Is Online Therapy as Good as Talking Face-to-Face?

Modern technology has enabled the expansion of health services such as psychology by providing access to therapists from the comfort of your own home.

Many clients we speak with are looking for online therapy and recognise the numerous advantages. However, some feel that it may not work for them and feel they would be better seeing a psychologist in-person instead. While personal preference plays a large part in the matter, it does beg the question, is online therapy as effective as face-to-face?

How does it work?

Our online sessions are provided via our high-grade, secure video telehealth platform that is specifically designed for health services and very easy to access. You do not need to download any software. Simply click on a link through our website to connect with your practitioner. Once you make a booking, details on how to log in are emailed to you, including a video that provides helpful instruction.

All you will need is a stable internet connection and a device such as a smartphone, laptop, computer, or tablet.

Why Choose Online Therapy?

The most obvious advantage of choosing online therapy is convenience, however there are numerous benefits! Let’s take a look at a few:

Accessibility

Figures show that only one-third of people who are struggling with their mental health reach out for help. Factors such as travel, time and financial restrictions can limit access to mental health services and cause people to avoid the issue. Whereas seeing a therapist online offers both increased choice and flexibility. The thought of being able to talk to someone from the comfort of their own home can motivate people to take the first step towards seeking help! In addition, for those who struggle to leave their home, or those who live in rural areas where transport is difficult, meeting your psychologist online saves the cost, hassle, and anxiety of traveling.

Stigma

Unfortunately, for many, there is still a stigma attached to mental health illness and this makes some people reluctant to seek help. Many worry that they may be seen walking into a counseling office or worst still, bump into someone they know in the waiting room. These fears are eliminated by seeking online mental health services. Logging in from home for your psychology appointment maintains your privacy.

Simplicity

Some people are not confident with technology and worry about the difficulties that may arise when trying to navigate a digital service. However, our online sessions are very easy to access! You do not need to download any software. All you will need is a device with a camera and microphone such as a smartphone, laptop or tablet. If you are uncertain about your setup, give our call a team and they will organise a time to do a connection test session with you.

Detailed written instructions (along with a video guide) are emailed to you at the time of booking. It is as simple as clicking on a link through our website to connect with your psychologist. What’s more, if you are worried about connecting, many GP clinics are willing to set you up in a room at their practice where you can log in with assistance.

Communicate Freely

Some people find it easier to open up online rather than in-person. And, some people find that they can express themselves more freely by typing their thoughts rather than talking and that is fine too! With our online platform, you can type, talk with or without video and even send files that may be useful.

Diverse Team

With our diverse team of psychologists, we have a therapist on our team who can help provide assistance no matter what your mental health issue or language may be. Furthermore, working online means our psychologists can offer more appointments (as they reduce their travel and costs too) so they are able to work flexible hours such as early mornings, evenings and weekends! It also means we have no waiting list and can offer same day appointments.

Is Online Therapy as Effective?

Studies clearly show that the answer is yes!  More people than ever are turning to online mental health services to get the help that they need in a timely manner.

Despite online therapy being relatively new, studies consistently show that online support can be just as effective.

The proof is in the pudding – so check out the results of these studies:

• Published in the Journal of Affective Disorder, a 2014 study found that online therapy was just as successful at treating depression as an in-person session
• Published in the Journal of Psychological Disorders, a 2018 study observed that online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is effective and acceptable health care that is found to be equally as effective as in-person treatment for anxiety and depression.
• Behaviour Research and Therapy published a 2014 study that showed online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is effective at treating anxiety disorders and positive improvements were sustained even at one-year follow-ups.
  
  

Try a Taster Session

If you are feeling a little hesitant, we offer a 20-minute, no strings attached, taster session for $19 that allows you to try our online service. This brief appointment will give you a feel for how online therapy works and also provides you with the chance to meet your psychologist to see if you connect well together.

In a world where we rely on the internet for almost everything – from watching movies on Netflix to ordering our weekly food shop – why not access support for your mental health online too?