ONLINE OR FACE TO FACE?
Online therapy, the digital-age version of tele-medicine and counseling services is a more affordable, convenient and a discrete method of receiving therapy. Millions live without access to professional help when they need it. This is particularly so with Substance Misuse help. This does not have to be the case. Today Cyber therapy platforms connect therapists and people suffering from mental health issues such as depression, stress and anxiety. As a result, there are thousands of satisfied customers already using online counseling services. They say that connections made with their therapists online make in-person therapy unnecessary There is now a very similar process developing for Substance Misuse ,Addictive Process and Trauma treatment.
DOES ONLINE THERAPY WORK?
Vast amount of research evidence that says YES it does See the most comprehensive review of these studies here
http://azy.edu.haifa.ac.il/references/internet-assisted-therapy-counseling
Here are just a few
- In the largest study ever done comparing online mental health treatment vs standard, face-to-face treatment, the data showed better outcomes for the online group (symptoms, hospital admissions, etc.). While previously thought that only individualized, “live” interaction could help, the research continues to prove that’s old thinking.
- VA online treatment was proven to be better than in-person treatment.
A University of Zurich study showed online treatment is “as good as, if not better” than face-to-face psychotherapy.
University of Florida uses internet-based program with better results than traditional treatment.
- A 2014study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that online treatment was just as effective as face-to-face treatment for depression
- A 2018 study published in the Journal of Psychological Disorders found that online cognitive behavioral therapy is, "effective, acceptable, and practical health care." The study found the online cognitive behavioral therapy was equally as effective as face-to-face treatment for major depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.A 2014 study published in Behavior Research and Therapy found that online cognitive behavioral therapy was effective in treating anxiety disorders. Treatment was cost-effective and the positive improvements were sustained at the one-year follow-up.
IS ONLINE COMMUNICATION SECURE?
- Video conferencing is encrypted using the 128 bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). AES is the global standard for encrypting data transmission, and is used by the U.S. government, including the military.Therapy sessions are secured by encrypting the video streams. This means that even if someone were able to intercept video from your session - which is very unlikely - they wouldn’t be able to see or hear anything. All information about your treatment ., including your communications with me is also encrypted. I am HIPAA-compliant on the platforms that I use.
THE ADVANTAGES:
- People at distance in remote locations or with transport difficulties can access immediately.
- Be completely anonymous if you want with a "nickname"
- Can engage people who are embarrassed about getting help using their real names.
- Cost less than face-to-face treatment often 50% less
- Convenient appointments for many
- If you’re working full-time, probably very little personal time set aside. you can receive help 24/7, or while you are on the go.
- Online therapy can also include SMS/chat, email and phone therapy options.
- No worries who you might see in the waiting room.
- Its easier for some to reveal private stuff and secrets when online.
- Open up and address issues faster than with inpatient or outpatient groups
- Stigma surrounding therapy reduced .
- Individuals with anxiety are more comfortable online
- Complete privacy and confidentiality
THE DISADVANTAGES
- Online therapy is not appropriate for certain clients eg with suicidal thinking or psychotic breaks.
- One can miss out on body language cues that can help with gauging mental health.
- Technology can be problematic.
- Need to ensure you wont be disturbed or overheard
- Certain conferencing platforms may not keep client information safe.
- A therapeutic relationship can be difficult to build when outside face-to-face contact
- Managing a crisis can be difficult.