There are a lot of reasons that people might want to seek out a therapist or counseling. You may want to address some problems in your past, address some personal issues, work on personal growth, or get some guidance on particular situations. Regardless of why you feel you need counseling, there are a lot of great reasons that people turn to telehealth counseling for these and more problems.
Convenience
Telehealth online counseling is convenient in more ways than one. If you work full time, you likely have difficulty making appointments with traditional therapists because they work during regular business hours only. However, many telehealth online counseling services are available in the evenings and on weekends, making it much easier to get the help you need without interfering with other obligations.
Telehealth can also be convenient if you are physically ill or have a disability that makes it difficult for you to leave your home on a frequent basis. Telehealth allows you to participate in counseling from literally anywhere, including the comfort of your own home. Often all you need is a smartphone, tablet, or laptop connected to data or the internet.
Accessibility
Unfortunately, there is not a plethora of counselors and therapists available, especially if you do not live in a large city. It can be difficult to find a therapist or counselor in your area that you do not already have a personal relationship with, or a social connection. This can make it very difficult to get the confidential help that you need.
Telehealth allows you to participate in online counseling with therapists in different towns in the area. Most therapists and counselors are licensed by state, which means that you can visit with any therapist or counselor in your state through telehealth and get the help you need, without traveling time and expenses.
Affordability
Many counselors and therapists are extremely expensive, charging between $75 and $300 per session. However, the telehealth options for online counseling are often much less expensive. While it is true that telehealth is not always covered by insurance, this is not a big consideration for many people. While the ACA requires all insurance to cover mental health, most mental health practitioners still do not accept insurance. If most of the counselors in your area do not accept insurance, telehealth can be an affordable alternative.
Short Term Therapy
Many in-person therapists prefer to work with clients on an ongoing basis. However, there may be times in your life when you really just need some advice or guidance for a particular situation. When this happens, one session or just a few sessions can be extremely helpful. Most telehealth counselors are open to this type of short-term access to therapy.
In fact, they greatly support this type of therapy, as it is often preventative in nature and can help you avoid more distressing mental health and emotional problems in the future. If you are experiencing any situation in life that is causing you distress or uncertainty, telehealth online counseling could be your answer.
Marie Miguel Biography
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.