Anxiety and depression are common mental health conditions that affect millions of people around the globe. Interestingly, these two separate mental health states are often experienced at the same time – a condition known as comorbidity. Overlapping symptoms from both anxiety and depression can often require an integrated treatment approach.
Depression and anxiety can sometimes go away on their own without professional intervention. However, if the underlying causes aren’t identified and treated, symptoms may periodically resurface or worsen. The good news is that online therapy can be highly effective at addressing the root cause of both conditions and may lead to a long-term improvement in symptoms. Here’s what to know about the evidence-based benefits of online therapy for anxiety and depression.
Understanding Depression and Anxiety
Depression is a common mood disorder that can lead to feelings of persistent sadness, isolation, and loss of interest in once-enjoyable activities. It’s common for people with depression to struggle with motivation and relationships. Depression can be temporary or chronic, depending on the underlying cause.
Anxiety is another common mood disorder that’s characterized by feelings of fear, panic, and feeling on edge. It can be acute or chronic as well, depending on the underlying cause. Anxiety symptoms can range from mild to severe and can impact everyday function and quality of life.
What is Online Therapy?
Online therapy with a mental health professional is a convenient alternative to in-person therapy. It’s also a great option for anyone who wants mental health help but prefers an affordable therapy option. Online therapy tends to be less expensive than in-person therapy because therapists who practice online typically have reduced overhead costs. They often choose to pass those cost savings on to their clients.
Online therapy sessions offer treatment and scheduling flexibility. Clients can often choose to meet with their therapist via telephone calls, video conferencing, chat messages, or email correspondence. The flexible and convenient nature of online therapy makes it a great choice for those with busy schedules or limited mobility.
Evidence-Based Benefits of Online Therapy for Anxiety and Depression
Some people mistakenly think that online therapy can’t be as efficacious or offer as many benefits as in-person therapy. However, research reveals that this isn’t the case at all. Online therapy offers a wide variety of evidence-based benefits, including:
Clinical Effectiveness
Research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy at treating anxiety and depression. Many of the top tried-and-proven mental health techniques and treatments don’t require in-person treatment to be effective. Examples of popular treatments offered by online therapists include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
- Narrative therapy
These are common treatment options for anxiety and depression, and they can all be effectively administered through online therapy channels.
Comfort and Privacy
You don’t need studies or research to prove that online therapy offers a greater degree of comfort and privacy than traditional therapy. When you see an in-person therapist, you have to drive to your therapist’s location and may need to sit in a public waiting room once you arrive there. It’s possible for friends, family members, or acquaintances to see you while you’re walking into the building or waiting inside.
When you meet with an online therapist, you have minimal risk of being inadvertently seen by prying eyes. You don’t need to worry about commuting to a physical building or waiting in an area that’s visible to others. Instead, you can meet discreetly with your therapist from a completely private location. That location might be your office, bedroom, living room, or any other secure area of your choosing.
Personalization and Flexibility
Research indicates that personalized therapy is an effective strategy for improving patient outcomes. This shouldn’t be surprising, considering that every person is different and unique. One person’s underlying depression and anxiety triggers may be completely different from another person’s.
Online therapy allows for greater scheduling flexibility. Therefore, it’s often easier for online therapists to tailor session frequency to each patient’s needs. Those who require more consistent care often find it easier to increase session frequency when meeting with an online therapist as opposed to an in-person therapist.
Accessibility and Convenience
Millions of people suffer from physical health conditions that limit their mobility. These people may find it difficult to meet regularly with an in-person therapist. Therefore, their physical health issues may directly impact their mental health status.
Fortunately, increased accessibility is one of the most notable evidence-based benefits associated with online therapy. You don’t have to leave your home to meet with an online therapist, making online therapy one of the most accessible and convenient mental health treatments available.
Expanded Provider Choice
With in-person therapy, you’re typically limited to the providers who are physically located near your home or place of work. This can limit your access to providers who specialize in treating your particular mental health concerns.
You’re not limited to local therapists when you choose to engage in online therapy. You can meet with practically any online therapist of your choice, no matter where they’re located (provided they’re licensed to practice in your state).
Schedule Online Therapy Today
Online therapy is a highly effective treatment option for depression and anxiety. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of just one or both of these mental health conditions, consider scheduling an appointment with an online therapist today.