• Home
  • About
    • About
    • Privacy Policy
  • The Bloggers’ Coffee Hour
  • My Blogs
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Lisa Sharp Creative

  • Business
  • Content Creation
    • The Bloggers’ Coffee Hour
  • Work From Home Jobs
  • Home Office Life
  • Productivity
You are here: Home / Productivity / Breaking Barriers: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Therapy

Breaking Barriers: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Therapy

Productivity

19 May

This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you choose to click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. And as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Discover the pros and cons of online therapy in this comprehensive blog post. Explore the convenience, accessibility, and affordability of virtual counseling, as well as potential challenges like technological issues and the impact on non-verbal cues. Gain valuable insights into the world of online therapy and make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for you.

woman sitting cross legged with laptop in lap and the screen showing online psychologist with text overlay the pros and cons of online therapy plus top online therapy options

Having a disability is not only tasking on your body but it can also be very hard on you mentally. In fact, adults with disabilities report frequent mental distress almost 5 times as often as those without disabilities. 

People with disabilities can also have more trouble accessing mental health care with barriers like cost, discrimination, and even just being able to physically get to a therapist for appointments.

In recent years, the field of mental health care has witnessed a significant transformation with the rise of online therapy. With the advent of technology, traditional face-to-face therapy sessions have evolved into virtual interactions, breaking down geographical barriers and offering unprecedented access to mental health services. This shift has sparked both enthusiasm and skepticism within the therapeutic community and among those seeking support.

As with most things in life, online therapy has pros and cons. On the one hand, online therapy provides a convenient and flexible platform that allows individuals to access professional help from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for physical travel and expanding access to therapy in remote areas. On the other hand, concerns regarding privacy, the absence of non-verbal cues, and potential limitations in establishing a strong therapeutic alliance have emerged as potential drawbacks.

Pros & Cons of Online Therapy

the view from behind a blond woman taking notes while looking at a laptop that has a therapist and the text online psychologist on the screen

If you are trying to decide if online therapy is right for you it’s important to consider the pros and cons. These are some of the things you should consider.

Pros of Online Therapy:

  1. Convenience: Online therapy allows individuals to access therapy from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for travel and reducing time commitments. It provides flexibility in scheduling sessions and can be especially beneficial for individuals with busy schedules or limited mobility.
  2. Accessibility: Online therapy increases access to mental health services, particularly for those living in remote areas with limited access to in-person therapists. It also benefits individuals who face transportation barriers or have difficulty leaving their homes due to physical or mental health issues. This has also been highlighted as a pro during the ongoing pandemic as people with disabilities are more likely to be at high risk for severe outcomes from Covid.
  3. Anonymity and Privacy: Some individuals may feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics or sharing personal information when they are not in a face-to-face setting. Online therapy provides a certain level of anonymity, which can help reduce stigma and promote openness.
  4. Affordability: Online therapy can often be more cost-effective compared to traditional in-person therapy. Therapists who offer online services may have lower overhead costs, allowing them to offer more affordable rates or sliding scale fees.
  5. Expanded Therapist Options: With online therapy, individuals have a larger pool of therapists to choose from, as they are not limited by geographic location. This increases the likelihood of finding a therapist who specializes in their specific needs or aligns with their cultural background or preferences.

Cons of Online Therapy:

  1. Technology Issues: Technical difficulties, such as poor internet connection or audio/video problems, can disrupt the therapeutic session and hinder effective communication. There can also be some accessibility issues with the technology that the therapist is using. These technical challenges may impact the quality of the therapy experience.
  2. Limited Non-Verbal Cues: Online therapy may not fully capture non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, as compared to in-person therapy. Some therapeutic approaches heavily rely on these cues for accurate interpretation, potentially impacting the therapeutic process.
  3. Lack of Physical Presence: For some individuals, the physical presence of a therapist can create a sense of safety, comfort, and trust. Online therapy may not offer the same level of connection or containment that can be experienced during in-person therapy sessions.
  4. Security and Confidentiality Concerns: While online therapy platforms take measures to ensure security, there may still be concerns about the privacy and confidentiality of online communication. Issues such as data breaches or unauthorized access to information can potentially compromise client confidentiality.
  5. Limited Emergency Support: In situations requiring immediate crisis intervention or emergency support, online therapy may not be as readily available or effective as in-person therapy. Online therapists may not have the means to provide immediate assistance or necessary interventions in critical situations.

It’s important to note that the pros and cons of online therapy can vary depending on individual preferences, needs, and the specific circumstances of each therapy session.

When it boils down to it the most important thing when it comes to therapy is finding the situation that can work for you. If you prefer in-person therapy but are not able to go to the appointments then it’s not really the better option. 

You may also need to try different types of therapy to find the right option for you. You do not have to stay with the same therapist or type of therapist. Therapists are understanding if you need to try someone else and want you to find the best situation for you and that situation may change over the years.

Options for Online Therapy

cropped shot of woman at desk with tablet in front of her with a woman wearing headphones looking at her on a video call.

Here are some popular options for online therapy platforms:

  1. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is one of the largest online therapy platforms that connects users with licensed therapists via secure video, phone, or messaging. They offer a range of subscription plans based on individual needs and preferences.
  2. Talkspace: Talkspace provides online therapy services through text, audio, and video messaging. They match users with licensed therapists who specialize in various areas of mental health. Talkspace offers different subscription plans and the ability to switch therapists if needed.
  3. Amwell: Amwell is a telehealth platform that offers online therapy services in addition to medical consultations. Users can connect with licensed therapists through video visits and receive personalized treatment plans.
  4. 7 Cups: 7 Cups is an online therapy platform that provides free emotional support and counseling through trained volunteers. They also offer a paid service that connects users with licensed therapists for professional counseling.
  5. Psychology Today: Psychology Today is an online directory that allows users to search for therapists in their area or who offer online therapy. The directory provides detailed profiles of therapists, including their specialties, qualifications, and contact information.
  6. Pride Counseling: Pride Counseling is an online therapy platform specifically designed for the LGBTQ+ community. They connect users with LGBTQ+-affirming therapists who understand the unique challenges faced by the community.
  7. DoctorOnDemand: This is a service that offers all kinds of medical care including therapists and psychiatrists. This is the service I personally use and have used for years. The appointments are done via video chat. If you don’t like to be on video many therapists are open to you turning off your camera to feel more comfortable. 

These are just a few examples of the many online therapy platforms available. It’s important to research and consider the features, pricing, and therapist qualifications of each platform to find the one that best suits your specific needs.

woman sitting cross legged with laptop in lap and the screen showing online psychologist with text overlay the pros and cons of online therapy plus top online therapy options

Share this post:

Share on X (Twitter) Share on Facebook Share on Pinterest Share on LinkedIn Share on Email

Leave a Comment

I am not a doctor, health professional, or lawyer. All information on this website, emails, and social media is based on personal experience and research. It is not meant to be taken as medical or legal advice.

Previous Post: « 8 Ways AI Can Help People With Disabilities Working From Home
Next Post: Easy Work From Home Healthy Snack Recipes »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to Lisa Sharp Creative! My name is Lisa and I’m the owner of a successful digital content creation business. I’m passionate about helping others with disabilities create an income from home! To read more, click here.

Featured Posts

wheelchair at desk with painting above it and plants on the floor

How to Create a Disability Friendly Home Office

desk with aqua desk accessories and a laptop with a notebook open that says work from home

From Distractions to Deadlines: How to Master Work from Home Productivity

closeup of woman's arms and hands while typing with notebook next to her

9 Free Online Courses to Help You Work From Home

graphic that says Chronic Illness Bloggers Proud Member

  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 · Refined Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT