When it comes to therapy treatment, you want what’s best for your child and for your family. As you do your research and create treatment plans, you’ll find that the available options can become overwhelming very quickly.

At Well Street, we are proud to be the only e-counseling service designed for parents, families, kids, and teens. Our low-cost subscriptions give you 24/7 access to a counselor and weekly 1:1 sessions by chat or video.

Through online therapy, we treat parents, families, children, and teens with ADHD/ADD, childhood anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, mood disorders, conduct and oppositional defiant disorders, childhood depression, and childhood sleep disorders.

Still debating about online vs. traditional therapy for yourself, your family, child or teen? Read the differences and benefits of online therapy treatment below.

What is the difference between online and traditional therapy?

Treatment with traditional therapy happens at a therapist’s office, face to face, while online therapy is done through a computer, tablet or phone and can happen anywhere you or your child chooses to have the session. You and your child will still get the same type of therapy treatment with each option—the main difference is the type of interaction between you, your child, and the therapist.

Thanks to the evolution of technology, the opportunities for online therapy have grown significantly over the years. Plus, it’s a much more convenient and cost-effective option for many busy families that need therapy.

Benefits of online therapy

In addition to convenience and cost, what are some other benefits of online therapy treatment?

More contact with a therapist

The first is that you or your child will have more frequent contact with your therapist. Traditional therapy often happens once a week, but online therapy can give you the option for more support and consistent contact with a therapist through texting or chatting online. This could be beneficial to those that need frequent care in their treatment plan.

More ways to communicate

Talking may not be enough for you or your child to fully express themselves during their therapy session. With online therapy, you have the opportunity to express yourself not only through the live video sessions, but blogging, texting, and/or chatting online and sending documents or pictures. Having more ways to communicate with your therapist can help increase overall engagement and successful outcomes.

Get therapy sooner rather than later

Traditional therapy can take a while – by the time you create schedules, compensate for drive time, and actually get into sessions. Online therapy often starts within 24 hours of signing up for a program. In addition, your online counseling provider employs all types of therapists specializing in certain areas and can quickly match your needs with the right healthcare professional. Depending on your physical location, you may not have ready access to a professional that meets your needs.

More comfortable

Along with the convenience of accessing counseling just about anytime, anywhere – online therapy is a great option for children that get stressed or anxious about new environments and new people. Your child can feel less stress and pressure and can be more comfortable remaining in their familiar environment and choosing how they communicate with the counselor.

Anonymity

Unlike traditional therapy of having to go out in public, online treatment gives you and your child anonymity. For some children, their greatest fear is being spotted walking into the child psychologist’s office or the chances of running into a classmate. Participating in counseling online in the privacy of your home may allow children to feel more open and cooperative toward therapy.

Accessible

Lastly, online therapy has given more people access to therapy treatments who would otherwise not have these options. Because of the convenience and lower cost, many rural and remote families now have the option to participate in beneficial treatment. Plus, online therapy can be a great solution for families that have a hard time leaving the house with their child.