INTRODUCTION:
Since the initial COVID-19 wave hit, nearly everyone and everything has moved to the
internet, from business meetings, seminars, lectures at college or school, and even therapy.
People suffered from a variety of mental health issues as a result of being confined to their
houses for months during the lockdown, which sparked an increase in the need for therapy. It makes sense that some people wouldn't think therapy works, much less online treatment.
Nevertheless, our goal here is to show you the more positive and accurate aspects of therapy's advantages, particularly those related to online therapy.
Online Therapy is a mode of therapeutic sessions scheduled between a psychologist and the client. It is exactly the same as a regular therapy session but virtually. However, it is
much more flexible, comfortable, and time effective, since it gives the client the space to
improve their mental well-being from the comfort of their own homes even if they are in a
different city, state, or country. For those with hectic schedules, traveling long distances for
in-person therapy can be a major inconvenience. However, if you have reliable internet
access, online therapy offers a convenient and swift alternative, making it easier to receive
the help you need without the hassle of extensive travel. As it might be more difficult to
open up in person than it is to do so electronically, it saves people time when they are
establishing rapport or opening up.
Additionally, Online therapy offers access to individuals living in rural or remote areas since
mental health clinics are scarce or non-existent in certain communities and it is highly taboo, online services provide individuals with an opportunity to talk about their issues and heal.Because of the stigma attached to treatment and the fear of social disapproval and
embarrassment, this alone causes the person to lose faith in it. However, to avoid having to
answer to anyone, it is easier for these individuals to seek help through online counseling
services.
TYPES OF ONLINE THERAPY SERVICES:
Online Psychological services in India are not limited to a specific range of services but it is
inclusive of various mental health problems that are offered through in-person therapy.
Virtual Therapy includes services for individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, stress,
relationship/interpersonal problems, addiction, PTSD, etc. It is also accessible to everyone
struggling with mental health issues because it is inclusive of all genders, sexual orientations, races, and religions. It also permits family, group, couple, and children therapy in addition to individual therapeutic services. However, To be sure they offer the particular service you're searching for, it's crucial to research the website of the mental health clinic you've chosen. The goal of these treatments is to offer complete mental health care and support, making it more accessible and flexible for those in need.
MODES OF COMMUNICATION:
Attending an online counselling session by video call is recommended since it is more
efficient and facilitates communication. Nevertheless, several mental health services in India offer phone, email, or text-based online therapy sessions. In most cases, the latter is beneficial when someone is experiencing a crisis and requires assistance. A life can be saved by having someone to talk to or simply listen to their troubles. Speaking with a certified therapist is significantly more beneficial and efficient than confiding in friends or relatives.
BENEFITS OF ONLINE THERAPY:
The following are some of the benefits associated with online counselling sessions:
1} COST-EFFECTIVE:
In contrast to the West, our insurance in India hardly covers anything when it comes to our
physical health, let alone mental health problems. It will still take India about ten years to
include mental health treatments in its offerings. Making it one of the many reasons to
decline mental health issues, People will continue to struggle with mental health problems
and disorders. However, it is crucial to look after our mental health as we do for our physical
health care. There is no denying that Mental health services can be costly and the average Indian middle-class person cannot actually afford it. However, if you can raise money for your medical issues, why not for your mental health issues as well? If not managed or looked out for, even mental health conditions can turn out to be fatal.
When compared to in-person therapy, online psychological services provide lower session
costs. This enables people to save a few rupees by choosing online sessions without
sacrificing the quality of the professionalism, assistance, or services provided.
2} COMFORT AND FAMILIARITY:
Home Environment: Receiving therapy in a familiar setting can help clients feel more
relaxed and open during sessions, which can enhance the therapeutic process.
Reduced Anxiety: For those with anxiety disorders or physical disabilities, online
therapy removes the stress of navigating unfamiliar environments or interacting face-to-
face with strangers. This accessibility promotes better mental health care outcomes.
3} CONTINUITY OF CARE:
Consistency: Clients can continue with the same therapist even if they relocate,
ensuring uninterrupted care and a stable therapeutic relationship.
Regular Sessions: Online platforms facilitate consistent scheduling, helping clients
maintain a regular therapy routine, consistent support, and follow-up care as needed.
This continuity is essential for managing chronic mental health conditions and
achieving long-term therapeutic goals.
4} CULTURAL SENSITIVITY:
Cultural Understanding:
Access to therapists who understand and respect cultural nuances, which is crucial in a multicultural country like India. This ensures that therapy sessions are culturally sensitive and relevant to clients backgrounds and beliefs.
Language Preferences:
Clients can select therapists who speak their preferred language, enhancing communication and understanding.These elaborations illustrate how online therapy addresses specific challenges and enhances mental health care accessibility, affordability, and effectiveness in India's diverse and dynamic cultural landscape.
HOW TO GET STARTED:
1} Finding a Qualified Therapist:
Research and Explore: Look for licensed therapists specialising in your needs through
various online therapy platforms. Consider their qualifications, experience, and therapeutic
approach. Check Credentials: Ensure the therapist has relevant certifications or memberships in professional organisations.
Consider Specialisation: Choose a therapist with expertise in areas relevant to your
concerns, and who understands cultural nuances if important to you.
Read Reviews: Check client reviews to consider others' experiences and assess the therapist's effectiveness and professionalism.
2} Initial Consultation and Assessment:
Schedule a Session: Contact the therapist to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your
reasons for seeking therapy, gather background information, and assess compatibility.
Discuss Concerns and Goals: Be open about your challenges, past experiences, and specific goals for therapy. Evaluate how comfortable you feel with the therapist's approach.
Assess Fit: Determine if there is a strong therapeutic alliance and if the therapist's methods
align with your preferences and expectations for therapy.
Develop a Plan: Collaborate on a treatment plan that outlines session frequency, duration,
and specific therapeutic techniques or interventions to address your goals.
3} Setting Goals and Expectations:
Define Clear Goals: Work with your therapist to set measurable and realistic therapy goals
that address your concerns and priorities.
Discuss Therapy Approach: Understand the therapeutic approach the therapist will use and
how it will be applied to your situation.
Establish Timeline: Agree on a timeline for achieving goals and discuss how progress will
be monitored and adjusted as needed.
Clarify Roles: Understand your role as a client in therapy, including participation in
exercises or homework, and the therapist's role in providing guidance and support.
Following these steps will help you initiate online therapy effectively, ensuring you find
a qualified therapist, establish clear goals, and begin your therapeutic journey with
confidence.
CONCLUSION:
One literature review of studies found online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to
be just as effective as in-person therapy in treating moderate depression. Another
review found that online CBT was equally effective as a face-to-face treatment for
panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalised anxiety disorder Online
therapy is even shown to be effective in reducing problem gambling behaviours.
This provided a thorough overview of how online therapy services operate in India, including what to anticipate from them, their effectiveness, and whether or not they will be more helpful in managing or solving your problems than in-person therapy services.
Hopefully, this blog post helped you expand your understanding of Online psychological
services and if it changed your mind, you may now be on the lookout for Mental health
clinics and psychologists offering the same.
We at Omni Health Services, India, provide a wide range of psychological services which
indeed include online therapy. It has all the advantages that were previously discussed,
including being affordable, accessible, familiar, inclusive, and much more. No matter how
severe or little a person's difficulties may be, we are committed to supporting them because we think everyone has a right to be heard.
Please feel free to browse our website or give us a call at the number below if you or
someone you know needs professional assistance in order to learn more about our offerings
and schedule an appointment.
+91 096536 77486
REFERENCES:
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