Why online therapy is a fundamental support in times of COVID-19

The irruption into our lives of SARS-CoV-2 has brought many changes, and among them, highlights the need for a whole series of challenges that appear in our path, whether they have to do with fears and expectations about what that could happen or with real events that are taking place in our family context, in our work, in our country, or even in our own body.

The general feeling is that we were not prepared for a pandemic of these dimensions, and it is partly true; for a reason it has become the main topic of conversation for many months. Fortunately, however, the coronavirus crisis has come at a time when the world of mental health has had the opportunity to develop one of its most useful resources in these cases.

It's about online psychotherapy, a psychological intervention format that has been consolidated in recent years and that, although it was not created to allow us to adapt to a pandemic context, Fortunately, it fits very well in the coverage of needs in terms of psychological support that a large part of the population presents in the midst of this situation of measures to prevent the contagions. Here we will see in what ways it is beneficial for us in the face of the coronavirus.

• Related article: "The 8 benefits of going to psychological therapy"

How does online psychotherapy help us in the face of the COVID-19 crisis?

These are the aspects that make online psychological therapy a valuable resource in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and everything that surrounds it.

1. No need to leave home

The first advantage is obvious: with online psychotherapy sessions it is not even necessary to leave home to "go to the psychologist". That is the risk of contagion is reduced to 0%, and on the other hand, possible problems of access to the consultation caused by the confinement measures applied in some regions are avoided.

2. Its degree of effectiveness makes it an alternative

Where the online format does not cause problems for logistical reasons (that is, due to the patient's ability to connect by video call or due to difficult access to materials necessary for some types of therapy, such as neurofeedback), online therapy is just as effective as face-to-face psychotherapy, according to research carried out on this topic.

In other words, except in exceptional cases in which the patient cannot use certain materials from home or does not know how to do it, the simple fact that the channel of communication changes and not being in the same room as the psychologist does not introduce relevant changes in the potential of psychotherapy when it comes to allowing patients to overcome our problems. On the other hand, the effect of the psychological intervention is maintained over time in the long term, the same as the face-to-face intervention.

3. It is very easy to use

As we have seen, the only limiting factor in online psychotherapy has to do with the use of material resources. However, this happens very rarely, because most of the resources used in therapy can be adapted to the format from a distance or directly have a digital version, and on the other hand, It is very easy to teach anyone to attend your online psychology sessions.

Even seniors, especially vulnerable to COVID-19, can learn to connect to these video call sessions in a couple of minutes also in cases where they have hardly ever used the computer. Computer solutions have had a long time to evolve, and currently the interfaces are much simpler and designed for easy use, without too many intermediate steps.

4. It is economical

Online psychotherapy sessions have a lower cost, and this is usually reflected in the price. This is an especially useful advantage at times when many people need to reduce their expenses.

5. Helps to face factors of psychological exhaustion

Finally, one must not forget that professional support through psychotherapy is essential in crisis situations. You cannot normalize suffering or the appearance of pathological behavior patterns to try to deal with day-to-day discomfort due to anxiety or general emotional discomfort.

• You may be interested in: "Types of Anxiety Disorders and their characteristics"

Looking for psychotherapy services?

If you are interested in starting a psychotherapy process, either face-to-face or online via video call, contact us. In Advance Psychologists We have spent two decades caring for patients with all kinds of emotional, behavioral, and emotional problems. You will find us at our center located in Madrid, or through this page with our contact details.

Bibliographic references:

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fifth edition. DSM-V. Massón, Barcelona.
• Change, PM. (2011). Effectiveness of cybertherapy in mental health: a critical appraisal. Stud Health Technol Report 167:pp. 3 - 8.
• González-Peña, P., Torres, R., Del Barrio, V., and Olmedo, M. (2017). Use of technology in psychological practice in Spain. Infocop.
• Gratzer, D. and Khalid-Khan, F. (2016). Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of psychiatric illness. CMAJ, 188(4)pp. 263 – 272.