Top 6 Best Mental Health Benefits Of Using Online Therapy

Are you an Australian considering online therapy? If so, you may be wondering how virtual counselling compares to the "tried and true" method of face-to-face therapy.

With the explosion of the internet at the turn of the century, new digital ways of living have popped up in nearly every industry. So, it’s no surprise that online therapy took off the way that it did, especially after a worldwide pandemic.

While in-person therapy is still incredibly effective, accessing therapy online has helped thousands of Australians struggling with depression, anxiety, social phobia, and more, to overcome their distressing feelings and thinking patterns.

Let’s discuss the top six benefits of using online therapy so you can better understand just how these services can empower you to conquer your mental health.

What Is Online Therapy?

Before we dive into the benefits of using online therapy, we should touch base on the concept of what it is in the first place.

Online therapy is a way for mental health professionals to meet with clients using digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, iPads, or computers.

Clients can either message or text their therapist, or meet via video calls. Some clients opt for both, it’s all up to the patient's preference.

Top 6 Best Mental Health Benefits Of Using Online Therapy

1. Online Therapy Has Flexible Scheduling

2. Online Therapy Is Accessible For Rural Populations

3. Online Therapy Can Be Used For People With Disabilities

4. Online Therapy Has A Bigger Selection Of Counsellors

5. Online Therapy Is Affordable

6. Online Therapy Can Tailor To Different Communication Styles

Online Therapy Has Flexible Scheduling

One of the biggest positives when it comes to online therapy is the ability for it to fit easily into our everyday lives. Unlike traditional therapy, you don’t have to arrange babysitters or transportation or take time out of your workday to attend a session. Accessing mental health services right from wherever you have never been easier.

Online Therapy Is Accessible For Rural Populations

If you live rurally, such as in country Australia, then you understand just how difficult getting mental health care can be. This can be particularly discouraging if you have no mode of transportation, either. This is where online therapy shines. Rural populations are finally - for the first time ever - given a safe, professional way to take care of their mental health, no matter how far out they live.

Online Therapy Can Be Used For People With Disabilities

Mobility can be a major roadblock when it comes to accessing mental health treatment. Online therapy provides a way for people with disabilities, such as learning disabilities, to find support, encouragement, and guidance without making a burdensome trip to an office.

Online Therapy Has A Bigger Selection Of Counsellors

When you reach out to local mental health clinics, you’re limited to the providers they have on hand. With online therapy, you can browse different platforms and find a mental health professional specifically trained in whatever issue you’re dealing with. This can greatly enhance the success of your treatment. In fact, Talked has over 300 trained mental health professionals ready to help you.

Online Therapy Is Affordable

Another massive barrier preventing people from receiving mental health care is the financial burden it can cause. While many platforms take Medicare, it’s often only a set number of sessions. Still, online therapy has been stated to be overall cheaper than in-person therapy - starting with plans as low as $100 a session.

Online Therapy Can Tailor To Different Communication Styles

If you’ve ever been in any form of a long-term relationship, you know how incredibly different communication styles can be from person to person. Face-to-face therapy only benefits those with a verbal communication style, while online therapy can be entirely helpful for those who express themselves better through the written word. If you are looking for text based therapy, we have prepared a guide on the best text therapy in Australia.

Online Therapy Just Might Be The Best Fit For You

If you find yourself with a packed daily schedule or little ones hanging off your hip, online therapy may be the best option for you. If you find yourself writing in journals to get your emotions off your chest, online therapy may be the route you need to take. Don’t allow yourself to suffer in silence just because traditional therapy is too expensive, too intimidating, or too far away. Online counsellors are here to walk with you every step of the way.

If you're not sure which online therapy platform to use, we have summed up the best online therapy platforms.