The main advantages of online psychotherapy for patients
Online psychotherapy is an increasingly widespread and popular form of psychological intervention, but it is still relatively common that many people have never heard of it.
In this sense, the theory is easy to understand: online psychological therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which the patient and professional do not are face-to-face, but the sessions are produced through a digital platform over the Internet (mainly by programs of video call). However... what benefits does this imply in practice?
In this article We will review the advantages that online psychotherapy offers to the patient, pointing out the aspects for which many people choose this format and prefer it to face-to-face.
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The most important advantages of online psychological therapy for patients
These are the most positive and beneficial aspects of online psychotherapy from the point of view of the patients.
1. Provides the effectiveness of face-to-face psychotherapy
The first and most important thing is that online psychological therapy offers the same effectiveness as online therapy in the vast majority of cases. The beneficial effects of this intervention are maintained over time once the therapeutic process is finished in the same way as with face-to-face psychotherapy. In addition, many of the therapeutic resources used in the consultation also have a digital version.
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2. Save time
Another advantage of online psychotherapy is that it saves the patient travel time, both to the idea and to the return, which may well mean having one more hour of free time every time you "go to the psychologist." Also, at the start of each session, the patient is more likely to be more relaxed and rested.
3. It is easier to include in the schedule
Because the time devoted to psychotherapy does not include the journey, it is easier to "sneak" these sessions into the schedule. In this way patients can avoid overlaps and arrive late to sites.
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4. It makes it possible to go to therapy in a familiar environment and that the patient knows
In most cases, online psychotherapy sessions are carried out with the patient being at her home. This makes some people feel more comfortable and relax more easily in the first few sessions., being less "defensive" due to the stress of expressing insecurities and fears while being surrounded by an unfamiliar environment.
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5. Makes therapy more accessible for people with mobility problems
Some people who need professional psychological support but suffer from certain physical complications that make it difficult for them to move. This fact means that a good part of the elderly population does not consider going to the psychologist. However, the online mode is available wherever there is an Internet connection, so today practically everyone can use it.
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6. It is more economical
As online psychotherapy allows reducing costs since it is not necessary to receive patients in the consultation and the process is carried out through digital platforms, this is reflected in the final price paid by the customer. In this way, psychological intervention services through the Internet are also more accessible economically.
6. Provides extra anonymity
Although face-to-face psychotherapy always guarantees confidentiality in the sense that the information provided to the psychologist will not be disclosed, online psychotherapy provides an extra discretion, because it is not necessary to enter the psychology consultation. In fact, it is not necessary to leave the house.
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7. Makes it less likely to drop out of therapy
With online psychotherapy, being on the road is not an excuse for not attending one or more sessions with the psychologist. This prevents patients from being tempted to throw in the towel and abandon treatment. In this way, there is less risk that all the progress made up to that point will be useless due to the interruption of that process.
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Looking for psychotherapy services?
If you are interested in starting a psychological therapy process, either in person or online by video call, get in touch with our team of professionals.
On Advance Psychologists We have been working in the field of mental health for more than two decades, and we currently serve people of all ages. In our center you can also count on services of couples therapy, family therapy, coaching, psychiatry and neuropsychology.