Are you wondering whether virtual therapy is right for you? If yes, you should check out our informative guide by clicking here.

The COVID-19 pandemic almost makes it seem like the world had to pause, but really, life goes on.

Unfortunately, many people are stuck at home, or finding themselves unable to access their regular healthcare services. 

Those who already struggled with their mental health before the pandemic are suffering more since they’re isolated from friends and family.

This is where virtual therapy can step in and save the day.

When your therapist or counselor is no longer accessible for in-person visits, a virtual therapist can provide the help you need. Some healthcare providers who have seen this problem have adopted telemedicine technology into their practice so they’re able to see their patients virtually, while ensuring their safety, as well as the safety of all their staff and patients.

If you’ve been struggling with your mental health and have been get the help that you’re used to, or if you’ve noticed your mental health declining and want to talk to someone for the first time, we’re here to help.

Read on to learn if virtual therapy is the right for you.

What Is Virtual Therapy?

Virtual therapy is a therapy or counselling done… you guessed it, virtually!

Virtual therapy uses telemedicine technology to allow communication between patient and doctor entirely online. You can video-chat with a therapist, have important documents sent electronically sent to you, and can even fax prescriptions to your local pharmacy, or have your medication sent discreetly to your home.

Virtual therapists are licensed and trained healthcare professionals, just like you’d see if you went to see one in person, so you can be sure that you’re receiving the highest quality treatment.

There are many reasons why virtual therapy might be more appealing to some patients:

Accessible Treatment

By the age of 40, 50% of the Canadian population will have, or had, a mental illness. Unfortunately not everyone that needs help gets it.

Between cost, availability, and stigma, there have always been barriers for people seeking treatment for their mental illness. People who live in small towns or remote areas have a hard time finding a doctor that’s available, and that’s if there’s one around at all.

Mental health rarely improves on its own, and if the services aren’t easily accessible many just go without. Virtual therapy allows anyone to get the mental support services that they need. It removes costs associated with travel, as well as schedule challenges, which is especially valuable for those that can’t afford to take a day off work.

The online nature of virtual therapy brings mental health services at your fingertips.

No Stigma

Accessibility isn’t the only barrier to seeking the proper mental care. Historically, there’s been stigma towards those suffering from mental illness, and those seeking mental health treatment.

Although the world is changing, and mental health issues are being more openly discussed, many people still view mental illness as something to be ashamed of, and kept to yourself. Some may worry what their friends and family might think, other may have been raised to not talk about feelings and emotions.

Mental illness stigma can cause someone to not seek help, forcing them to suffer alone in private, rather than heal and grow through the guidance and support of the mental health community.

For those people that may not yet be comfortable talking about their issues, or letting others know they have a problem, virtual therapy is just what they needed. You can speak to a therapist that understands your struggles and can make a plan to tackle it together, all from the privacy of your bedroom.

Everyone should be able to speak to their loved ones about their mental health struggles, but not all of us are so lucky. Some may see just the stigma, while others may have no close people they can turn to; regardless of the situation, virtual therapy ensures that everyone has someone to talk to.

Availability of Specialists

Not all therapists are the same. And that’s okay.

Some patients feel more comfortable talking with certain therapists and not others, through no fault or lack of professionalism by the therapist. Just as not every doctor is the same, some therapists may understand you better, others may specialize in treating your specific illness, or may just be easier to open up to.

If there aren’t many local options, some people may not have an opportunity to seek help from anyone else. They’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. They can either see a therapist they aren’t 100% happy with, or go without.

There are many different kinds of specialties that fall underneath the “therapy” umbrella. The more specialized their services, the less likely that a small city or town will have it as an available treatment option.

For example, talk therapy is the most common kind of therapy but it’s far from the only one. Depending on the mental illness and medical history, other form may be more effective forms of treatment.

If one kind of therapy would work better for you, finding a specialist and speaking to them virtually may be the easiest, or only way to get the care you need.

Disability-Friendly

This is related to accessibility, but deserves further mention.

The pandemic has forced many to face new challenges in their lives, such isolating at home, being separated from loved ones, and unable to see their therapists. But for those living with a disability, many of these challenges have always been a part of their life.

Some people don’t go to therapy because they aren’t mentally or physically able to. Some may have mobility issues that make it difficult to get around, while others deal with less visible disabilities.

Virtual therapy allows those with disabilities the ability to speak to a therapist on their own terms. Whereas normally, someone may have to rely on special transportation services or a loved one to take them to and from their appointments, virtual therapy allows increased independence as the power to get the help when they need it is placed back into their hands.

More Consistency

You’ve probably heard the saying “consistency is key”, and this usually applies to therapy as well.

Regular meetings with your therapist allows them to assess your issues, create a program specific for your needs, and allows for follow ups to make sure you’re staying on track and progressing in your mental health journey.

The increased accessibility means that consistent therapy sessions are easier to do. And increased consistency increases the chances of a successful mental health program, and better mental health, in general.

Many that struggle with their mental health may feel alone or helpless. Virtual therapy is a way for them to reach out and get the help they need faster, and on a more consistent basis.

Is Virtual Therapy Right for You?

The pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives, and it may be taking a toll on our mental health. And less socializing with loved ones, and more time alone isn’t helping.

Everyone handles situations differently, but at one point or another, everyone will have their life affected by mental health; whether it be their own, or the mental health of someone important to them.

There have always been barriers related to mental health support, and this pandemic has only worsened things. Fortunately, virtual therapy and telemedicine services are helping more and more people get the help they need and deserve.

Whether it’s the accessibility, fear of stigma, consistency, or just convenience, most people can find a reason that to embrace virtual therapy and telemedicine into their lives.

Virtual therapy may not be for everyone, but it is for lots of us. Now, more than ever, mental illness and health is something to take seriously, but treatable.

But before treatment can begin, you have to be able to speak with a therapist.

If you, or someone you know, is suffering with their mental life and is in immediate physical danger (to themselves or others), please call 911 or your local emergency services.

If you’d like to learn more about Canadian mental health resources, you can check out HealthLinkBC for additional resources.

Many suffer in silence their entire lives without getting the help they need. Don’t let your mental health go unchecked. For more information regarding virtual therapy, or to schedule an appointment, visit our site.