Medical treatment is no more confined to visiting clinics or nursing homes for consultation with psychiatrists. Online therapy, associated with advanced medical technologies and the latest tools, is the newest option available to sort out your mental health challenges. If you are comfortable with the internet, you can avail of the therapy at the click of the button of an app. But, you need to consider the following things before choosing online treatment.
Nomenclature
In general, psychologists refer to this kind of therapy as telepsychology services. Others call it by different names such as Web Therapy, Online Therapy, Cyber-Counseling, or Phone Therapy.
e-Means (Real Time)
- Text Messaging
- Video Conferencing
- Online Chart
- Messaging
- Phone Conversation
Best For
- Couples
- Live Chat Session
- Quick Consultation
- Peer Support
- Teens
- LGBTQ Community
- Free Assessment
- Access to Psychiatrist
Reasons for Adopting Web Therapy!
- Convenience: Compared to the in-person psychotherapy, Web Therapy saves considerable time for being away from your office or workplace. You don’t have to worry about the location or for commuting. Just by logging in to a site, you can be connected with the therapist for getting the necessary guidance.
- Less Expensive: Some online therapy apps come with a weekly or monthly fee for unlimited use. It can be of benefit to you if you don’t like to use health insurance for psychotherapy.
- More Natural Way of Communication: With the advanced mobile technology, the techno-savvy younger adults are better conversant with emails, webinars for text messaging. They find this method particularly suitable when they are parting with their exclusively personal information.
- Inaccessibility Intervened: In some rural regions, the consulting-clinic of a psychologist may be quite far off. Persons with chronic psychic issues may not be able to get immediate medical intervention in the emergent situation.
American Psychological Association (APA) Guidelines!
Besides considering the above positive factors in support of Online Therapy, you should carefully go through the guidelines of APA.
Suitability of the App
There is not enough research to evidence that online therapy suits every kind of psychic patient. Sometimes, fake advertisements may drag you into undue issues. For instance, medical expertise supporting the app may not be appropriately qualified.
Unlicensed Therapists & Products
Every state has accredited authorities who issue licenses to the therapists and products after they are satisfied that they fulfill specific technical and legal criteria. They are duly qualified and trained in their line of profession. Then only, you are assured of evidence-based psychotherapy. Moreover, in the event of any issues, you can have appropriate recourse. Therefore, before you sign up for availing health services, trace back to the persons working with. You can find out the license number of the technical person from the searchable directory of licensed professionals of the state.
Jurisdiction of License
A licensed health service provider can carry on his/her professional activities within the jurisdiction permitted by the state. Your location of the dwelling must fall within the licensed jurisdiction. Since you are relying upon the internet, this earmarking of domain keeps you legally protected. In case of any legal issue, you can get the physical address of the service provider so that you can pursue legal action.
Privacy and Confidentiality of Information
When you consult in-person psychologists, you share your personal feelings, thoughts, emotions, and complicated stories. You will want them to be confidential. Therefore, the app you use should be HIPPA-compliant, and you can verify the identity of your therapist, as well as of yours.
Mode of Payment
Generally, Insurance companies do not reimburse the payment made for online therapy. Therefore, be prepared to bear the expenses yourself. The present trend indicates that more patients and psychologists are resorting to online treatment in conjunction with in-person therapy
Advanced Facilities
It will be worth paying for the app. that can help in tracking your moods or thoughts. Web-conferencing and therapy through telephone facilitate continuity when you are on vacation, or you are not in a physical condition to make a regular session. You can make the best use of text messaging and mobile apps.
By communicating via audio, video, or text messaging, you can have a fast response to any kind of psychological problems and get immediate relief.
