Not too long ago, society maintained an overall negative view of mental health care. If you needed to talk to a therapist back then, others would likely judge you or make assumptions about you. Many people viewed therapy as a service only offered to “crazy” people whose mental health issues were out of control. Some even viewed people with mental health concerns as dangerous or unpredictable. No wonder so many people used to suffer in silence instead of getting the mental health support they needed back then!
Fortunately, mental health concerns are no longer treated with so much stigma or misunderstanding. Thanks to widespread and ongoing efforts to normalize mental health care, it’s becoming just as accessible and acceptable as traditional healthcare. This is especially true with the rise of online therapy. Here’s why virtual mental health care is becoming a core part of overall healthcare.
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The Link Between Mental Health and Overall Health
One reason digital mental health services are becoming a core part of overall healthcare is that science now recognizes how crucial they are. Research now links mental and physical health in ways that weren’t previously explored. Science still doesn’t know everything about the biological pathways that link mental and physical health. However, there is strong evidence of a direct and indirect link between mental and physical well-being.
Addressing mental health conditions by getting therapy online may provide a multitude of holistic health benefits. This is especially true if you take a multifaceted approach to your care and treat your mental wellness with as much importance as your physical wellness.
Physical Health Conditions Associated With Poor Mental Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes that mental health is linked to physical health. If one is poor, it can negatively impact the other. For example, depression increases the risk of various physical health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Similarly, poor physical health (especially chronic health conditions) can increase a person’s risk of developing one or more mental health conditions. That’s why it’s so important to treat both mental and physical wellness as equal components of your overall healthcare strategy.
Why Virtual Mental Health Care Is Becoming More Popular
In-person mental health care offers many benefits for people who want to optimize their overall health. Therapy is ideal for those who are struggling with serious mental health issues. However, it’s also a valuable service for those who simply want to improve their mental wellness and relationships.
While in-person therapy will likely always have a valued place in society, virtual mental health care is rapidly rising in popularity. Here are a few reasons why:
Scheduling Convenience
Scheduling online therapy sessions is remarkably convenient in today’s fast-paced world. It can be challenging to claim a time slot with a traditional therapist whose hours of availability tend to be more rigid. Online therapy, on the other hand, is known for its scheduling convenience. Many online therapists maintain non-traditional hours to meet the needs of busy professionals.
You may find it easier to schedule therapy sessions after hours or on the weekends when working with an online therapist. You may also have an easier time rearranging appointments as needed to fit around your other commitments.
Treatment Flexibility
Treatment flexibility is one of the top benefits that draws people to online therapy in droves. With in-person therapy, you’re expected to speak with your therapist face-to-face. This may be considered a benefit to some people. However, many people enjoy the flexibility of digital therapy sessions.
With online mental healthcare, you can typically choose your preferred method of communication. Some therapists offer treatment sessions via texting, email, phone calls, and video conferencing. If there’s a specific type of communication you prefer, search online to find a therapist who offers treatment sessions using that communication method.
Cost Effectiveness
In many cases, online therapists have reduced overhead costs compared to their in-person counterparts. Since they don’t have to rent a brick-and-mortar space, they can save money by offering digital therapy out of their own homes or any other location. This gives them the opportunity to pass some of their cost savings on to their patients.
Individuals receiving online therapy also enjoy cost savings from not having to travel to their therapy appointments. Instead of driving to another location and spending money on gas to get there, they can attend their mental wellness sessions without ever leaving their house.
Technological Comfort
Younger generations (also known as “digital natives”) typically feel right at home texting or engaging in video calls. On the other hand, they may feel uncomfortable meeting with a therapist in person. That’s like one reason why virtual mental health care is becoming a core part of overall healthcare for young people.
There’s also increased privacy and security associated with digital therapy. Patients don’t have to worry about a nosy neighbor seeing them drive to a therapist’s office. Instead, they have the security of knowing that their therapy sessions are completely private and discreet.
Discover the Benefits of Online Therapy
These are just a few of the reasons virtual mental health care is rapidly becoming just as integral to overall health as traditional healthcare. If you’d like to discover the benefits of online therapy for yourself, consider scheduling a consultation with an online provider. By prioritizing your mental wellness, you may be surprised to discover how much your overall wellness improves, as well.