IN-SESSION
Is Online Therapy a Game Changer for Rural America?
Online therapy is a potential game changer for millions of Americans who once lacked access to a therapist for myriad reasons: They had no transportation, lived far from the nearest therapist, couldn’t get permission to leave a job, or struggled with child care. “People who live in rural areas, were driving two to four hours roundtrip for a one-hour session,” says Jonathan Abramowitz, a clinical psychologist at the University of North Carolina and an expert on obsessive-compulsive disorder. “There were these therapy deserts prior to the pandemic, you don’t have that anymore," reports Abramowitz.
More Than Half of All Therapy Sessions are Telehealth
More than half of all therapy sessions now take place online or over the telephone, compared with about 20% just before the pandemic, according to a 2024 study of telehealth visits in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Could Online Therapy Be Right For You?
Like traditional therapy, the goal of online therapy is to improve one’s well-being, reduce symptoms of mental health conditions like substanace use, anxiety, depression, and find and treat their root cause. The only difference is that, rather than attending in-person sessions, patients and virtual therapists communicate via text or voice messaging, on zoom, or through live chat, voice and video calling.
The Process Typically Involves the Following Steps:
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You will start by filling out a brief questionnaire about your current and past mental health, your reasons for seeking therapy online, and your personal information. Some of the questions may touch on topics such as your religion or spirituality, gender identity, sexuality, or relationship status. While answering these questions is optional, it can help in the next step.
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The next step is to be matched with an online therapist. Some online counseling platforms will provide you with a list of therapists to choose from, while others will match you with a therapist who they think is best suited to your needs and preferences. If you don't feel like you're making progress with your current therapist, you can request a new one.
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Once you've been matched with an online therapist, you can start communicating with them through messaging. They may also reach out to you to introduce themselves and explain their treatment approach. Depending on the platform and plan you've chosen, you may also have the option of setting up a voice or video call.
The best online therapy apps offer a wide range of specializations, so you can easily find an online therapist who is right for you. These specializations include family counseling, anger management, child or teen counseling, depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, religious and spiritual counseling, grief, trauma, PTSD, chronic pain, eating disorders, sleep disorders, insomnia, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Online therapists have the same accreditations as traditional therapists, including accredited psychologists (PhD, PsyD), licensed professional therapists (LPC or LPCC), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW/LMSW), and licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT).
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Mental and Emotional Health Resilience in Sobriety
Achieving and maintaining sobriety is a complex journey that requires ongoing commitment and support. While abstaining from substance use is a critical component of recovery, it is equally important to address the underlying issues that may have led to addiction in the first place. This is where mental and emotional health comes into play.
One of the most important aspects of mental and emotional health in sobriety is developing personal resilience. This includes building coping skills and healthy habits to manage stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions that can trigger a relapse. As Susan Wagenaar, founder of Colusa County Recovery, points out, "In order to achieve long-term sobriety, individuals must focus on their well-being and personal resilience, which involves developing healthy habits that support their recovery journey."
“In addition to building resilience, addressing mental and emotional health issues through therapy, drug counseling, and support groups can also be crucial in maintaining sobriety,” says Wagenaar. “This can help individuals process past traumas or negative experiences that may have contributed to their addiction, as well as develop healthy communication skills and coping strategies.”
Ultimately, the journey to sobriety is a unique and personal one, but it is important to remember that mental and emotional health are integral components of the recovery process. With the right support, resources, and focus on mental and emotional health, individuals can achieve lasting sobriety and live their best life.
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