7 Reasons You Should Try Online Therapy

A record-setting number of people have tried online therapy for the first time this year. Some have continued their pre-pandemic sessions with their therapist online while others have met with a new therapist for the first time on screen. The pandemic has been a significant motivator for many to opt for therapy services online this year, and many are discovering several other meaningful benefits of online therapy. Here are seven good reasons to try online therapy: 

1. It’s effective

At Great Lakes Psychology Group, online therapy clients will have access to professional quality mental health treatment that is held to the same standard of care as in-person therapy. A growing body of research has evidenced that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for many populations. For example, research shows that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a treatment modality that focuses on alleviating symptoms by changing negative thinking patterns and problematic behaviors, can be equally or sometimes even more effective than in-person CBT for reducing symptoms of a wide variety of mental health issues including depression, post-traumatic stress, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, eating disorders, and more.

2. It’s safe

Security and privacy are of top priority at GLPG. Our therapists use a HIPAA-compliant video platform which ensures that your health information stays between you and your therapist.

3. It offers more therapists to choose from

Access to hundreds of licensed therapists means you’re more likely to find the perfect fit for your needs and your schedule. GLPG therapists cover a wide range of specializations, and we are confident that we can help you find the right therapist for you.

4. It can save you time and money

Meeting with your therapist online can save you time and money by eliminating the need for transportation to and from your therapist’s office. Whether you are meeting with your therapist online or in-person, GLPG is committed to transparency of costs for services. Many insurance plans cover online therapy as an included benefit. Our staff will confirm your insurance coverage and provide you with an estimated cost of services before your first appointment. 

5. It’s convenient

Online therapy provides access to mental healthcare for those living in rural areas, those with mobility issues, transportation or childcare limitations, and more. Even for those without such limitations, an online therapy session is easier to fit into your schedule without the need to account for travel time. Meeting with your therapist online allows you to skip the commute and the waiting room and instead be connected instantly with your therapist at your scheduled meeting time. 

6. It’s comfortable

Online therapy gives you access to a qualified therapist without ever leaving the comfort of your home. Being at home also allows for added comfort during therapy: imagine curling up with your favorite blanket, hot tea in your favorite mug and your pet by your side while you chat with your therapist.

7. It’s easy to get started 

GLPG makes it easy to get started with online therapy and in-person therapy alike. Gone are the days of searching for and calling around to therapists who may or may not be accepting new patients. Our helpful schedulers are standing by ready to make your first appointment with the right therapist for you.

We’ve covered a few of the reasons people are loving online therapy. Still, online therapy will not necessarily be preferable for all. Online therapy may not be a good fit for some people like young children or those with severe mental health issues. Further, some people might not have a private area at home where they would feel comfortable speaking freely with their therapist, which would likely impede progress. Others still might find that they enjoy the ritual and cadence of traveling to their therapist’s office and would prefer to be in the same room with them.

At GLPG, we’re committed to connecting you with a therapist via your preferred method: online, in-person, or a combination of both. If you’d prefer to get started with online therapy during the pandemic but anticipate you’d like to switch to in-person therapy at some point, you have the option of choosing a GLPG therapist located in your community.