A Thorough Discussion On The Pros And Cons Of Online Depression Counselling

Depression has become a part of our lives, and a large majority of the population suffers from it knowingly or unknowingly.

There are days when you find yourself extremely tired and feel as if you are unable to get up from your bed. Then your mind sinks into a state of gloom as you fail to come to terms with any semblance of normalcy.

However, despite all the problems that depression brings with itself, many people hesitate to go for depression counselling even if they know that is the right thing to do. But, still, the thought of what others might say lingers in mind.

It is here that online counselling can be helpful, and even more so in these times when social distancing has become the norm due to the COVID-19 situation.

But, there are some pros and cons of this type of therapy that you should consider before you decide to go for it.

ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE THERAPY

Let us start off by exploring some of the pros of online depression counselling.

• An excellent option for remote areas

One of the many benefits of counselling for depression online is that it offers mental health information to those living in remote or rural areas. People living in such areas have limited or no access to any other mental health treatment forms because there are no mental health practices in these areas.

People with acute depression might find it extremely difficult to drive long distances and wait for hours to get their therapy. However, if you have access to the internet, you can receive online treatment relatively quickly, which might not have been available otherwise.

• Easily accessible for people with a physical disability

As if depression alone was not enough, people who also have physical disabilities find themselves unable to leave their homes and go to a clinic to seek therapy.

And it is here that online counselling can come to the rescue as it can be something like a lifeline for people with chronic depression who are willing to seek professional help but cannot do so due to their physical disability.

In short, it can be an excellent alternative to traditional modes of psychotherapy settings.

• Convenience and affordability

It is not unusual for people with depression, not to want to leave their homes to go to a clinic and get therapy. But, since online therapy is something that you can receive from your own home’s comfort, that problem could very well be taken care of.

You can even schedule your therapy sessions for times that will be the most convenient for you.

Nowadays, many insurance providers also cover online therapy, just like they would have done in the case of traditional sessions.

Moreover, therapists who only provide online treatment have fewer overhead costs as they do not have to rent an office. Therefore, they can offer affordable treatment options to those without health insurance.

• Treatment also becomes more accessible

How to get counselling for depression without having to face the stigma that still exists in our society? Well, online therapy is just the solution to this question. Although you might find it easier to talk to your friends and family about any physical ailment, you might not feel the same way while discussing your mental health concerns that are equally important.

Online therapy can help overcome the stigma that has been associated with mental health issues.

To sum it up….

If you find that your depression is slowly but steadily getting cured and that your mental well-being is getting strong, sticking with online therapy will only make you psychologically more robust.

What’s more, even if you do not have a case of clinically diagnosed depression, you can still benefit by talking to a professional, which can be an easy way of getting started with your therapy.

DISADVANTAGES OF ONLINE THERAPY

We have already seen online therapy for depression can be beneficial to many people in various ways. However, there are several cons or risks of online therapy over traditional clinical depression psychotherapy at this point in time.

• Insurance companies may not cover it

When it comes to insurance coverage for online therapy, it depends on where you live and the insurance you have. There are some policies that do not cover it, and paying for your psychotherapy services can quickly add up.

• Privacy, confidentiality, and unreliable technology

Everyone likes to keep their information private, especially when it comes to psychotherapy. However, online treatment adds a layer of complexity to it. We must remember that confidentiality is just as important in online therapies as in traditional psychotherapy modes.

And as information in online therapies is transmitted over the internet, privacy leaks and hacks become a major concern. Technological glitches can also make things difficult even more so if you are in the middle of a session you really need.

• Possible lack of response to a crisis

As online therapists are distant from their patients, there can be times when it can be difficult to respond quickly and effectively to a crisis.

Patients with chronic depression having suicidal thoughts or having suffered a personal tragedy are at more risk. It can be difficult or even impossible in certain cases for the therapist to provide direct assistance.

• Not suitable for patients with severe depression

Although online treatment for depression is suitable for various situations, it is not recommended for those who are suffering from severe depression.

However, you can still opt for online therapy, but make sure that you also can access other local and accessible mental health therapies and treatments.

The scope of online therapy can be minimal, and it is usually not helpful in more complex situations.

• Body language gets overlooked

One of the most crucial disadvantages of online chat depression counselling is that in many cases, the therapist cannot properly see your facial expression, vocal signals, and body language, all of which give off crucial signals.

What may seem like minute signals can often tell many things and provide the therapist with a clearer picture of your state of mind and behavior’s. This can only happen in real-life interactions and help your therapist treat you in an intimate and intricate way.

• Legal and ethical concerns

There are no geographical constraints in online therapy, making enforcement of ethical and legal codes very difficult.

It allows therapists to treat patients from anywhere in the world, and as we all know, different countries and states have different licensing requirements and treatment guidelines.

Therefore, make sure you know your therapist’s qualifications and experience before you actually begin to receive treatment from him or her.

Now that you know about the various pros and cons of online depression counselling, we can only hope that you will make an informed decision after going through this blog.

Always remember that whatever choice you make, it should lead you to a happier life.