When it comes to therapy, we often assume that the therapist must be present in person and sit across from us. However, nowadays, with modern technology such as Skype, online therapy websites have become a popular option for people seeking help.
The Main Goal Of Online Therapy And In-Person Therapy
The main goal of both in-person and online therapy is to help facilitate positive changes in the life of the person seeking counseling. Therapy can help people who suffer from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, anger, stress, addiction, and many others.
Therapy does not directly remove or heal a person’s mental illness; it helps them cope with the effects that their mental illness may have on their daily life. Therapy can help people better understand their disorder, how it affects them personally, and ways they can improve their thought patterns to reduce its effect on their daily lives.
Many people suffering from a mental illness often have difficulty finding employment or maintaining relationships due to the fact that there are common stigmas surrounding mental illness. With therapy, patients can work past the difficulties they face because of their disorder and become happier in all areas of their life.
The Difference Between Online Therapy And In-Person Therapy
Here are the main differences between in-person therapy and online therapy.
1. Location
One of the main differences between online therapy and in-person therapy is where you receive counseling. With in-person therapy, you will usually see your therapist at their office space located within a clinic or office setting. With online therapy, your sessions take place through chat platforms such as Skype or Google Hangouts.
2. Cost And Payment
The price of online therapy is often much lower than that of in-person counseling, due to the fact that there are no overhead costs for your counselor. With in-person therapy, you’re paying for rent on their office space as well as all other bills they have to pay because of running a business. With online therapy, you’re only paying for your own internet connection and any fees associated with the payment platform you use.
3. Flexibility And Availability
Since online therapy is done through a chat platform, it can be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection and a computer or laptop. This means that therapists that practice online counseling are usually available at all hours of the day and night, including weekends and holidays.
In-person therapy sessions are typically scheduled at a time that is most convenient for the client and their therapist. However, some therapists who practice in person may only be available during business hours on weekdays. This can make it difficult for busy professionals or those with full schedules to attend therapy on a regular basis.
4. Length Of Session And Frequency Of Sessions
The length of the sessions and the frequency of therapy is also different between online therapy and traditional in-person therapy. With online therapy, it’s common for each session to last anywhere from 30 minutes up to an hour or more. This can vary based on your specific needs as well as the payment plan you choose. With in-person therapy, sessions are usually an hour-long but can be up to 90 minutes long.
5. Privacy And Anonymity
The privacy of each client varies depending on their specific therapist’s policy. However, there are some online therapists who do not record any of your personal information because all communication with your therapist is done through internet chat. With online therapy, you are not required to give any personal information when scheduling sessions or when discussing payment methods. This can be helpful for people who are in abusive relationships or who fear any possible negative consequences of their abuser finding out they’re seeking counseling.
Conclusion
While both online and in-person therapy offers many of the same benefits, there are also some differences that separate one from the other. No matter which type of therapy you choose to participate in, it is important for you to feel comfortable with your counselor and confident that your privacy will be respected throughout therapy. Therapy can be an extremely beneficial treatment, regardless of which type you decide to pursue.