The Rise of Virtual Therapy

Over the past decade, virtual therapy has gone from being a niche to a sought-after service for many individuals seeking mental health support. Virtual therapy, also known as teletherapy, e-therapy, or online therapy, is a means for individuals to receive support via video calls, phone calls, or chat options, rather than the traditional face-to-face options. Virtual options have slowly been on the rise, but this trend was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person services were limited.

Why are we seeing more virtual options?

Several factors have allowed for shifts from in-person to virtual therapy sessions as alternatives.

1. Accessibility and Cost: Many individuals who feel they need to seek therapy struggle with barriers that prevent them from being able to access the resources necessary. This includes factors such as cost, location, transportation issues, and stigma. Virtual therapy offers individuals the option to seek treatment from the comfort of their own homes, thereby eliminating the need for transportation costs and struggles.
2. Stigma Reduction: Research supports that online counselling is viewed as less stigmatized by individuals compared to face-to-face counselling. Entering a therapist’s office can be overwhelming for some, and having virtual options allows clients to maintain some level of anonymity. This may make the process of seeking support less intimidating! 
3. Demand: Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there has been a rise in virtual therapy options. Virtual therapy has since become a sought-after option for clients seeking therapy, and this form of treatment has become a standard. This form of therapy allows individuals to seek support in a way that suits them.

Evidence and Effectiveness

Since the rise of online therapy, research has continued to back up its effectiveness in treating mental health concerns. In fact, studies show that virtual therapy can be utilized as a treatment option for many mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and panic disorders.

If you are someone dealing with challenges and require an alternative to in-person therapy, virtual therapy may be beneficial for you. Virtual therapy offers accessibility, flexibility and comfort.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a common therapeutic approach for many mental health disorders. Virtual therapy has been studied in comparison to in-person therapy, examining this therapeutic approach. Research has shown that virtual CBT is effective in reducing symptoms of depression, which suggests this may be a promising option!

Benefits and Challenges

Benefits:

There are many beneficial factors to an online therapeutic approach, including:

• Accessibility,
• Cost,
• Flexibility,
• Privacy

Virtual therapy allows for greater access to a broader range of people. It offers you more accessible treatment options by allowing you to receive care in the comfort of your own home!

It can also be more affordable if you typically must travel for in-person therapy appointments. By having a virtual therapy session, you save time because you don’t have to travel to and from your appointment.

This flexibility allows you to schedule sessions at a time that works best for you. All you have to do is log in and connect! Ultimately, you may find comfort in knowing that you have more privacy during your online therapy sessions.

Challenges:

Oftentimes, with benefits, there are also challenges. Some concerns that often come up with a virtual therapy option include:

• Ethical concerns,
• Technical issues,
• Therapeutic alliance

Ethical implications are a common worry when using an online format for something as personal as therapy. As part of Ontario’s code of ethics, counsellors are required to have proper digital security to ensure the safety and confidentiality of their clients.

When using an online format, there is always the potential for technical issues to arise during sessions. As a client, it will be essential for you to discuss with your therapist what approaches they take when such problems occur. Often, therapists have a backup plan for situations like this, and they will support you in finding a solution!

One of the most important parts of therapy is the therapeutic alliance. This is the therapeutic relationship you have with your therapist, which incorporates trust, safety and non-judgement. The therapeutic alliance in online therapy has been supported by research, suggesting that virtual therapy may still provide the support you need from your therapist.

Here at Vital Minds Psychotherapy, we offer therapy services in a virtual format, tailoring our approach to your specific needs. If you would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange a complimentary consultation with one of our registered psychotherapists. We look forward to hearing from you.