While online counseling may have its benefits, it also has its drawbacks. While it’s possible to access legitimate therapists who have a presence in your area like nyc therapy , the security of online counseling may be compromised. An online counselor can operate without your knowledge, and it may be easier for unscrupulous counselors to take advantage of this. Another drawback is that insurance companies rarely cover the cost of online counseling.
Text-based therapy gives you the room to say what you want at your own pace.
While video-based therapy is widely studied, research on text-based therapy is limited. Only a few studies have been published. One trial involved nearly 100,000 people. It is unclear if text therapy is an effective treatment for depression or other conditions. However, many people benefit from the therapy, including those suffering from social anxiety and severe mental illnesses. Text-based therapy gives you the room to say what you want, when you want to, at your own pace.
While text-based therapy has its merits, it is still a limited option for severe conditions. Some text-based platforms match you with a therapist based on a questionnaire, and you do not choose your therapist. It is possible to change therapists, but that may limit the number of options. In addition to video-based therapy, text-based platforms support voice and video messaging. For example, a text-based platform lets you communicate with your therapist in real-time, and subscribers can also interact with a therapist using video or audio messaging. Some of these platforms even allow live sessions for a low price, which will enable you to choose how long you want the sessions to last and how often you wish to receive them.
It poses a greater security risk.
One primary concern for individuals seeking therapy online is security. Because private and personal information is transmitted over the internet, there is a greater risk of hackers or damaged devices stealing your information. Other security threats include computer viruses and phishing schemes. These risks are especially concerning because many other compassionate practices are now available online, including banking and shopping. Therefore, online therapy platforms should prioritize security as a priority and ensure that the information that is transmitted is encrypted and secure.
The need for strict security measures was also discussed. Since psychological practice is similar across states and countries, therapists practicing in one state can practice in another. Similarly, online therapists may need to acquire special certification to work in multiple states and countries. The APA, a professional association for psychologists, recently published a guide for online therapists. It emphasized the importance of protecting client information and familiarizing themselves with local and state laws.
Skype, for example, may retain records of conversations or phone calls, leaving users vulnerable to data collection and misuse. Additionally, even if the therapist is a trusted party, it is impossible to guarantee that private conversations are kept confidential. Further, the National Security Agency may review the metadata and information stored on Skype. Privacy advocates worry that these issues are exacerbated by ongoing controversies over the government’s use of internet records.
