Online Therapy for the Holidays

The holiday season is in full force. Some people wait all year for the festivities, gift giving and time with friends and family. But for many others, the holidays come with heightened feelings of depression and anxiety.

Seeking medical help for mental health can be difficult, inconvenient and financially burdensome, especially around the holidays, when most people tend to feel an obligation to see family and splurge on gifts, even if they may not have the budget for it.

But a lack of time and money doesn’t mean mental health should be ignored during the holidays.

Even the most severe cases of depression can be reduced through internet-based therapy, Indiana University researchers find.

The need for internet-based therapy

Many people, including college students, suffer from depression. Internet-based therapy can help alleviate the depression symptoms of those who are unable to be seen by a specialist.

“Close to one in four people meet the criteria for major depressive disorder,” Lorenzo Lorenzo-Luaces, an assistant professor of clinical psychology in the IU Bloomington College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and lead author of the study, said in a statement.

“If you include people with minor depression or who have been depressed for a week or a month with a few symptoms, the number grows, exceeding the number of psychologists who can serve them,” he continued.

People with heightened depression are also expensive for the healthcare system, according to Lorenzo-Luaces.

“They tend to visit primary-care physicians more often than others,” he said in a statement. “They have more medical problems, and their depression sometimes gets in the way of their taking their medication for other medical problems.”

The study

Many internet-based therapy apps and websites have claimed to be able to treat depression.

These claims have been questioned by both patients and researchers, under the assumption that traditional human-to-human therapy and medication are the only ways to alleviate suffering.

To test if internet-based therapy could truly help depression, the researchers reviewed 21 pre-existing studies, which included a total of 4,871 participants. They found that internet-based therapy platforms can help relieve depression symptoms in even the most severe cases of depression.

“Before this study, I thought past studies were probably focused on people with very mild depression, those who did not have other mental health problems, and were at low risk for suicide,” Lorenzo-Luaces said in a statement. “To my surprise, that was not the case. The science suggests that these apps and platforms can help a large number of people.”

While face-to-face therapy and antidepressant medication may prove to be more effective than online therapy alone, this research provides promising evidence that internet-based cures can be very helpful.

“This is not to say that you should stop taking your medication and go to the nearest app store,” Lorenzo-Luaces said in a statement. “People tend to do better when they have a little bit of guidance.”

The Positives of Online Therapy Services: An Affordable Option for Comprehensive Mental Health Care

Online therapy services have gained significant momentum in recent years, and their benefits are becoming increasingly evident as more people seek accessible and affordable mental health care. The digital transformation of treatment has made therapy and counseling more convenient, flexible, and, in many cases, more affordable. In this analysis, we will explore the positive aspects of online therapy services, highlighting how they provide comprehensive care options including therapy, medication management, and other essential services delivered by licensed professionals.

1. Accessibility and Convenience

One of the most significant advantages of online therapy is their accessibility. People no longer need to worry about the logistical challenges of attending in-person sessions, such as commuting, scheduling conflicts, or geographical limitations. This makes therapy more available to a wider range of individuals, especially those in rural or underserved areas who may have limited access to in-person therapists.

Online therapy platforms typically offer a variety of communication methods, including video calls, phone calls, and text-based chat sessions, ensuring that clients can choose the format that best suits their preferences and comfort level. This flexibility accommodates busy lifestyles and allows therapy to fit into the client’s schedule, whether they are a working professional, a parent, or a student.

2. Affordability and Cost-Effectiveness

Mental health services have traditionally been expensive and often out of reach for many people, particularly those without adequate insurance coverage. Online therapy, however, are typically more affordable than in-person therapy, with many platforms offering subscription-based models or pay-as-you-go pricing. The reduced overhead costs associated with online therapy—such as the absence of physical office space and administrative expenses—allow providers to pass on savings to clients.

You might be asking, “Does insurance cover online therapy?” Many online therapy platforms accept a wide range of insurance plans, making the online therapy cost more affordable for individuals with insurance coverage. Some platforms also offer sliding scale pricing, where the cost of services is adjusted based on a client’s financial situation, further increasing accessibility.

For individuals who do not have insurance or who face high out-of-pocket expenses for traditional therapy, online therapy provides a budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing the quality of care.

3. Comprehensive Mental Health Services

Affordable online therapy is not limited to traditional talk therapy; they often provide a broader range of services to cater to diverse needs. Clients can access:

• Therapy and Counseling: Many online platforms offer various types of therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based therapy, and more, all delivered by licensed therapists. This range of options ensures that clients can receive the most appropriate treatment for their specific conditions, whether they are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other challenges.
• Medication Management: Some online therapy platforms also provide psychiatric services, including medication management. Licensed psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners can prescribe medications and monitor their effectiveness, ensuring a holistic approach to care. For individuals who require medication to manage conditions like depression, ADHD, or anxiety, this service can be particularly beneficial, as it eliminates the need for separate appointments with psychiatrists or primary care doctors.
• Specialized Services: Many online platforms offer specialized services for various demographics, such as children and adolescents, LGBTQ+ individuals, or people with specific disorders like PTSD, OCD, or eating disorders. The ability to access specialized care online can be particularly empowering for individuals who may otherwise feel uncomfortable seeking help in traditional settings.

4. Privacy and Comfort

For some people, the thought of attending therapy in person can be intimidating or stigmatizing. Online therapy removes these barriers by allowing clients to participate in sessions from the comfort and privacy of their own homes. This can make the therapeutic experience feel less daunting and more approachable, especially for individuals who might feel self-conscious about seeking help in a physical office setting.

Additionally, online therapy platforms often employ robust security measures, including end-to-end encryption, to protect client confidentiality. This level of privacy can be reassuring for individuals who are concerned about the security of their personal health information.

5. Reduced Stigma Around Mental Health

Online therapy sessions can help reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment. The ability to engage in therapy discreetly from one’s home environment allows individuals to access help without fear of judgment. This can encourage more people to seek treatment who might otherwise avoid therapy due to societal stigma or the fear of being seen entering a therapist’s office.

Moreover, online therapy platforms often promote a more inclusive, non-judgmental atmosphere, where clients can feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues without the pressure of face-to-face interactions. The anonymity provided by online platforms can empower individuals to be more open and honest in their discussions, which can lead to more effective therapy outcomes.

6. Variety of Available Therapists and Services

Online therapy services offer clients a wider selection of licensed professionals to choose from. Clients can easily browse profiles, review licensed therapists’ qualifications, specialties, and therapeutic approaches, and select the professional who best meets their needs. This variety can be particularly helpful for individuals who may not have found the right fit in previous therapy experiences or who are looking for a specific type of therapy (e.g., trauma-informed care, couples therapy, etc.).

Some platforms even allow for easy switching between therapists if a client feels that a particular provider is not the best match, ensuring that the therapeutic relationship can remain productive and effective.

7. Integration with Other Health Services

Some online therapy platforms are now expanding to offer integrated health services, providing a more holistic approach to care. This might include the coordination of therapy with physical health care providers, access to wellness programs, or even lifestyle coaching that complements the therapeutic process. By addressing both mental and physical health needs, these integrated platforms can enhance overall well-being and help individuals achieve better long-term outcomes.

Conclusion

Online therapy services offer a range of benefits that can significantly improve access to mental health care. By providing affordable, flexible, and convenient therapy options delivered by licensed professionals, these platforms are making treatment more accessible to individuals who might otherwise face barriers to care. With the added advantage of medication management services, specialized services, and privacy protections, online therapy is rapidly becoming a comprehensive and effective option for people seeking support. As awareness continues to grow, online therapy services are playing a critical role in making treatment more accessible, cost-effective, and inclusive for a broader population.