You might take many things into consideration when finding the right counselor like location, experience, insurance, and so on. BUT have you considered whether you want to work with a counselor ONLINE or IN PERSON? Usually, people go to their counselor’s private office or clinic for appointments. But these days, more and more mental health professionals are providing services online. There are many perks to this effective, convenient, and safe form of treatment.
Here are 8 reasons you might want to seriously consider online counseling over in-person counseling!
1) There aren’t enough counseling options where you live
Did you know that there’s a significant shortage of mental health providers in Texas? According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services—nearly 80% of Texas counties have been designated Health Profession Shortage Areas (HPSAs)! So, unless you’re living right smack in the middle of a major city…there’s a good chance you don’t have many counselors to choose from. Online counseling can be a great alternative. Especially if you’re looking for someone who specializes in something that you can’t find locally.
2) You’ve got options but the traffic sucks!
I don’t mean to hate on Houston, Austin, San Antonio, or Dallas…I love y’all…but the traffic can be horrendous sometimes. At the end of a long day, I’m guessing the last thing you want to do is sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic, in the dead heat of summer, to get to your counselor’s office. If you'd rather go home, eat dinner, change into sweats, cuddle up with your dog, and log in to your session from the comfort of your couch…then online counseling might be more your speed.
3) You don’t have a car
Whether your car’s in the shop or you’re all about green living—finding a counselor in walking distance or on a bus route is tough! Don’t let the burden of getting to someone’s office be the thing that stops you from getting the help you need—check out counselors that provide online counseling instead.
4) Your situation makes it hard to leave the house
Injuries and illnesses make it hard to be mobile. So do caregiving situations, like a new baby, or an ill parent or partner. Online counseling can help you get the support you need while still allowing you to take care of yourself and others.
5) People and crowds make you anxious
I think we all LOVE the way self-checkout lanes, especially on blah days, get us in and out of the store without having to engage with anyone. But for some people, even a small amount of social contact brings up so much stress and anxiety that it’s hard to be out and about. If the thought of meeting a counselor for the first time gives you panic—consider online counseling. Studies have found that people struggling with social anxiety, agoraphobia, and anxiety disorders prefer online counseling because they feel less inhibited when using a webcam than when talking to someone in person.
6) You don’t want people to know
Some people avoid going to a counselor because they don’t want people in their lives to know that they’re seeking help. Online counseling might give you the privacy you need. No more worrying about running into someone in the waiting room or explaining to your parents why you need to borrow the car every Friday at 2pm.
7) You travel often
Getting consistent treatment while on the move is nearly impossible. This is also true if you’re a college student going home for the summer and winter breaks. Online counseling can be a great solution to keep you working on improving your well-being no matter where your travels take you. (Note: Check with your counselor about this first. State and country laws & regulations sometimes limit when/where treatment can be provided).
8) You live abroad
Took a job in another country? Studying abroad? Whatever the reason, you might find yourself needing counseling in a country that doesn’t have mental health services, doesn’t provide services in English, or the services aren’t available to expats. In these instances, finding an online counselor might be the easiest way to get the help you need.
While these are compelling reasons for choosing online counseling, you should know that online counseling is NOT for everyone. Some concerns and situations are simply better in person, and figuring out which is best for you is an important step. Consider talking to a mental health professional about your options to determine which approach to use.
If you have questions about online counseling, shoot me an email or give me a call at 512-586-7001. I’d love to answer any questions you might have and direct you to the right person, if needed. If you’re looking for online counseling and need help with anxiety, depression, and self-confidence, schedule a FREE 15-minute phone consultation to talk through whether working together with me is a good fit!
Last updated: August 26, 2020