Even before the spread of Covid-19, there were limited online mental health services available for those who didn't have the time or ability to go into a physical office. But like so many other aspects of life, Covid-19 has drastically changed the availability for mental health help right at a time when many people need it most. So, online mental health services are a great way to see a therapist without having to leave home.
This is a very common question with not only online therapy, but all therapy in general. The simple answer is that many people benefit from mental health services, especially during times of significant change. This pandemic has been hard on all of us. We aren't able to leave home nearly as much, many people are losing their jobs and depression and stress and anxiety have increased exponentially across the US.
The bottom line is that therapy helps. Maybe you don't have a serious mental health concern, but that doesn't mean that talking to someone won't help you. Adults, in general, spend so much time caring for their loved ones that they often neglect their own mental health. Therapy can help you tackle day-to-day challenges while making sure you are taking care of yourself too.
The pandemic has forced many mental health specialists to limit their face-to-face time with clients and look for new ways to connect. Telehealth has really taken over as the favored solution among therapists and patients. For patients, it allows them to stay safe at home. It also allows them to save time and money on traveling into the office. As for therapists, telehealth services allow them to have a more flexible schedule rather than sticking with strict office hours. If one of their patients is having a mental health crisis, they are able to meet with them right away without traveling to the office at an inconvenient time.
Yes, you can still attend couples counseling virtually. Being home more often than ever before has put a strain on so many relationships. It is hard to find any alone time when you are not leaving the house to go to work, see friends or go to the gym. During these stressful times, it can be hard not to argue or bicker with your partner. Couples counseling can provide a new focus on your relationship and help develop mutual understanding and patience. Virtual counseling would allow for your therapist to come see and hear how you act with your partner at home rather than in a stuffy office setting.
Even after we are all able to go outside all we want, there is no doubt that these trying times will change the face of therapy forever. We were already moving toward virtual therapy, but with the pandemic pushing us forward, therapists are more available than ever.