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Writer's pictureLisa S. Larsen, PsyD

The Benefits of Online Video Therapy

Updated: Oct 21


Young Asian woman with headphones on waving in front of computer in office
Convenience and ease are just some of the benefits of online video therapy.

Are you looking for psychotherapy or counselling, but don't have time to go to a therapist's office? Do you have an injury or illness that makes it hard to get to appointments reliably? Do you have  anxiety about leaving the house? Are your childcare needs keeping you from being able to get help?


Numerous benefits of online video therapy

Therapy conducted via video conferencing, often referred to as teletherapy or online therapy, offers several benefits:


Accessibility: Video therapy allows you to access mental health support from the comfort of your own home, as long as you're in California if you're working with me. This is because I am only licensed in this state. Online therapy is particularly beneficial if you live in remote areas or have mobility issues that may make it difficult to attend in-person therapy sessions.


Safety: People are still getting COVID-19 and other illnesses that are easily communicable. Online therapy is a safe, respectful way to still get help even if you have a cold or other sickness, from the comfort of your familiar surroundings. That way it's safer for both of us!


Convenience: Online therapy eliminates the need for travel time to and from a therapist's office, making it more convenient if you're a busy person with a hectic schedule. It also provides flexibility in scheduling, as you can often find appointment times that better suit your needs.


Privacy: The privacy and anonymity offered by video therapy can make it easier for you to open up and discuss sensitive or personal topics. Being in a familiar environment can also help you feel more relaxed and comfortable during sessions.


Continuity of care: Video therapy allows you to continue therapy sessions uninterrupted, even if you need to travel for work, are away on vacation, or during situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.


Access to specialized therapists: Online therapy provides you access to a wider range of therapists with diverse backgrounds and specialties. This can be particularly beneficial if you're looking for specialized treatment modalities (like EMDR or hypnosis), or therapists who have expertise in specific areas (like complicated grief).


Reduced stigma: You may feel more comfortable seeking therapy online due to reduced stigma associated with traditional face-to-face therapy. The anonymity provided by video sessions can help alleviate worries about being seen entering a therapist's office or encountering someone you know in the waiting room.


Cost-effectiveness: In some cases, online therapy may be more cost-effective than traditional in-person therapy, as it eliminates the need for expenses associated with travel and childcare.


Overall, video therapy offers a convenient, accessible, and effective alternative to traditional in-person therapy, making mental health support more readily available to those in need.


I know that COVID-19 gave many people Zoom fatigue, from working online to going to school online. I get that there's a difference in how video therapy feels versus how in-person therapy feels. And at the same time, many times people have last-minute problems like daycare not being available, or you got a cold or had to work late. Video therapy is much more flexible for these situations, because it takes less time and effort to arrange for it.


I'm no stranger to online therapy!

Video therapy from home can help! I have been providing video therapy from home since 2017. I use a platform called SecureVideo, which is secure and HIPAA-compliant. In addition, it has the documents needed for the first session already on the platform, so it's easy to sign and fill them out electronically.


Therapy from home is an option that is here to stay. Many people experienced increased mental health simply because they were able to access a great therapist in a virtual way. I am committed to offering online therapy to clients for years to come.


Why not make it easier on yourself with online therapy?

Online video therapy is a great option for people who are more likely to follow through if it's easy and convenient. It doesn't matter if you have anxiety or depression, you're struggling in your relationship, or you simply want a good therapist to help you with your life, online therapy can work for you. It can be helpful in grief therapy, trauma treatment, couples therapy, as well as anxiety and depression.


The only times online therapy is ill-advised is if you are in a crisis and feel like hurting yourself or others, or actively abusing substances like drugs or alcohol. Also, if you want to do therapy from your car, it should be stopped and parked in a place where you won't be endangered or disturbed. This is especially true for EMDR therapy, Flash Technique, or clinical hypnosis.


Please give me a call at 661-233-6771 to see if this would be a good fit for your needs.

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