual therapy, you need to find the right therapist. The distance to the office, the fee, and the gender of the therapist may be relevant factors. However, finding a therapist with whom you can connect takes time. Doing your research by reading reviews, asking questions, and trying out free trial sessions is an essential part of the process.
At Dr. Quintal and Associates in Lakewood Ranch, FL, we have a wide selection of therapists who would love to chat with you.
Our goal is for you to find mental healing. That means we will do anything in our power to connect you to the right therapist. If no one on our team is right for you, we will gladly recommend other licensed professionals.