What is online psychotherapy?
Online psychotherapy or counselling entails providing counselling or psychotherapy services via information and communication technology, such as videoconferencing, telephone, email, or instant messaging (chat).
Studies have proven the effectiveness of internet therapy. In fact, there is already a substantial body of research and evidence indicating that online therapy is as effective as face-to-face therapy.
What are the advantages of using online psychotherapy? Some are highlighted by the Order of Portuguese Psychologists:
Reach - Ease of access to psychological intervention for a larger number of people who would not be able to benefit from it in a face-to-face model (for example, during absence from the usual environment due to travel, vacation, geographical displacement, travel difficulties motor problems and isolation or limitation of local resources).
Accessibility - When compared to traditional psychological intervention, psychological intervention using new technologies is often less expensive.
Flexibility - Allows adaptation to different locations, contexts, conditions, and characteristics in order to meet the specific needs and convenience of different groups of people.
Attractiveness - The ability to provide Psychological Health care in a more appealing format for some users can increase involvement and participation in Psychological Health care, encouraging treatment adherence.
Reduced stigma associated with psychological intervention - Some clients are concerned about people watching them enter or leave a psychologist's office.
Ease of Cancellation and Rescheduling - With an online network of professionals, clients can cancel, reschedule, or change therapists with ease.
Reirado de: Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses, (2018). Use of ICT in Psychological Intervention http://recursos.ordemdospsicologos.pt/files/artigos/utiliza____o_das_tic_na_i.pdf
Cecilia Almeida, Clinical Psychologist