Is Telemental Health Right For You?

Telemental health therapy, whether through Chat Therapy, Phone Therapy, or Email Counseling, is not the same experience as face-to-face therapy but rather a unique experience of its own that may be helpful to some individuals and not to others.

I believe telemental health therapy can be effective and helpful for the right person in the right circumstances. Please read the following pros and cons to see if online therapy might be right for you.

possible advantages and benefits are:

• You can engage in therapy even if you are homebound or live in a remote area.
• You can keep the same therapist if you tend to relocate frequently.
• You can send emails at any time of the day or night.
• You will have an automatic written record of the therapy.
• You can read the therapist’s responses as often as is helpful to you.
• You can take as much time as needed to compose your emails.
• You can choose a single consultation or ongoing therapy.
• You do not have to travel to a therapist’s office or mental health clinic.
• It is possible to engage in therapy from home, work, or even while traveling.
• Telemental health is generally more affordable than face-to-face therapy.
• Telemental health can be less intimidating with no stigma attached.

Possible disadvantages and risks are:

• The lack of body language and verbal (spoken) cues.
• The possibility of misunderstandings due to text-based communications.
• Problems associated with technology failures (i.e., power outages, crashes).
• Risks to confidentiality due to technology (i.e. hackers).
• Potential difficulties in verifying the identity of either party.
• Problems in helping a suicidal or homicidal client.
• The requirement of being comfortable with computers and keyboards.

You should not consider telemental health if:

• You have serious thoughts of hurting yourself or others – if so, go to Are You In Crisis?
• You have a chronic mental illness requiring intense treatment;
• You prefer face-to-face therapy and it is available to you;
• You are uncomfortable with computers and keyboards.

Alternatives to using telemental health are:

• Face-to-face therapy or counseling from a mental health professional;
• Finding a support group in the community;
• Using family or friends as supports;
• Reading self-help books.