When it comes to counseling, quality of the counselor and the relationship between said counselor and client is the most important factor. This being said, the quality of your counselor, and your relationship with them should not be limited by location and convenience. Online counseling and telecommunication are great alternatives to face-to-face therapy. While face-to-face therapy is ideal for some cases, it limits you to a specific destination, requiring more time and travel, while online therapy via video sessions or telecommunication can offer a plethora of benefits in comparison.

Online therapy allows you to receive counseling from any destination you feel is most suitable to meet your needs, including the comfort of your own home. This comes in handy when transportation is limited, time is of the essence, or if you simply get anxious in office like settings.

Not only does online therapy allow you to receive counseling from any destination, but it also allows you to be counseled from any destination. Meaning, you are not limited to a counselor in your local area. Counselors nowadays are taking over social media by storm. Simply search the hashtag, “mentalhealth” on the social media platform known as Instagram and an abundance of accounts run by mental health counselors all over the world will pop up. If you have ever done this, odds are you’ve come across an account located hundreds of miles away but nonetheless have felt a connection with. Did you check to see if this counselor offers online counseling? Maybe they do! With online counseling you are not restricted to your local area, and it would be a shame to pass up a great opportunity to work with a qualified counselor that you feel is the best fit for you.

Along with the benefits of controlling whom you receive counseling from and from where you receive it; you also save time and money making it more affordable to fit your personal expenses. Oftentimes online therapy is offered at a cheaper rate, but even when it is not it still allows you to save money on gas or transportation expenses, while also saving you time by eliminating a long commute. Perhaps maybe you have children at home who are too young to stay home alone and need a sitter, being able to receive counseling from home, where you can keep a watchful eye on them, will also allow you to save money by waiving the need for a sitter.

With online therapy, confidentiality is also still in full effect, and you do not have to worry about any ethical or confidentiality breaches. Confidentiality agreements can still be signed, and you can rest assure that even though your sessions are not face-to-face, they will still be one-on-one.

Keep in mind that there is only so much a therapist can do remotely and that online therapy is not ideal for those who suffer severe mental health issues, are in an acute crisis, or at risk for suicide. (This article contributed by Ashley Campo, UCF Orlando counseling major)

If you think online counseling is something that can benefit you, do not hesitate to one of our counselors at Orlando Thrive Therapy to find out more information. You can email us at orlandothrivetherapy@gmail.com or call us at 407-592-8997.