Advantages and Disadvantage of Online Therapy

Online Therapy As A Learning Tool

Because the majority of online therapy sites provide additional exercises, coping strategies, and updated advancements and articles from the field's experts, you can continue to educate yourself while receiving treatment. In fact, many people continue to access these services even after they've ceased counseling, in an ongoing commitment to maintaining their health and well-being. Online Therapy Gives You More Choice Insurance providers are notoriously finicky about which providers and services they will cover, which can in turn drastically restrict one's options to receive mental health therapy from a professional therapist. If your insurance provider only covers a select few in your immediate area, you may find the online therapy model more liberating. Online therapy allows users to choose from an extensive list of verified professionals from around the country (and even wider globe), as well as read their credentials, personal philosophies, and reviews from other clients.

What Are The Disadvantages of Online Therapy?

Insurance & Legalities

Paying even the minimum out of pocket on a regular basis can quickly add up for those seeking therapy services, and depending on your insurance provider, online therapy may not be a feasible option. Furthermore, your state may have strict laws prohibiting mental healthcare professionals from practicing or even communicating out-of-state. New York attorney and former behavioral consultant Jason S. Zack warns both mental health practitioners and prospective clients alike in the 2010 premier issue of TILT Magazine that "even if online counseling is conducted in a manner that is perfectly legal (or not enforced by the governing body), there may still be legal consequences in the form of civil lawsuits based on contractual disputes, fraud, negligence, etc."