Is Online Counseling Right For You?

Technology has made it easier for us to encounter troubling situations that may trigger a mental health response, but it has also made it easier for people to access the mental healthcare they need and when they need it. Covid-19 has brought online therapy into the mainstream, and the convenience and security online counseling can provide is encouraging more people than ever before to begin mental health counseling. Is online counseling right for you? Let’s take a moment and go over some of the pros and cons of online therapeutic counseling.

Online counseling makes therapy convenient for many people. Without having to drive to the counselor’s office, you can get the mental healthcare you deserve from anywhere with a stable internet connection. From the comfort of your couch to the hotspot on your phone, online counseling provides the means for people to receive mental health counseling in whatever environment they’re most comfortable in.

With comfort comes security, and online counseling gives people the ability to see their counselor in a safe and secure medium. If you live in a close-knit community, you may not want your neighbors to see you going to counseling or your family to know. Online counseling can provide that security you need to start taking charge of your mental health by giving you the freedom to access counseling services wherever is best for you.

Accessibility is a key reason people choose online mental health counseling. The ability to access online counseling almost anywhere has made it a popular healthcare option for people across the country, young and old. The ease of use of telehealth platforms is designed so that even people who aren’t technology savvy can navigate it to speak to their counselor whenever they need to. However, online counseling does have its limits.

Online counseling is only possible with a stable internet connection. For those in more rural areas, good internet can be hard to come by. For these people, online counseling can be difficult to obtain. Another issue some people have with online counseling is that some feel it lacks the personal connection of a face-to-face appointment with your mental health counselor. The important thing is to understand that we all go about mental health in different ways, and there is no right or wrong way to receive mental health counseling.

Ultimately, deciding if online counseling is right for you is dependent on your unique personal situation. If you’re wondering if online counseling is right for you, reach out to us here at WPA Counseling and let us be your lighthouse that guides you to healthier living.