Though things may slowly be starting to return to normal (or a “new normal”), there is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted so many lives in different ways. 

For months, terms like “social distancing” and quarantine were the norm. Even now, not every establishment is fully open. Unfortunately, that left a big gap in mental health treatment options. 

What’s worse is that it’s predicted that the mental health community will be in greater demand in the aftermath of COVID-19. People have been experiencing more fear, loneliness, isolation, and anxiety than before. That, combined with fewer facilities being open, could be extremely problematic for some people. 

Thankfully, there has been a great rise in online treatment throughout the course of this pandemic. If you’ve considered telehealth options before, now is the perfect time to get started. 

What is Online Treatment? 

Online treatment, also known as telehealth or teletherapy, has become somewhat of a norm throughout this pandemic. It was on the rise before, thanks to advancements in technology. Now, however, it has become a resource for people who may not otherwise be able to get the mental health care they need. 

Online treatment consists of meeting with a therapist or counselor over a virtual medium. Typically, it consists of a video chat that mimics a standard therapy session. But, instead of coming into a therapist’s office, you can do it from the comfort of your own home – or anywhere!

What Are the Benefits? 

So, why might you respond best to online treatment? First, it offers accessible mental health care for everyone. 

Maybe you’ve considered therapy before. But, if you live in a rural community or there aren’t any mental health services nearby, you haven’t been able to get the care you want. Most people don’t want to drive an hour each way just to attend a therapy session each week. 

Teletherapy allows you to meet with a mental health professional anywhere in the world from your own home. So, whether you live far from a therapist or you have mobility issues or other health concerns that prevent you from getting out much, it’s a great option. 

Additionally, online treatment can make you feel more comfortable. 

Some people have a hard time opening up and showing vulnerability during a therapy session. When you’re in your home or another familiar place, you might be more willing to share things. You might wonder if talking to a therapist through a computer screen is as effective, but most respondents say that it is. You are still “face-to-face” with the therapist, so after a while, it’s easy to ignore that you’re both on a screen. 

Finally, you might respond best to online treatment because it is flexible. When you feel like you’re on a tight schedule or a time crunch, you might not get the most out of a standard therapy session. 

One of the great things about online treatment is that you can schedule it to fit around your needs. Some therapists even work from home, so they can set up your session after traditional business hours if that’s what works for you. 

Finding Help With Online Therapy

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a variety of issues, but it doesn’t mean you need to compromise your mental health state. Whether you’re struggling to deal with the impact of the pandemic or you’ve been considering therapy for a while, there is no better time than now to give online treatment a try. 

If you’re interested in learning more about online treatment and how it can work for you, feel free to contact me for more information or to set up an appointment.