Lots of people start their search for a mental health therapist by Googling “therapist near me.” But what if the best therapist for you isn’t located nearby? Shouldn’t the characteristics you value most in a therapist — their manner, specialty, personality, experience, and approach — be given more emphasis in your search than a physical location?
Online mental health treatment has opened doors to finding a therapist who truly fits your needs, no matter where they’re located. Since transitioning to 100% online psychotherapy and psychoanalysis at the start of COVID-19, my patients have transformed their lives through our virtual sessions — transformations that might not have been possible if their treatment was limited by geography.
And it’s not just my own experience talking: research backs up the effectiveness of online therapy, in particular my practices of psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis.
So, how do you decide whether to explore online therapy or find a therapist nearby? You look at what the research says, consider the benefits of virtual therapy, and determine which is the right choice for you.
The Growing Popularity of Online Therapy
Online therapy has grown dramatically over the past few years. The combination of reliable and high-quality video conferencing, plus a desire for accessible and flexible mental health care, plus growing comfort with remote work all were pointing to a tipping point for telehealth… and then COVID-19 happened. Virtual mental health treatment took off like never before.
For many, a major appeal lies in telehealth’s convenience: you can attend sessions from the comfort of your own home without the stress of commuting, and you can schedule sessions much more flexibily due to lack of travel time.
But online mental health treatment something much more important than convenience. It allows you to prioritize what matters most: finding the right therapist, someone whose specialty, approach, and personality enable them to connect with you on a deep and personal level in order to create life-changing and transformative outcomes.
If you were limited to therapists in your immediate area, you might have to compromise on these traits and outcomes. With online therapy, you can find someone who truly aligns with your needs.
Research-Backed Effectiveness of Online Therapy
But is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy? The research gives a clear “yes.”
- American Psychological Association (APA): Studies reviewed by the APA confirm that online therapy is effective for treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Online outcomes are comparable to those achieved through traditional in-person therapy, and one study even showed better outcomes for women in telehealth treatment vs. in-person (APA, n.d.).
- BMC Psychology Study: A study comparing online and face-to-face psychodynamic counseling found that both modalities were equally effective in reducing psychological distress (BMC Psychology, n.d.).
- British Journal of Psychotherapy: This review highlights that online psychodynamic psychotherapy offers a viable alternative to in-person treatment, even for individuals requiring in-depth therapeutic work (British Journal of Psychotherapy, n.d.).
These studies underscore that the quality of therapy depends more on the therapist’s skills and your connection with them than the modality of the sessions.
The Benefits of Online Therapy
Online therapy isn’t just a substitute for in-person care; it comes with unique advantages that can make it a better option for many people. You can prioritize therapists with specific expertise or approaches, such as psychodynamic psychotherapy, without being restricted by location. Online therapy flexibly fits into your life, whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or prefer sessions from the privacy of home. You can receive care with fewer interruptions because travel and weather won’t disrupt your progress; you can maintain sessions with your therapist from anywhere. And it has the added benefit of allowing sessions from the privacy of your own home.
Addressing Common Concerns About Online Therapy
Online therapy offers the same level of connection and effectiveness as in-person sessions. Virtual platforms enable face-to-face interaction, allowing for meaningful connections. Patients feel just as engaged as they would in a physical office. Online therapy is conducted through HIPAA-compliant platforms, ensuring that your privacy is protected. And research shows that online psychodynamic psychotherapy effectively supports the introspective, in-depth work required for meaningful change.
Online Therapy vs. a “Therapist Near Me”: What’s Best for You?
When deciding between online and in-person treatment, consider your priorities. If you value access to a wider pool of therapists with specific expertise, online therapy offers unmatched flexibility and the potential of finding the perfect therapist. On the other hand, if in-person sessions feel critical to you, you may need to accept the limitations of geography and search for “Therapist Near Me.”
I believe the strength of your therapeutic relationship and the potential of life-changing outcomes matter far more than sitting in the same room with your therapist. I suggest you consider virtual treatment!
How My Online Practice Works
As a psychodynamic psychotherapist, I’ve helped patients navigate life’s challenges and find deeper meaning in their experiences. Since transitioning to 100% online therapy at the start of COVID-19, I’ve seen firsthand that virtual sessions can foster the same depth of connection and insight, and lead to just as effective results, as in-person sessions.
Through secure, HIPAA-compliant video calls, I create a treatment space where you can feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions. My approach is personalized to your unique needs, allowing us to build a meaningful therapeutic relationship that empowers you to grow and thrive — no matter where you’re located.
For more of my thoughts on mental health treatment, try these articles:
How a Mental Health Therapist Can Enhance Your Life, Not Just Solve Your Problems
Mental Health Therapy for Anxiety, Trauma, and Other Life Challenges
What Is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and How Can It Help You?
Understanding Psychoanalysis: The Deepest Mental Health Therapy
Take the First Step Toward Transformation
If you’ve been searching for a “therapist near me” but feel unsure about your options, online therapy could be the solution you’ve been looking for. With the right therapist, you can achieve the growth and healing you deserve — from anywhere.
Schedule a consultation today and discover how online therapy can help you find your way forward.
References
- Calkins, H. (2021, January 1). Online therapy is here to stay. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/01/trends-online-therapy
- Ierardi, E., Bottini, M., & Riva Crugnola, C. (2022). Effectiveness of an online versus face-to-face psychodynamic counselling intervention for university students before and during the COVID-19 period. BMC Psychology, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-022-00742-7
- de Bitencourt Machado, D., Braga Laskoski, P., Trelles Severo, C., Margareth Bassols, A., Sfoggia, A., Kowacs, C., Valle Krieger, D., Benetti Torres, M., Bento Gastaud, M., Stella Wellausen, R., Pigatto Teche, S., & Laks Eizirik, C. (2016). A Psychodynamic Perspective on a Systematic Review of Online Psychotherapy for Adults. British Journal of Psychotherapy, 32(1), 79–108. https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.naswma.org/resource/collection/D84A9351-5992-44F8-807D-AB2671326202/Langlois%20-%20de%20Bitencourt%20Machado%20et%20al.%20-%202016.pdf