One in six people will suffer from the mental disorder, depression, at some point in their lives. A recent UK study by Lancet, showed that people suffering from depression that received real-time online therapy sessions were 2.4 times more likely to have recovered eight months later than those who received face-to-face therapy from their GP.
Online therapy is incredibly effective and has the increased potential to widen access to the population. When one in six people will suffer from depression and one in four adults has a diagnosed mental illness, access to therapy has never been so important. Location boundaries are broken when going online. Disabled persons who cannot otherwise travel to see a mental health professional now can when going online. Getting counselling in the comfort of one’s own home completely removes the effects of the stigma around receiving counseling. Online sessions are convenient, comfortable and private.
Therapy is not a one fit for all solution. Some people interact better if they can only hear the voice of their therapist and not see their face, while other will prefer just messages. Online therapy gives patients that flexibility to have only message, voice or video consultations. In the past decade, the reliance of antidepressants has been astounding. However, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association, for mild to medium depressive disorders there is little evidence that antidepressants are effective. More patients, especially those with less serious forms of depression, cease medication before ceasing psychotherapy.
With the spread of technology, the spreading awareness of mental illness and the effectiveness of online therapy, telecounseling is poised to become a key part of the healthcare spectrum in the near future.
