The internet has made the way we interact and live our lives easier in so many ways. You can shop for clothes and groceries online, for example. You can do important business work online. You can even get an entire degree just from online classes. With that, there’s no reason the internet can’t help you achieve good mental health. That’s where options like online counseling can benefit you.
Life can be hectic, so having the option to get professional mental health care at any time is important. New Perspectives Therapeutic Services can meet you with those options.
Clinical Director and counselor Nigeria McHellon provides therapeutic approaches that help you achieve the results you’re looking for. Whether you and your loved one are looking for marriage counseling or individual help, these approaches can help you. Make sure you contact New Perspectives Therapeutic Services and find the right form of therapy for you.
Now let’s explore taking up mental health counseling online or in person.
What is Online Counseling Exactly?
Online counseling is the option for someone to talk to a mental health professional through video chat or phone calls. In this digital age, it’s convenient to get the help you need quickly through a video chat. Through the internet, you can obtain a session with a mental health professional from your own home.
Benefits of Online Video Therapy
Online therapy is often more convenient and accessible. Maybe you have mobility limitations, or you live someplace remote. Maybe the mental health counseling nearby can’t connect with you and your struggles. Whatever the case may be, there’s a good chance you can find that person you need online. The options for counselors are wider, so you’re bound to find one that works well with your needs.
For some, online counseling is more comfortable. Your home is familiar to you, so it’s easier to connect with the session than in a strange building. With online counseling, you’re able to schedule your sessions on your time. Video therapy allows you to have the time in your busy schedule to unload mentally.
Cons of Online Video Therapy
Online counseling can feel impersonal. That connection you need with a counselor can sometimes fall short in a video call. You’re able to stay focused in your sessions in person, whereas you might get distracted online.
Technology can fail at any time. The success of your session might be hindered on any given day by a lot of tech factors. Your internet might be slow one day, or your devices might act up. Your video call can lag or be cut off, and that can make it harder to focus in your session.
Complex issues require more than online counseling can give. If someone is in crisis or is experiencing serious mental health issues, online therapy might not work out for them. Direct treatment in those situations is often recommended, so it’s important to take that into account.
Benefits of In-Person Counseling
Your therapy can feel more personal. With a face-to-face session, you’re able to connect with your therapist better. You’re more likely to trust your therapist when your face to face as well. Trust and confidence in your relationship with your therapist can make the sessions go smoother than they do online.
Your privacy won’t be called into question. You might be hesitant to want to share personal and private information over the internet. Video calls can sometimes feel very public. While online video therapy still must adhere to HIPAA laws, it can still feel uncomfortable. With an in-person session, there’s a guarantee that it’s just you and your counselor who know your private thoughts.
Cons of In-Person Counseling
Your schedule might not be as flexible. Going to and from your sessions can take time away from your schedule, which can cause stress. It might be hard to get in the mindset to be in therapy if you’re worried about commute issues. Wait times in person can also delay your sessions.
The stigma around mental health care might discourage you. If you’re getting into therapy, the thought of someone catching you on the way there might make you uncomfortable. The negative stigmas around therapy are still alive and well, and this can deter people from physically going. You might then feel uncomfortable talking very vulnerably to a professional face-to-face for the first time. There’s also the fear of judgment that can come from others.
Contact New Perspectives Therapeutic Services for online or in-person counseling.
Whatever your situation, in-person and online counseling can be used to your benefit. New Perspectives Therapeutic Services can provide both options to suit your needs. So, whether you like the accessibility of video or the deeper connection in person, contact New Perspectives Therapeutic Services.
Nigeria McHellon, MSW, LCSW
Email me at: nm.newperspectivestherapy@gmail.com
Call or Text me at: (904) 439-6524
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