Teletherapy has become a massive industry in itself in response to provider shortages all over the United States. It’s helping more people get access to mental health care sooner, especially those facing unique treatment barriers. However, many people are still questioning its validity and the ethics of teletherapy businesses. Is it just as effective as in-person treatment for depression? And how do you know you’ll get high-quality care from a therapist who’s being treated fairly? This article explains the benefits of online therapy and how it can help with depression and why you should consider finding a therapist online.
Why should I consider online therapy for depression?
Depression can make everyday tasks much more difficult, like showering and leaving the house. While therapy should ultimately help you feel better, going to a therapist’s office takes time and preparation. Online therapy can make it easier to get to your appointments on time and use your full session time more effectively. With no commute before or after appointments, you’ll have more time in your day for the things that are important to you. Teletherapy is especially convenient if you have a busy schedule or you live in a rural area where there aren’t many therapists available.
The MoodRx Therapy Network provides a faster and more personalized therapist matching experience as well. Instead of scouring the internet to find the details you’re looking for, you’ll take a few self-assessments and talk with a live licensed clinician. After your 15-minute consultation, they’ll handpick a few therapists with the experience, credentials and personality to help you with depression.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes, teletherapy has been accepted as a clinically effective form of treatment. A recent meta-analysis of 24 studies found there was no significant difference in the effectiveness of virtual therapy versus in-person therapy for depression. This backs up similar results from another meta-analysis of 57 studies over two decades, which examined the clinical effectiveness of teletherapy for a broader range of conditions.
What can I expect from teletherapy for depression?
Teletherapy is a lot like in-person treatment except you’ll talk with your therapist via video call. You’ll receive a link to log in for each appointment, and you won’t have to download any software.
You and your therapist will spend your first sessions getting to know each other and identifying some therapy goals to work on together. You might work on identifying negative core beliefs and reframing thought patterns, creating more supportive relationships, finding ways to function better during depressive episodes, or developing positive coping mechanisms.
When you work with a therapist online, you can expect the following benefits:
● Freedom to log on for appointments from anywhere with an internet connection
● Concierge therapist matching service via the MoodRx Therapy Network
● Working around treatment barriers like long waitlists and limited provider choices
● No commute to therapy appointments
● Flexible scheduling
● Privacy of attending therapy from home or another secure location
How do I know an online therapy company is trustworthy and ethical?
Ethics are an important consideration for many people seeking mental health care. The provider you choose should have a clear policy for your privacy and security. Many people want to know they’re supporting a company that treats its employees well.
At MoodRx, ethics, social responsibility and collaboration are some of our core values. We keep your personal information safe and secure. We don’t use an algorithm to match you with therapists — we provide a free, live consultation with a licensed clinician. We care about helping therapists and health care workers manage stress so they can provide the best service to their clients. We’re striving to raise industry standards by creating a supportive work environment for our employees.
Get help finding an online MoodRx therapist who’s experienced with treating depression
Could online therapy be the right choice for you? Now that you’re informed about your teletherapy options, you can start your search for the right provider. We know that finding a therapist can be a tough challenge, especially when you’re dealing with depression. That’s why we designed the MoodRx Therapy Network to leverage telehealth technology while keeping a human relationship at the center of your experience. It helps you monitor your mental health, match with a therapist and manage your care.
What are you looking for in an online therapist? Sign up for free today and get started with your self-assessments. We’ll reach out within 48 to 72 hours to set up your consultation. We’ve made the rest easy, so getting started is truly the hardest part. Let us help you find a great therapist who’s a good fit for you.