Are Online Sessions Here to Stay?
Are Online Sessions Here to Stay?
With restrictions created to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, many mental health professionals converted over to virtual platforms. Now more than ever, people are able to access mental health services from the comfort of their own home, rather than having to travel to an office for in-person sessions. What are the advantages and disadvantages associated with virtual sessions? Are virtual sessions here to stay?
Advantages of Virtual Sessions
During times of the pandemic, having the flexibility to convert to a virtual platform is deeply beneficial for continuity of care. Especially during times of significant change, uncertainty, and stress, having access to mental health services is vital. However, there are numerous benefits associated with virtual sessions, including:
Increased Scheduling Ease
Having the ability to attend virtual sessions can help to significantly ease the scheduling process. Clients are able to have sessions while at home, before or after work, during a lunch break, or any time they have a free hour with access to WIFI and a phone or computer. Moreover, virtual sessions cut out commute times, which can free up quite a bit of time.
Increased Access to Services
Virtual sessions also increase access to mental health services in rural areas that may otherwise have limited resources. Being able to connect virtually with a mental health professional allows individuals living in these areas to receive quality services, without having to go out of their way.
Hands-On Work
Moreover, working with clients in their home-setting can offer the ability to do hands-on work. An article by the New York Times on this topic noted that a therapist was able to work directly with a child regarding her phobia of the dolls she has in her closet. Being able to work in real-time with these specific concerns is far more effective than working in a separate office-setting.
Increased Comfort
Some people have found increased comfort in being able to communicate through a web-based platform. Moreover, being able to have sessions within the home may help some people to feel more open at ease with sharing their thoughts and feelings. For individuals experiencing significant social phobia or agoraphobia, a virtual platform may also be a wonderful option for beginning treatment.
Sessions Are Available Despite Weather
When having in-person sessions, inclement weather, such as snow storms, would likely lead to cancellations. When using a virtual platform, sessions can still be held as normal, despite road conditions. Of course, a caveat is the need for WIFI or service, which could be disrupted depending on the weather.
Disadvantages of Virtual Sessions:
Of course, there are downsides to having therapy over a virtual platform. Some common disadvantages or concerns include:
Privacy Concerns
For those living with other people in the home, there may be concerns about the privacy of their sessions. Some people do not have a separate space to talk, or have concerns about family members of roommates overhearing their conversations. This could lead to decreased comfort with having an open and honest conversation about personal information.
Internet Connection Issues
If internet connection or service is shaky, a portion of the therapy session could be spent going in and out of service, having to ask to repeat statements, or having to piece information together. This could disrupt the session and has the potential to lead to frustration, miscommunication, or missed information.
Missing Out of Nonverbal Cues
When in a face-to-face session with someone, therapists are constantly monitoring a client’s nonverbal communication. This provides valuable information about their current emotions, feelings toward certain topics, and overall situation. When working from a virtual platform, these cues may be more difficult to pick up on.
Boundaries
Many clients and therapists are both attending sessions from home. This could lead to unexpected disruptions from the client’s or the therapist’s home, primarily through pets making noise or running into the video or noises from children or spouses. Through unintentional disruptions, therapists may be disclosing more information about their personal life than they generally share. This may be an advantage or a disadvantage, as it can help to make therapists feel more personable and human. On the other hand, some clients and therapists prefer more boundaries and less knowledge on the therapist’s life.
Telehealth is Here to Stay
In all, the pandemic has brought about significant changes to the way mental health services are provided and accessed. Even when offices open up, many therapists and clients will likely continue to meet over a virtual platform due to the convenience and flexibility that it provides. While some prefer in-person sessions, many clients and therapists have found telehealth sessions to be an effective and positive experience. What are your thoughts on telehealth sessions? Do you feel strongly for or against virtual sessions? Are there any advantages or disadvantages that you can think of that weren’t mentioned?