VIRTUAL THERAPY AND THE MANY BENEFITS INVOLVED

Virtual therapy has come to the forefront at a critical time, during a national mental health crisis.

Lockdowns and social distancing have meant isolation for many. In addition to the pandemic, the 2020 election and race relations controversies have had major impacts on our mental health. A recent poll shows Americans believe their mental health to be the lowest in the last 20 years.

Many people are prioritizing their mental health by turning to therapy at a time when the practice is becoming increasingly more accessible, affordable and culturally competent.

Virtual therapy is taking shape in the form of online sessions with therapists and counselors, distanced round table meetings with peers to foster relationships, and personal text or video messages that can be received by a licensed professional at any time.

Aside from the digital conveniences and direct availability of virtual therapy, the online model is highly celebrated throughout communities who specifically seek services from BIPOC- and LGBTQ-identified and affirming therapists.

Previously, individuals seeking therapy were restricted to services provided by their local licensed professionals, presenting a challenge for some to find satisfaction with the limited options provided. Another obstacle many have faced when pursuing mental health services is insurance – or the lack thereof – and costly per-session charges.

Currently not all, but a few, online therapy providers accept clients who lack insurance and/or offer services at a third of the normal cost. This is beneficial to those who have lost their insurance due to COVID 19 and are struggling financially. Some providers will even cater to what a person can afford (a sliding fee scale).

Kasper, a nonbinary POC student and friend of this writer, said they struggled to find a therapist who met all of their needs before virtual therapy became an option. Kasper’s non-negotiables when it comes to finding the right therapist include a person of color who is experienced in non-binary gender and trauma.

Kasper referenced therapy horror stories ranging from therapists falling asleep to refusing to acknowledge their pronouns.

“I was settling in a desperate way,” Kasper said, “I needed professional help.

I found the first therapist I’ve trusted who has been beneficial to my mental health through an online therapy platform after searching for years.”

Some lifelong benefits of therapy for clients are replacing bad habits with healthy coping mechanisms, overcoming traumas, improving communication, a judgment-free sounding board, and learning many other ways to help achieve mental health goals.

Studies show that 75 percent of people who seek psychotherapy treatment benefit from their sessions.

As popularity in virtual therapy rises, more platforms are becoming available to meet various needs, identities and communities. Virtual therapy platforms like TalkSpace and BetterHelp have existed since 2012 and 2013 and have seen a surge in use since the pandemic began. (In a recent Washington Post story, TalkSpace reported a 65 percent increase in clients since the beginning of 2020.) In similar processes, clients are matched with recommended therapists and counselors based on a brief survey and their compatibility.

Traditional therapists nationwide have also transitioned to online services.

With social distancing continuing to force most activities online in 2021, virtual therapy is one positive tool that will most likely outlive the pandemic.