I. Introduction
Online therapy, also known as telehealth, refers to mental health services that are supported by technology. This can include video based calls and voice calls, and will sometimes also include text based communication such as email. Instead of having to travel to a clinic, individuals can access mental health services from the comfort of their homes.
Online therapy is a relatively new development, and as with any new form of health care, there are questions and concerns. Some individuals may wonder about the effectiveness of online therapy or worry about the privacy and security of their personal information. Others may wonder if not being physically present together puts boundaries on a professional’s ability to understand and provide support.
II. Benefits of Online Therapy
A common skepticism about online therapy often questions the effectiveness of therapy without in-person interaction. However, the research on this is clear; it has repeatedly been demonstrated that different approaches to online therapy is as effective as other face-to-face equivalents for various mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression (Axelsson et al., 2020; Esfandiari et al., 2021; Hedman-Lagerlöf et al., 2023).
One of the most significant benefits of online therapy is its accessibility. It allows individuals to connect with therapists regardless of their location. This is especially beneficial for those in remote areas with limited access to mental health professionals. Online therapy can also reach those who are homebound due to physical limitations.
Online therapy offers a level of convenience that traditional therapy cannot match. Sessions can be scheduled during lunch breaks, evenings or weekends, making it easier for those with busy schedules or family commitments to attend therapy. The flexibility of online therapy can also help individuals who travel frequently or have unpredictable schedules. Additionally, individuals can save time and money on transportation costs.
For many, discussing personal and sensitive issues can be challenging. The familiarity and comfort of home can make it easier to open up and engage in therapy. Individuals can often feel more at ease discussing vulnerable topics in a private and personal space.
While the research clearly indicates that the overall treatment effects from online therapy is equivalent to that of face-to-face therapy when considering common mental health challenges, online therapy has limitations for children below the age of 14 and more complex cases (Hagyari-Donaldson & Scott, 2024). Specifically, when first initiating contact, therapists need to evaluate the appropriateness of online therapy on a case-by-case basis. Additional consideration will often be taken if a client is in the midst of an ongoing crisis, experiencing severe attention difficulties, or suffering from more complex forms of mental health challenges (i.e. eating disorders, psychosis or severe depression; Stoll et al., 2020).
III. How Online Therapy Works
Online therapy offers a range of formats, each with its unique advantages. While text and phone based therapy options exist, they are far less common than that of video based solutions. Video therapy is the most common type of online therapy. It closely replicates the experience of in-person therapy, allowing for real-time interaction that also allows for non-verbal communication (facial expressions, body language, hand gestures).
In many cases, therapists who provide traditional face-to-face counseling and therapy, will also be able to provide their services online over video as well. A hybrid approach to therapy where you have the option to both meet in person and online is something many clients appreciate as it adds flexibility to an otherwise hectic day. However, if you look into online platforms and directories aiming to connect individuals with qualified therapists, you will usually not have the option to meet the therapists and counsellors in person if you wanted to at a later point.
IV. What to consider?
While online platforms can seem convenient as they allow users to search for therapists based on their specializations, location, and insurance coverage, it is important that you also double-check the qualifications and accreditations of the listed personnel. In Singapore, psychologists should be listed as a registered psychologist with the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS), while counsellors should be members with the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC).
Reputable online therapy platforms prioritize client privacy and data security. It is recommended to consider providers that practice from Singapore as they would be liable following Singaporean laws. Other international online telehealth platforms can be compliant with other legal frameworks that set standards for protecting sensitive patient information; such as the US-framework of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the EU-framework of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Online therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals who:
● Live in more remote areas or are frequently on the move between countries.
● Have busy or unpredictable schedules that make it difficult to attend regular in-person appointments.
● Feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics in a private and familiar environment.
While online therapy is a valuable resource, it is not suitable for everyone. Individuals experiencing severe mental health conditions, such as those requiring crisis intervention, may need in-person care. Additionally, those with limited access to technology or reliable internet connections may face challenges.
V. Conclusion: A Viable Mental Health Solution
Online therapy has in recent years emerged as a viable and increasingly important solution for providing mental health services. It offers a range of benefits, including accessibility, convenience, affordability, and comfort, making mental health care more accessible to a wider population. Research has shown that online therapy can be as effective as traditional in-person therapy for many conditions.
Our experienced team here at The Other Clinic should all be able to provide online consultations as a compliment to ordinary in person meetings at the clinic. If you are considering online therapy exclusively, we also have a few select clinicians who provide online therapy only (https://theotherclinic.sg/our-telehealth-clinicians/).
To meet with a professional psychologist or counsellor, call The Other Clinic at 8809 0659 or email us hello@theotherclinic.sg.
Sources:
Axelsson, E., Andersson, E., Ljótsson, B., Björkander, D., Hedman-Lagerlöf, M., & Hedman-Lagerlöf, E. (2020). Effect of Internet vs Face-to-Face Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Health Anxiety: A Randomized Noninferiority Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 77(9), 915. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.0940
Esfandiari, N., Mazaheri, M. A., Akbari-Zardkhaneh, S., Sadeghi-Firoozabadi, V., & Cheraghi, M. (2021). Internet-Delivered Versus Face-to-Face Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Anxiety Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 12, 153. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_208_21
Hagyari-Donaldson, P., & Scott, N. (2024). Online Therapy for Children: Yay or Nay? Clinicians’ Insights from the COVID-19 Era. Child & Youth Care Forum. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-024-09835-3
Hedman-Lagerlöf, E., Carlbring, P., Svärdman, F., Riper, H., Cuijpers, P., & Andersson, G. (2023). Therapist‐supported Internet‐based cognitive behaviour therapy yields similar effects as face‐to‐face therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis. World Psychiatry, 22. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.21088
Stoll, J., Müller, J. A., & Trachsel, M. (2020). Ethical Issues in Online Psychotherapy: A Narrative Review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00993