Although remote counseling has been around pre-COVID, the circumstances surrounding COVID have made it much more popular. I have addressed some thoughts regarding online counseling. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!

Effectiveness

Compared to face-to-face counseling sessions, remote sessions are just as effective and are more effective in some cases. For certain age groups (18-45) remote sessions are more effective for treating substance abuse disorders than in person sessions (Ntchana & Daley, 2022). Social anxiety, depression, and panic disorder are found to be effectively treated with online counseling compared to in-person sessions (Calbring et al, 2018; Novella et al 2022). If you consider PTSD, a similar reduction in symptoms was found with both online sessions and face-to-face sessions (Turgoose et al, 2018).

Accessibility

In many ways, online counseling is more accessible. Whether you have a physical disability or mental health issues that make it difficult to get to a therapist’s office, an online session may work better for you. With our zoom sessions, all that is needed is a smart phone, tablet, or computer and internet access. There is also the option to call in for a phone session.

Convenience

Similar to being accessible is the convenience of online counseling sessions. Whether you live in a rural area with limited options for counseling (or maybe the only counselor in your county is your mom’s best friend!) or you’re juggling a lot in your life and just can’t imagine finding the time to drive to a therapy session, online counseling may be a perfect fit for you.

Comfort

The thought of counseling may feel scary and uncomfortable. With remote sessions, you’re able to meet with a therapist from the comfort of your own home. Whether you feel most comfortable sitting at your kitchen table, on your couch, or snuggled under a blanket on your bed, it’s your choice! Along with feeling comfortable, there is no worry regarding running into someone you may know while you wait for your appointment. Online counseling can feel a lot more anonymous if this is a concern.

Safety

Online counseling is an effective and safe option for most clients. I take extra steps to make sure you are safe and we have an emergency plan in place whether to protect you or in case of dropped zoom calls due to faulty technology.

Interested in online counseling? Send me a message!

stacy@stacyfinch.com

References

Carlbring, P., Andersson, G., Cuijpers, P., Riper, H., & Hedman-Lagerlöf, E. (2018). Internet-based vs. face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 47(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2017.1401115

Johns G, Burhouse A, & Tan J. (2021).Remote mental health services: a mixed-methods survey and interview study on the use, value, benefits and challenges of a national video consulting service in NHS Wales, UKBMJ Open 2021;11:e053014. https://doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053014 

Novella, J. K., Ng, K. M., & Samuolis, J. (2022). A comparison of online and in-person counseling outcomes using solution-focused brief therapy for college students with anxiety. Journal of American college health : J of ACH, 70(4), 1161–1168. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2020.1786101 

Ntchana A, & Daley R (2022) Effectiveness of remote intensive counseling versus outpatient counseling in substance use disorders: A retrospective cohort study. Cureus 14(4): e24167. https://doi:10.7759/cureus.24167 

Turgoose D, Ashwick R, & Murphy D. (2018). Systematic review of lessons learned from delivering tele-therapy to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. 24(9):575-585. https://doi:10.1177/1357633X17730443