The internet has made it much simpler for people to get help for mental health problems without leaving their homes. Now, you can search for information, talk to others experiencing similar issues, and even get professional help online.
The move to online mental health support is happening because people realize how important mental well-being is, and getting help should be easy and convenient. In this article, we’ll look at some new ways people get mental health support online. The goal is to give you the knowledge to make good choices about your care.
Approaches to Online Mental Health Treatment
Like many, I once believed that mental health issues only affected people whose lives reached a certain level of complexity. Moreover, I was puzzled as to why more don’t seek help.
Then, one night, when I was catching up with two friends, it hit me—accessibility is a major issue. Michael, the most successful of us and the one with the most resources, was grappling with the challenges and costs of founding an LLC but didn’t have the time or flexibility to see a therapist face-to-face. Online help was the answer for him.
With 32.3% of all adults reporting signs of depression and anxiety during the global pandemic, it’s clear that more people need easier access to mental health support. As a result, online mental health services are filling the void in several ways:
Teletherapy
Teletherapy, also known as online therapy or virtual therapy, involves providing mental health services through digital platforms such as video calls, phone calls, or messaging apps. This method allows individuals to connect with licensed therapists from the comfort of their homes.
Research consistently shows that teletherapy is as effective as traditional in-person therapy for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
Studies have found no significant differences in depressive symptom reduction between telehealth and in-person groups. These studies show that teletherapy is a viable alternative to face-to-face care.
Benefits
- Convenience. Clients can attend sessions from anywhere, eliminating travel time and making therapy more accessible.
- Comfort. Being in a familiar environment can make clients feel more at ease, potentially enhancing the therapeutic process.
- Accessibility. Teletherapy offers a flexible alternative for those with mobility issues, living in remote areas, or with busy schedules.
- Higher retention rates. Studies have shown that teletherapy can lead to higher retention rates than in-person therapy. This is likely due to the increased flexibility and reduced logistical barriers associated with teletherapy
Online Support Groups
Online support groups have proven to be effective in various ways for individuals dealing with mental health conditions. These groups provide a platform for people to share their experiences, learn from others, and receive emotional support, which can significantly improve mental well-being.
Studies show that participants in online support groups often experience a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety. They also report feeling less lonely and isolated, which are common issues among those with mental health conditions.
For instance, a systematic review highlighted that peer support in online settings can lead to better clinical outcomes, increased hope and empowerment, and enhanced quality of life​.
Benefits
- Social connection. These groups help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation by providing a platform for individuals to connect with others who share similar experiences.
- Cultural and geographical diversity. Online support groups can include participants from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds, enriching the support experience with varied perspectives and coping strategies.
- Instant access to help. Participants can immediately express themselves and receive support after an emotional event, a benefit often unavailable in face-to-face groups.
Mental Health Apps
Mental health apps have become a popular tool for managing mental health. They offer various features such as meditation guides, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises, mood tracking, and crisis support. These apps are designed to provide users with easy access to mental health resources and support from their smartphones.
Benefits
- Convenience and accessibility. Mental health apps allow users to access support anytime and anywhere, making it easier to integrate mental health practices into daily life.
- Personalized support. These apps often provide personalized experiences based on user input, helping individuals track their moods, set goals, and monitor progress.
- Complement to traditional therapy. Mental health apps can complement traditional therapy by providing additional support between sessions. Therapists can also recommend specific apps to clients as part of their treatment plan.
Accessibility for Diverse Populations
Despite its potential, digital mental health programs’ accessibility is hindered by the digital divide. Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, rural areas, and older adults often lack access to reliable internet, devices, and the necessary technological literacy.
For example, only 75% of Americans with a high school diploma own a smartphone, compared to 93% of those with a college degree.
Additionally, online mental health service usage varies significantly across different racial and ethnic groups. For instance, a study found that Black, Latino, and multiracial individuals had higher rates of using telehealth services compared to White individuals. However, these groups were more likely to use audio-only services rather than video, which can limit the effectiveness of the therapy.
There are also gender disparities in usage. For instance, women are underrepresented among teletherapists, making up only 38% of the workforce despite being 51% of the U.S. population. This lack of representation can affect the comfort and trust levels of female patients seeking therapy.
That said, online support for mental health and recovery breaks down geographic barriers, allowing individuals from rural or remote areas to access support that might not be available locally. This is particularly important for those who live in areas with limited mental health services.
Research also shows that some people prefer the anonymity offered by services such as online support groups. This anonymity allows participants to share their experiences and seek help without fear of stigma or judgment, making it easier for people to open up about their mental health struggles.
For example, participants can share redacted documents or anonymized information, ensuring their privacy while still getting valuable feedback and support from the group. This level of confidentiality can encourage more people to seek support who might otherwise be hesitant to do so in face-to-face settings.
Concerns About Online Mental Health Support
While the growth of digital mental health resources offers numerous benefits, it’s important to be aware of some potential concerns and challenges with this approach to care. Here are some of them:
Privacy and Confidentiality
Online platforms collect sensitive personal information, and data breaches are a risk. To make matters worse, many of these platforms don’t disclose their privacy policy or whether they use HIPAA hosting and invest in cybersecurity.
From a less technical perspective, maintaining confidentiality online can be harder than in a traditional setting. All data from online services are recorded, whereas a conventional therapist only records basic information and notes.
It’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect your privacy, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly updating your software.
The Digital Divide and Accessibility Issues
Not everyone has access to a smartphone, computer, or reliable internet connection. This lack of access can prevent individuals from using online mental health resources. Some people, particularly older adults, may struggle with using digital tools and platforms. This can also limit their ability to access and benefit from online mental health support.
Affordability is also an issue for some people. While many mental health apps are free or low-cost, the devices and internet service required to use them can be expensive, which may be a barrier for low-income individuals.
Efforts to provide affordable technology, improve internet access in underserved areas, and offer digital literacy training are needed to make online mental health support more accessible.
Verifying the Credibility of Online Resources
The internet is rife with misinformation, and not all online mental health resources are created equal. You must be cautious of unverified information and harmful practices.
Reliable mental health websites often have endorsements from reputable organizations, references to scientific data, and clear information about the qualifications of the authors or contributors. Look for these indicators when evaluating online resources.
Mental health information on social media can be particularly problematic due to the lack of regulation and the potential for influencers to spread unverified or misleading information. It is essential to distinguish between peer support and professional advice and to verify the credentials of individuals presenting themselves as experts.
Conclusion
The internet offers many opportunities to enhance your mental health and recovery support.
As we move forward, let’s embrace the opportunities for connection, healing, and empowerment that technology offers while remaining grounded in the knowledge that our mental health is a precious gift deserving of the utmost care and attention.
While these opportunities have the potential to break down barriers and improve access to care, you must approach them with a critical eye and make informed decisions about your mental health journey.
If you or someone you know experiences mental health issues, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional. Our Resource Specialists can help you find expert mental health resources and support in your community. Contact us now for more information on this free service.
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About the Author: Ryan Harris is a copywriter focused on eLearning and the digital transitions going on in the education realm. Before turning to writing full-time, Ryan worked for five years as a teacher in Tulsa and then spent six years overseeing product development at many successful Edtech companies, including 2U, EPAM, and NovoEd.
July is BIPOC Mental Health Month
Observed each July and formerly recognized as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, BIPOC Mental Health Month highlights the unique mental health challenges and needs of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC). Please join us in recognizing the struggles of BIPOC and bringing awareness to the need for adequate, accessible, culturally relevant mental health treatment, care, and services.
Black, Latino, Asian, and Native American people have higher rates of some mental health disorders and face greater disparities in getting help than White people, largely due to lack of access to services. With proper care, 70 – 90% of people with mental illness experience significant reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life. However, there are barriers to individuals seeking help for themselves or loved ones: access to and cost of treatment, stigma, and availability of local, culturally appropriate mental health care resources.
In 2022, Laurel House, the sponsor of rtor.org, established the Social Work Racial Equity Scholarship. The goal of the Scholarship is to cultivate more Black and Latino social workers who are committed to social change and increasing access to mental health care treatment by communities of color. Each year, a $10,000 scholarship is awarded to a Black or Latino student from Connecticut enrolled in a Master of Social Work program in Connecticut or New York. Two runner-up prizes of $1,000 and $500 are also awarded.
www.rtor.org and its sponsor Laurel House are committed to the advancement of racial equity and social justice and to making mental health services available to all.
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-white-shirt-using-tablet-computer-shallow-focus-photography-207582/
The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of www.rtor.org or its sponsor, Laurel House, Inc. The author and www.rtor.org have no affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios.
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