Are you wondering if you should choose online therapy in Baltimore? Perhaps you are not sure about how it works or if it is as effective as in-person therapy. Learn 5 benefits of virtual therapy, from our Baltimore therapists, and decide if it is a good fit for you.
More and more, we are embracing online services as a way to answer our needs. We spend more time online. Shop online. Talk virtually with friends and family. Meet new people and open up our dating possibilities. So, it is no surprise that online counseling has become a popular choice for anyone that is seeking mental health support.
Still, if you are thinking about starting therapy you might be concerned about whether online therapy is as effective as in-person. If it is a trustworthy and safe option. Or if it is the right choice for your specific needs.
Starting therapy can be overwhelming in many ways. There are a lot of things that might cross your mind before taking that step.
Perhaps you’re worried about how you are going to add more time to your already busy schedule. Or wonder what location will help you avoid getting stuck in Beltway traffic. Maybe you even feel that it would be more practical to pick a therapist near you over a profession that specializes in the issues you’re dealing with.
Online therapy has many advantages that can help solve most of these concerns. But there is an important question that might weigh in more than anything else: “Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy”? Well, let’s find out what recent studies tell us.
Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person?
Before moving on to the benefits, you may be wondering: “Does online therapy really work?” Research shows that online counseling shares the same efficacy as in-person for various mental health problems and across different ages.
In fact, a 2022 study found similar improvement in depression symptoms both for older adults in online therapy and in person. At the same time, a study with college students struggling with anxiety reported that both methods of therapy were equally effective. These findings suggest that age is not an obstacle to benefit from virtual therapy.
Moreover, a study focused on PTSD not only showed that online therapy resulted in symptom reduction, but also that participants were as satisfied and as likely to keep this format of therapy as the in-person ones.
So, as you can see, the success of therapy has little or nothing to do with the format you choose. Rather, it depends on the connection you establish with your therapist, how comfortable you feel about opening up, and how committed you are to making changes in your life. Are you ready to start?
5 Benefits of Choosing Online Therapy by a Baltimore Therapist
1. Pick a therapist specialized in your specific needs
Virtual therapy gives you access to a wider range of mental health professionals. This means you can find specialized care for the issues you’re facing, whether the therapist you choose is located near you or further away. So, you don’t have to be limited by your location, you can just pick the person you feel that is the best fit for you.
It is also a good option if you are looking for a therapist who shares your beliefs and incorporates a culturally responsive and social-minded approach in therapy.
2. Connect from whatever you are
The pandemic changed routines for many of us. Maybe you began to work from home, or you just go to the office a couple of days a week. Or perhaps you started working from different locations. In these cases, you may want to avoid trudging across Baltimore to get to your therapy session. Online counseling gives you the flexibility to schedule and access your sessions from whatever you are. You just need internet and you’re in.
It is also a great solution if you live in a secluded area, don’t have transportation, or have mobility difficulties due to disability or chronic illness.
3. Save time and money
When you have a busy schedule, making time for therapy might seem nearly impossible. You might feel anxious just thinking about how you are going to take that extra time out of your week to drive to your therapist’s office, deal with traffic, find parking. And do it all again to return home.
With online therapy, you don’t need to leave your house in the first place. So, it is much easier and stress-free to fit your appointments into your life. Also, you will be saving up on gas, parking, and valuable time that you can dedicate to yourself and your loved ones.
4. Enjoy the comfort of your own home
If you feel uneasy or worried about starting therapy, you might feel more comfortable if you get to be in your home, surrounded by the things that make you feel safe.
Opening up about your fears and being vulnerable can be intimidating, so you might feel better knowing you can snuggle up on your sofa, maybe even with your furry friend beside you. One great advantage of online counseling is being able to do it in a familiar and cozy environment.
5. Privacy and confidentiality
There is still plenty of stigma around seeking support for mental health. When you are struggling with problems in your life, you don’t need the added stress of worrying if you are going to run into someone you know. With virtual therapy sessions, you can just relax and connect from the privacy of any location you choose.
You also can rest assured about confidentiality, as all your data and conversations remain secure through the encryption of the therapy video platform.
Choosing Online Therapy in Baltimore, MD
While this format of therapy might seem pretty new, our therapists have been providing online therapy in Baltimore for years. So, whether you’re searching from Howard County, Montgomery County, Columbia, Ellicott City, Silver Spring, Olney, or Easton, we will connect with you online and help you overcome the challenges you’re facing.
If you’re still not sure if this is the right fit for you, we can help you figure out the best alternative for your specific needs and circumstances. Reach out to us with any questions. We are here to help!
About the Author:
