Why online therapy is an essential support in times of COVID-19

These are the reasons why online psychotherapy is basic in times of coronavirus.

The irruption of SARS-CoV-2 into our lives has brought about many changes, not the least of which is the need for a whole series of online psychotherapy in times of coronavirus.Among them, there is the need for a whole series of challenges that appear in our path, whether they have to do with fears and expectations about what could happen or with real events that are taking place in our family context, in our work, in our country, or even in our own body.

The general feeling is that we were not prepared for a pandemic of these dimensions, and this is partly true; it has become the main topic of conversation for many months. Fortunately, however, the coronavirus crisis has come at a time when the mental health world has had the opportunity to develop one of its most useful resources in these cases.

This is online psychotherapyAlthough it was not created to allow us to adapt to a pandemic context, fortunately it fits very well in the coverage of needs in terms of psychological support that a good part of the population has in the midst of this situation of measures to prevent contagion. Here we will see in what ways it is beneficial to us in the face of the coronavirus.

• Article related: "The 8 benefits of going to psychological therapy".

How does online psychotherapy help us in the face of the COVID-19 crisis?

These are the aspects that make online psychological therapy a valuable resource in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and all that surrounds it.

1. No need to leave home

The first advantage is obvious: with online psychotherapy sessions it is not even necessary to leave home to "go to the psychologist". This means that the risk of contagion is reduced to 0%.On the other hand, it avoids possible problems of access to the consultation produced by the confinement measures applied in some regions.

2. Its degree of efficiency makes it the alternative

Where the online format does not give problems for logistical reasons (i.e. the patient's ability to connect by video call or difficult access to materials needed for some types of therapy, such as Neurofeedback), online therapy is just as effective as face-to-face psychotherapy, according to research on this topic..

That is, except in exceptional cases in which the patient cannot use certain materials from home or does not know how to do so, the simple fact that the communication channel changes and that the patient is not in the same room as the psychologist does not introduce relevant changes in the potential of psychotherapy when it comes to enabling patients to overcome their problems. On the other hand, the effect of the psychological intervention is maintained over time in the long term, as is the case with face-to-face intervention.

3. It is very easy to use

As we have seen, the only limiting factor of online psychotherapy has to do with the use of material resources. However, this happens very rarely, because most of the resources used in therapy can be adapted to the distance format or directly have a digital version, and on the other hand, it is very easy to teach anyone to attend their online psychology sessions, it is very easy to teach anyone to attend online psychology sessions..

Even elderly people, especially vulnerable to COVID-19, can learn to connect to these video-call sessions in a couple of minutes also in cases where they have hardly ever used the computer. Computer solutions have had a long time to evolve, and today the interfaces are much simpler and designed for easy use, without too many intermediate steps.

4. It is economical

Online psychotherapy sessions have a lower cost, and this is usually reflected in the price.. This is a particularly useful advantage at times when many people need to reduce their expenses.

5. Helps to cope with psychological stress factors

Finally, it should not be forgotten that professional support through psychotherapy is essential in crisis situations.. Suffering and the appearance of pathological behavior patterns cannot be normalized in an attempt to cope with day-to-day discomfort due to anxiety or general emotional discomfort.

Are you looking for psychotherapy services?

If you are interested in starting a psychotherapy process, either in person or online via video call, please contact us. At Avance Psychologists we have been treating patients with all kinds of emotional, behavioral and emotional problems for two decades. You will find us in our center located in Madrid, or through this page with our contact details.

Bibliographic references:

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Fifth edition. DSM-V. Masson, Barcelona.
• Change, P.M.. (2011). Effectiveness of cybertherapy in mental health: a critical appraisal. Stud Health Technol Inform 167: pp. 3 - 8.
• González-Peña, P., Torres, R., Del Barrio, V., & Olmedo, M. (2017). Use of technology in psychological practice in Spain. Infocop.
• Gratzer, D., & Khalid-Khan, F. (2016). Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of psychiatric illness. CMAJ, 188(4) pp. 263 - 272.