Online therapy, also called distance therapy, has been available in some form for a few decades -- originating largely with online therapy chat rooms or forums. Recently, however, it has become a more acceptable alternative to face-to-face therapy. Here’s a look at some of the biggest differences between online and face-to-face therapy.
Suitability
As previous stated, research has shown online therapy to be roughly as effective as face-to-face counseling for most issues. In fact, the anonymity offered through emails, text messages, and instant messaging often allows patients to feel more comfortable discussing intimate secrets than face-to-face sessions (which require patients to announce these problems vocally, on the spur of the moment, with someone looking directly at them). Online counseling chat rooms for addicts, and even online therapy for depression, anxiety, and other concerns can be quite effective -- particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
However, when it comes to more serious psychiatric concerns like certain personality disorders, dissociative identity disorder, or schizophrenia, face-to-face therapy can be better suited for a more accurate diagnosis and stringent counseling. Many of these diagnoses must take careful note of facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language, which may not be passed effectively through an online chat. Furthermore, in instances when the patient is a threat to themselves or those around them, such as suicidal tendencies, seeking face-to-face counseling is important.
Licensing, Ethics, and Privacy
One of the reasons online therapy is so frequently questioned by psychologists is the large potential for ethical violations. When you seek face-to-face counseling, it’s much easier to know the counselor is legitimate and licensed in your state -- you can literally see their credentials on the wall. This assurance is more difficult to come by online, often requiring a call to the state board or the university the therapist claims to have attended.
Some sites are relatively clear in regards to what patients can expect in terms of privacy. Network services can be more secure than an individual’s site. While it can be beneficial to read back through emails and text messages to see what you’ve mentioned or what your counselor has suggested, it’s also much more difficult to keep these conversations private. It’s important to read the paperwork and fine print to know if your online therapist is invested in maintaining your privacy.
Accessibility
Small towns and rural areas often have very limited mental health services. For these less populated places, online therapy sites and apps allow access to a wide variety of counselors and services. This also holds true for individuals with transportation limitations or disabilities that make leaving the house difficult. Even if it’s just a busy schedule that’s preventing a patient from making it into a counseling office, online therapy can minimize such excuses -- it’s important to note that many face-to-face therapists also offer online services.
Additionally, for individuals seeking a second opinion or a specialist that simply isn’t available in the area, online therapy offers a much wider scope for meeting those needs. You don’t have to drive across the country to sit in the counselor’s office.
Cost
The average face-to-face counseling session is about $75-$150, although it may be closer to $200. Some offices work on a sliding scale, allowing access to individuals with a low income or health insurance that doesn’t encompass mental health.
A few health insurance plans do cover online counseling, but the included sites can be extremely limited. Some sites and apps offer a monthly fee, while others charge by the minute for instant or text messaging, phone calls, or video chatting. This can quickly add up to $100-$250 an hour. If you don’t have the money to spend hundreds of dollars a sessions, an email exchange can cost as little as $25 -- although prices on some sites can be over $100.
