Taking an immense amount of courage, asking for help and seeking therapy can be a scary step. Fortunately, a variety of treatment options are available today, making it easier and more convenient to get help when you need it. Online therapy has become increasingly popular for many reasons, but it can bring up legitimate questions. Maybe you like the idea of getting help without traveling, but you wonder whether you’ll really be able to connect with someone on a screen like you would face-to-face. Or maybe it’s the privacy aspect or connectivity issues. Of course, these are valid and extremely common concerns.
Below, we will look at seven of the most common concerns and questions people seeking online therapy have, and discuss why they arise and what the reality is.
How effective is online therapy? Does it compare to in-person counseling?
When most of us think of therapy, we imagine sitting down, face-to-face with a counselor. And traditionally, this is accurate. But when you imagine what an online session looks like, some worry that without meeting in person, they won’t be able to build a connection, may miss important details, or make less progress than in traditional sessions. The good news? Research shows that live video sessions have comparable outcomes to in-person sessions for many concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress, and certain trauma issues. Evidence shows that online therapy that follows a structured approach with evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, and is delivered by a licensed clinician, is just as effective as traditional therapy. The bond between patient and therapist can be the same whether in person or online. For many, the convenience of attending treatment from home improves consistency and leads to better results.
How secure and private will my online sessions be? How will my confidentiality be protected?
Privacy is a huge concern for most of us, especially when it comes to discussing personal information. Sharing personal information over an internet connection can feel much riskier than speaking with someone in the same room. Specific security concerns include whether someone could access the video call, how personal data is protected, or whether someone else in your space might overhear a conversation you would rather keep private. The good news? Professional counseling providers take confidentiality seriously and, by law, must follow all applicable privacy laws and professional requirements. Reputable companies use encrypted platforms designed for healthcare, and patients can take extra steps to protect their privacy. Ways to protect your privacy while participating in online therapy include going to a private room where you can lock the door, using headphones, or scheduling sessions when no one else is home. By asking any potential therapist about the platform they use and how they protect clients’ privacy, you can choose the therapist you feel takes privacy most seriously.
What about technology barriers, or what happens if I have computer or internet problems?
Online therapy has many benefits, but for someone who isn’t very confident using technology, it can feel intimidating. Whether the concern is an internet interruption, device issues, or a lack of confidence with technology, this is a valid and common concern. For someone already nervous about therapy, the idea of potential technical issues can make the process much more stressful than necessary. The good news? Online therapy doesn’t require technical expertise, and with today’s advances in tech, issues are easy to manage. With a smartphone, tablet, or laptop and a reliable internet connection, virtually anyone can access treatment online. Most professional counseling companies that offer online sessions provide user-friendly platforms and guide clients through the process. If the internet goes out or something else goes wrong, a reputable therapist will have a backup plan, such as a phone call, and arrange for another appointment. While we recognize that technology can be frustrating at times, it doesn’t have to be a barrier to getting the support you need.
How can I be sure my online therapist is qualified and properly licensed?
The internet can feel like the Wild West at times, and it may not feel as regulated as a professional office. With online counseling, clients often have more questions about therapists’ credentials and qualifications. The good news? Online therapists still must hold the same license as in-person therapists. Following the same ethical and professional standards, most online therapists offer both in-person and online services, expanding their reach. You can also verify credentials by asking the counseling service about the provider’s credentials, or for online therapy in Layton, you can check with the Utah Division of Professional Licensing.
Will I miss important nonverbal cues and can my therapist read my body language online?
When counseling sessions are conducted online, it’s natural to wonder whether body language, posture, or other subtle nonverbal cues will get lost over video transmission. This is a valid concern, and there’s some truth to it. The good news? While some nonverbal information may be less visible online, experienced therapists can still notice changes in facial expression, tone of voice, and emotional shifts alongside the words you use, the emotions you describe, and the questions you struggle to answer to understand what you’re experiencing.
Is online therapy appropriate for my complex concerns?
When an individual is dealing with more complex issues than everyday stress or anxiety, such as trauma or moderate to severe depression, they may wonder if online options can provide the support needed. Too often, the assumption is made that virtual therapy is only for minor mental health concerns. The good news? Online therapy can be appropriate and effective for many complex mental health concerns; the key is finding a qualified therapist who uses a variety of approaches to help you recognize patterns, build coping mechanisms, and make meaningful progress towards healing. Exceptions include people in an active crisis, those who need medical monitoring, or those with severe dissociation, among other specific circumstances.
What if I need more support or help than online therapy provides?
As we saw above, online therapy is appropriate for many mental health concerns, even those that are more complex or co-occurring. And while we recognize that online therapy can be appropriate for some, it may not be the right level of care for everyone. The good news? Professional counseling centers consider your symptoms, history, current state of mind, and treatment goals when determining the best treatment plan for your specific circumstance. At this time, you and the professional can decide whether virtual sessions are appropriate, whether you need more intensive support, or whether a combination of in-person and online therapy is best.
Taking the First Step
Taking the first step and asking for help is perhaps one of the biggest hurdles to jump when struggling with mental health. So, it is perfectly reasonable and almost universal to have questions before trying something unfamiliar and “scary.” Although online therapy has been around since the 1950s, it has exploded in popularity since the Covid-19 pandemic, making it readily available to anyone, anywhere (with an internet connection, of course).
Like most things, online therapy has limitations and isn’t suitable for every individual or every issue. However, with greater flexibility, no travel time, and access from the comfort of your own home, the advantages are clear. For many people in northern Utah, including those seeking online therapy in Layton, virtual treatment sessions remove the practical barriers that can make therapy difficult. The best way to decide whether it’s right for you is to ask questions, communicate your specific needs, and choose a counselor who is qualified and transparent about how they work. If you are hesitant about getting help because you have questions about online sessions, a professional can walk you through what to expect, decide whether virtual care is the best option for you, and guide you to the next right step at a pace that is manageable for you.