Life today can feel like a constant barrage of emails and meetings. Things like social media updates add more pressure to it. It’s no wonder that nearly 40 million American adults alone experience anxiety disorders in a given year.
The global numbers are much higher, making it more necessary to keep up with the changes. Prioritizing mental health often gets pushed to the back burner, taking a toll on our mental well-being.
If we think about traditional therapy sessions, they often come with scheduling conflicts and long commutes. That’s just adding extra stress to a plate that’s already full.
But what if there was a way to get the help you need without sacrificing precious time or convenience?
That’s where online therapy apps come into play.
What are Online Therapy Platforms?
The platforms for online therapy offer a safe and secure space to reach out to licensed therapists. That’s all possible in terms of comfort and privacy. You can get this help even if you’re on your own couch (or anywhere with the internet).
Understanding online therapy communication might be easy, but finding the right options for it is challenging. Let’s look at the various methods offered by therapy apps and their potential benefits.
By the end of this article, you will have answers to “Can I text my therapist?” or “Is video therapy really effective?”.
What is Online Therapy? Understanding Methods and Benefits
Online therapy uses technology to deliver mental health services remotely. While this seems like just another treatment option, its true benefits are versatile. With online therapies, therapists use secure video conferencing platforms to provide their services.
These may include text messaging features or even chatbots. These elements are tools to provide therapy sessions to clients within their homes. The induction phase of mental health treatment is generally the toughest.
There’s an unnecessary stigma connected to mental health treatment, and online therapy mitigates it. Opting for online therapy via different methods offers a multitude of benefits, let’s discuss.
Convenience
Let’s be honest, going back and forth for your mental health sessions is tiring. Fortunately, online therapy eliminates the need to travel, fitting therapy sessions into your busy schedule. It’s the perfect solution for you if you’re a professional that needs assistance.
You can schedule appointments during your lunch break or even after work, without moving from your couch.
Moreover, A study by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that 74% of therapists reported that online therapy allows for more flexible scheduling, compared to traditional in-person sessions.
Accessibility
Mental health issues are a global problem, but not everyone has access to a solution. People who are in remote areas face trouble seeking consultations from the right professionals because of their location.
However, online platforms extend mental healthcare to those who may have difficulty accessing traditional therapy. This challenge may be because of:
- Location
- Transportation limitations
- Mobility issues
Similarly, even those living in rural areas can now easily connect with therapists. Even if you’re someone with limited childcare options, online therapy can help.
A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Psychiatry found that online therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals in underserved areas with limited access to mental health professionals.
Reduced Stigma
People often overlook the inherent impersonal nature of online communication. It’s not like your everyday doctor’s sessions and can be helpful for individuals hesitant to seek in-person therapy.
While these individuals struggle due to the stigma associated with mental health, it is a valid concern. A 2018 study in the Journal of Mental Health found that online therapy can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health services. This can also help with encouraging more people to seek help from experts when they are in need of it.
Wider Range of Options
People are often limited in the experts they can seek with traditional therapy. However, online platforms resolve this issue. They can often connect you with a broader pool of therapists. This applies to the ones specializing in various areas, helping you find the perfect fit for your needs. With the help of online therapy options, searching for therapists becomes easier. You can look for professionals with specific expertise in:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship issues
- Other concern(s) you might be facing.
Communication Options in Therapy Apps: Know the Right One
Communication methods offered by therapy apps have increased over the years because everyone has a different need. These options cater to various preferences and needs because that’s how therapy is supposed to be. It can help with ensuring they find a format suitable and effective for them. Here’s a breakdown of the most common communication methods to choose from:
Text Therapy
This method allows you to communicate with your therapist asynchronously through text messages. You can exchange messages at your own pace, offering greater flexibility for individuals with busy schedules or those who find it easier to express themselves through writing.
Studies have shown that text therapy can be just as effective as traditional therapy sessions for various mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.
However, it might not be suitable for everyone. For instance, if you’re seeking real-time interaction and non-verbal cues, this might not be best for you. It will impact therapeutic progress, so choose wisely.
Video Therapy
Similar to traditional therapy sessions, video therapy allows individuals to interact with the therapist in real time. The best part is that this communication is done through a secure video conferencing platform.
With this kind of therapy online, you can create a much stronger connection. It is possible mainly because it facilitates non-verbal communication. This communication is essential for building rapport and therapeutic progress.
Phone Therapy
Some platforms, such as Helply also offer phone therapy sessions. These are somewhat like the traditional phone call format with your therapist.
This is more of a suitable option for individuals uncomfortable with video conferencing. This can also help you if you have limited internet access.
Chatbots
With the changes in technology, we have certain apps that have chatbots powered by AI. These chatbots are great for providing basic mental health support and self-guided exercises. The best part, since it’s a chatbot, your information is safe.
It can also help connect users with human therapists, once they are ready for it. It’s true these bots may not be able to replace therapy sessions, but they can be a helpful resource.
For instance, they can be great for initial screenings, boosting the process. Moreover, they can help with identifying areas of concern and providing psychoeducational.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| Text | Flexible, writing-friendly | Limited interaction, no body language |
| Video | Real-time, non-verbal cues | Internet needed, can feel overwhelming |
| Phone | Familiar format, private | No visuals, less personal than video |
| Chatbot | 24/7 support, resources | Not therapy, limited personalization |
The service and professionals you choose for your mental health services are important, regardless of the method that works for you. We recommend reaching out to the professionals at Helply and discussing your concerns with them.
They can help you pick the best-suited option based on your needs and preferences. Even if you’re looking for information only, their experts have you covered.