Online Psychology: The COVID Trend

It used to be that you'd go to your GP for a referral to see a psychologist, or perhaps google psychologists in your area to get a sense of what's out there. Now with COVID-19, people are increasingly turning to the option of seeing a psychologist online. Suddenly online psychology services are popping up everywhere, and psychologists are fighting to keep up with the pace of this new way of getting support. The benefits of seeing a psychologist online seem to be many and the drawbacks few.

Here is some feedback I've received and research surrounding why why seeing a psychologist online is worth considering:

Effective

Evidence indicates that online treatment is as effective as face to face interventions. Research coming out of Australia is cutting edge, and showing that online psychological treatment is often well liked, helps to reduce symptoms and distress and is a service that people recommend to family and friends.

Convenient

People tell me that this option is convenient. You can schedule a session with your psychologist at a time that suits you. While leading busy lives, having the option of a lunch break session can really make a difference.

Safe and Accessible

Vulnerable members of our community are reaching to online psychological services with the pandemic for understandable reason. Some people are housebound, live in a remote or rural community or find it difficult to get to a psychologist in their area. With the technology of online treatment, people from around Australia are able to access psychological support, regardless of where they live.

No hassles getting there

Signing onto your computer is very different to having to get to a psychologist's office, especially driving in traffic or coming from long distances. For some people this really helps, especially when living in rural locations and even a crowded city.

Anonymous

Some people tell me that they prefer the anonymity that online appointments can provide. This is especially helpful for professionals and people in the helping profession. It is also helpful to see someone online when you struggle with social anxiety, find it difficult to talk to people in person, or prefer the online space.