Maximizing The Benefits Of Online Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated March 23, 2024by Regain Editorial Team

In an increasingly digital world, mental health care has found a new home online.

As of 2021, more than 41.7 million Americans sought mental health services, and a growing portion of this demographic utilized online therapy platforms to do so. This figure is expected to rise as more people become comfortable with digital platforms and recognize their benefits.

The shift to digital technology is revolutionizing how we approach mental health, bringing help directly into the comfort of people's homes, transcending geographical limitations, and offering an often more available and flexible alternative to traditional in-person therapy.

This comprehensive guide will explore the foundations of online therapy, its advantages, and potential limitations, and provide practical tips on maximizing its benefits. As we dive into the specifics of online therapy, you'll come away with a deeper understanding of the digital landscape and newfound confidence to make informed decisions about how best to use it for your mental well-being.

Keep in mind that the journey toward mental health is a deeply personal one, and this guide serves as a reference to help you along the way. To achieve the best results, it's important to consider your preferences and circumstances when exploring therapy options.

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Understanding online therapy

Online therapy, also known as e-therapy or teletherapy, is a mental health treatment you can do virtually. Online therapy involves speaking with a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, over an online platform. Online therapy often utilizes talk therapy, the most commonly used approach in mental health treatment, as well as innovative tools and applications.

The history of online therapy dates back to the mid-1990s when technology and mental health intersected to create a more affordable form of care. Through advances in communication and digital technology, online therapy has grown in popularity and become more widely accepted due to its convenience and flexibility.

The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the rise of online therapy, as many traditional mental health services were suspended or reorganized into virtual platforms. This shift created a greater demand for virtual care options, allowing people with limited reach to mental health treatment to seek help from the comfort and safety of their own homes.

Online therapy can take many forms, including the following:

  • Text-based therapy: Text-based therapy typically involves exchanging messages with a mental health professional through an online platform. This type of therapy can be conducted asynchronously, meaning that the conversation doesn't happen in real-time or synchronously, which is when both parties exchange messages simultaneously. 
  • Video therapy: Video therapy is a form of online therapy that uses video conferencing technology to connect with your therapist. This type of therapy allows you to have face-to-face conversations with your mental health professional, giving it more of an in-person feel.
  • Phone therapy: Phone therapy involves talking to a mental health professional over the phone, either through voice or video calls. This type of therapy may also be used as a supplement to other forms of online therapy, such as text-based or video sessions.

Different platforms offer different levels of support and service, so it's essential to understand your needs and preferences before selecting an online therapy provider. Then, by researching and selecting the right provider for you, you can maximize the potential of online therapy and achieve more beneficial outcomes. 

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The advantages of online therapy

Life can be tough, and sometimes mental health complexities can feel like an uphill climb. With our busy schedules and numerous commitments, finding time to attend in-person therapy sessions can be challenging. That's where online therapy comes in.

Online therapy has risen in popularity in recent years, with numerous advantages that cater to the needs of a growing, diverse population. Here are some of the benefits of online therapy:

Flexibility in scheduling

Our fast-paced lives can make it challenging to carve out time for therapy sessions during conventional office hours. Online therapy offers the flexibility of scheduling appointments at times that work best for you, including evenings and weekends. This adaptability allows you to prioritize your mental health without disrupting your daily routine, making it easier to commit to regular sessions and maintain consistency in your mental health journey.

Overall, online therapy presents an array of advantages that cater to the diverse needs of individuals seeking mental health support. However, for various reasons, some individuals may not respond well to online therapy. For example, those who require more intensive support or those who do not have a reliable internet connection may not find it suitable. 

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5 strategies for maximizing the benefits of online therapy

Despite the many benefits of online therapy, it is important to approach it with realistic expectations. Here are some strategies for making the most out of your online therapy sessions:

1. Understanding your goals

Before beginning any type of therapy, it helps to reflect on what you hope to achieve and identify the issues you would like to address. Making a list of your goals can help keep you focused during your sessions and allow the therapist to better understand your needs.

2. Finding the right therapist for you

It is essential to find a therapist you feel comfortable with to maximize the effectiveness of therapy. By researching different online therapy services and comparing their features, you can determine which platform works best.

3. Exploring different therapy modalities

Online therapy provides a reach to a variety of therapeutic approaches, from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to psychodynamic therapy and more. You may try different modalities to determine the most effective for you.

4. Communicating openly and honestly

Effective communication is often key to making the most out of online therapy. Opening up about your thoughts and feelings in a candid manner can help foster trust between you and your therapist, allowing them to develop an individualized treatment plan that best meets your needs.

5. Developing a healthy routine

Creating a routine that allows you to be mindful of your mental health and prioritize self-care is important for improving your overall well-being. Your routine may include anything from exercise to mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques.

As you navigate your mental health journey, online therapy may be a great option for you to explore. An online therapist can provide the support and guidance needed to help you achieve your goals, with the added benefits of convenience and discretion. By incorporating online therapy into your lifestyle, you can make meaningful progress in managing your mental health.

Randomized clinical trials indicate that Internet interventions may effectively treat depression and anxiety disorders, with some research suggesting that online therapy can be as effective as traditional in-person therapy. Many of the benefits of teletherapy help to increase adherence and reduce dropout rates, which can negatively impact the outcome of therapy.

No matter how you pursue mental health support, try to remember that online therapy only works if you put in the effort. With consistent effort and self-awareness, you may improve the effectiveness of your online therapy sessions and make additional progress toward achieving your therapeutic goals.

Takeaway

As technology continues to evolve, the landscape of online therapy will also continue to transform. Taking the time to assess your needs and explore various options can help you find an online therapist best suited to your needs.

With a clear understanding of your goals, open communication with your therapist, and dedication to self-care, online therapy can effectively support your mental health journey. In addition, utilizing the knowledge and resources available to you can help create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

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Meet Some of Our Therapists

All Therapists Are Licensed & Experienced With 1,000 Hours of Hands-On Experience

Lindsay Burke - Therapist

LMFT, Lifecoach, Burke

Therapists Specialties: Relationship issues & marriage therapy, Family conflicts, Parenting issues, Career difficulties, Pride Counseling

Therapists Years of Experience: 8

Eric Anderson - Therapist

LMFT,CSAT

Therapists Specialties: Addictions, Relationship issues & marriage therapy, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Pride Counseling

Therapists Years of Experience: 7

Lynn Salsbury - Therapist

LCSW,MSW (Licensed and Background-Checked) - Live chat, live video, online chat rooms, unlimited messaging therapy

Therapists Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues & marriage therapy, Self esteem, Depression, Coping with life changes using traditional therapy, Pride Counseling

Therapists Years of Experience: 12

Doctor on-demand coverage that accepts insurance not needed; aka, you don't need health insurance.


Carla Noto-Vencill - Therapist

MA,LMFT - Live chat, phone and video sessions & video conferencing, online chat rooms, unlimited messaging therapy

Therapists Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Parenting issues

Therapists Years of Experience

29

Doctor on demand coverage that accepts insurance not needed.



Gina Found - Therapist

MA,LMFT - Live chat sessions, phone and video sessions & video conferencing

Therapists Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship issues, Depression, Teen Counseling

Therapists Years of Experience

11

Doctor on demand coverage that accepts insurance not needed.



Sam Jenkins - Therapist

MSW,MFA,LCSW - Live chat, live sessions, phone calls, real time chat sessions

Therapists Specialties: LGBT, Intimacy-related issues, Self-esteem, Anxiety, Depression, Teen Counseling, Emotional Support, Peer Support

Years of Experience

25

Doctor on demand coverage that accepts insurance not needed to cover online therapy here.

Experience an easy sign up process with one of the best online therapy services online.


Cynthia Wiedemann

Terry Brewer 

Catherine Wilson - LMHC

Heather Connors - LCSW, PPSC

Joseph Frey - MA, LMFT

Stephen Robinson - MA, LCMHCS, LCAS

Darcy Dobb - LCSW, MHPP

Cheryl Williams - MA

Shannon Caraway - LCSW

Dr. Patrick Casthely - LMHC, MCAP, PHD

Dennis Doke - M.S., LMFT-S, LPC-S

Debra Jenkins - MSW, LCSW-C

Best therapy

Therapy is a personal experience, and not everyone will go into it seeking the same things. But, keeping these things in mind can ensure that you will get the most out of therapy, regardless of your specific goals.

Regain's therapy platform helps address all types of mental health concerns. If you're interested in individual therapy, please reach out to contact@regain.us. For more information about BetterHelp as a company, please find us on:

Pinterest
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If you need a crisis hotline or want to learn more about online therapy, please see below:

RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) - 1-800-656-4673
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255
National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233
NAMI Helpline (National Alliance on Mental Illness) - 1-800-950-6264

For more information on mental health and online therapy, please see:

SAMHSA(Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
SAMHSA Facebook
SAMHSA Twitter
SAMHSA Youtube

Mental Health America
MHA Twitter
MHA Facebook
MHA Instagram
MHA Pinterest
MHA Youtube

WebMD
WebMD Facebook
WebMD Twitter
WebMD Pinterest

NIMH(National Institute of Mental Health)
NIMH Facebook
NIMH YouTube

APA(American Psychiatric Association)
APA Twitter
APA Facebook
APA LinkedIn
APA Instagram

If You're Interested in Learning More Or Want To Learn More, Explore The Further Reading Listed Below of Other Medically-Reviewed Articles on Regain

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How To Choose A Therapist That's Right For You

How To Check If A Therapist Is Licensed To Practice Online Therapy In Your State

Why Should You See A Divorce Therapist?

Family Therapy Online: Is It Right For You And Your Loved Ones?

Couples Therapy Cost: Finding the Right Counseling Therapist to Provide Couples Therapy and Counseling

How Does Therapy Chat Work, And Is It Effective?

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