Whether we refer to it as “online therapy”; “e-therapy”; “teletherapy”; or, “telehealth”, this mode of delivering therapy has surged recently due to the health restrictions imposed by the pandemic of 2019+. I note that the terms “online therapy” and “e-therapy” don’t include telephone therapy that has been in use for decades. So, I prefer the term “Online therapy” because it includes both therapy via computer and via telephone. Further, it distinguishes the service from confusion with being solely therapy under the varying conditions of the Medicare term “telehealth”.
Whilst there is a minority who argue against it, the uptake of online therapy by health professionals has been enormous. The use varies by the type of allied health service. For example, 75% of physiotherapists make use of it. For psychologists and mental health professionals, the uptake has been 95%.
Health professionals have stated their preference for online therapy. They report enjoying working from home; not spending/wasting time travelling to work; saving on parking fees or public transport fees; and, being more focused and effective. Many also state that their clients actually prefer online therapy sessions. Psychologists report that clients experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder say they feel safer undertaking online therapy in their own homes.
A distinct advantage of online therapy for psychologists is that it offers the ability to vastly extend the geographical reach of their practice. No longer are clients limited either to undertaking therapy in their local area or driving great distances and often having difficulty finding accessible car parking to attend therapy. They may now contact any psychologist in the nation (allowing for time zone differences). Clients who re-locate considerable distance from the area in which they were consulting a therapist may now continue their therapy from their new location.
Online therapy offers a flexibility for clients who find it difficult or impossible to access a clinic. One health professional commented that online therapy “has proven to have the same positive impact and benefits as in-person therapy. It is more flexible around client schedules and commitments and clients are able to access their therapy from any location.” Research has backed this opinion.
Online therapy is a very convenient way for clients to receive therapy, particularly in relation to no travel time for people who work; parents unable to find babysitters; more convenience and comfort for the disabled or chronically ill; couples being able to connect from different locations for couples therapy; and, generally speaking it is just far more convenient in the busy world we live in.
Online therapy is obviously very helpful. Whether it be for a client who doesn’t have a car and has to travel a long distance; a parent with a sick child who cannot leave the house; or, someone who uses their long lunch break to have an appointment in their private office.