Online Therapy

Online therapy involves remote therapy sessions that you attend via telephone, video calls, live chat or email. Research has shown that 70% of people do not have access to traditional, in-person mental health support. Luckily, the growing online therapy industry has made it easier to get mental health care.

Why online therapy?

You are not in Singapore, work nonstandard hours, have a busy family, have no access to mental health care near your area, prefer to keep anonymous, would like to speak with a professional in your preferred language and you are disabled or housebound. 

Is online therapy effective? 

Studies over the last 10 years have shown that online therapy elicits comparable improvements in mental health symptoms as in-person therapy for a wide variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, addiction, stress, and trauma. 

Client empowerment has been identified as a key contributor to the effectiveness of online therapy. As a client, you can make more flexible choices on where and when to take your therapy sessions. In addition, fewer scheduling conflicts, less travel time, and ease of access can significantly reduce stress and enhance therapy effectiveness.

Potential drawbacks of online therapy

Online therapy may not be sufficient to provide adequate help for individual in psychological crisis or requires higher level of mental health care.

A strong internet connection is crucial to participate in online therapy. There can be occasional disruptions due to bad weather or poor internet connection speeds.

Privacy can also sometimes be a concern and someone might overhear your therapy sessions. Therefore, you need to have a secure and private place and personal computer for an online therapy.

More information about online therapy can be found at Association for Counselling and Therapy Online.