The Shift People Are Making To Online Therapy/ Medicine

By John A

Therapy and general medicine are facets of healthcare many people believe cannot be digitized. However, with the advent of COVID-19 and the consequent lockdown, many people are beginning to make the necessary transition to telemedicine and telepsychology.

Photo Credit: Olena Yakobchuk/ Shuttersotck


During the active lockdown phase, people could not go out and have their regular 1-on-1 therapy sessions. It also was not advisable to go to the hospital when you weren’t in dire need of physical care. However, the need for medical and therapeutic care did not diminish just because there was a lockdown. In fact, according to various studies, the pandemic led to a 27% increase in major depression and a 25% increase in anxiety- related problems during those times, and the need for therapy was on the rise.
Online care was one of the few feasible options, and millions of people got the help they needed through video calls, texts, and online instructions. In light of this, more and more therapists transitioned away from in-person therapy to online sessions, with research indicating a rise from 39 – 98% of therapists offering online services. Today, the world may be easing back to normal, yet it seems online therapy and medicine are here to stay, and here are some reasons why:
Provides You with Help On-The-Go: Finding time in a busy schedule to go to see a therapist face to face is time-consuming and challenging, especially if you need to see the therapist regularly. With online therapy provided by new companies such as Ritual, regardless of where you are, you can get the support you need at your convenience.
Normalization of Mental Healthcare – Mental health and psychotherapy have had a stigma that has prevented many people from seeking help. The COVID pandemic with the resulting depression and anxiety helped accelerate the normalization of mental health and wellness, highlighted home and relationship struggles, and blended personal and professional worlds. All of this has assisted in creating a ‘new normal’ which is supportive of self-care and seeking help for our everyday anxieties
and struggles.
Helps Break the ‘First-Timer’ Ice: Online therapy offers you the opportunity to get support in the comfort of your own environment, especially if you feel awkward seeking out professional support. Digital therapy allows you to ease yourself into the process.
Easy and convenient scheduling: With a couple of clicks from your mobile device, you can schedule an appointment and avoid much of the stress that the alternatives offer. Online therapy and telemedicine are not hurdle-free, with patients and practitioners sharing some concerns, such as personal data security and the slow acceptance by health insurance companies. However, new innovative online companies are leading the charge in the relationship wellness space, and it appears that online therapy is the future.