Let's be honest, 2020 was total crap (well, not for all of us). If anything, that last year taught us was there is a severe need for mental health practitioners. The pandemic highlighted the need for clinicians in many areas, especially those in rural communities. Outside of the mess, we called 2020, there has been a couple of silver linings in the mental health field, especially with the re-emergence of teletherapy.

What we know about online counseling now, especially since last year:

1. Increases Accessibility

Last year's pandemic highlighted the many preexisting barriers that have always plagued our psychical and mental healthcare systems:

• Rural or remote areas may face the challenge of the lack of access to limited or no mental health providers at all, especially those with specialized trainings. Some individuals reported having to drive almost an hour to the nearest town to commit to attend therapy.

• College students may find it challenging to access college counseling centers. Even in those settings, they may find that they are faced with clinicians without specializations for needed care. Furthermore, not all college students have the financial means, transportation, time, or even fears of being seen by fellow friends or peers entering a counseling center.

• Disabled Populations may encounter barriers for those who are bed-ridden, live with a chronic illness and pain, or other concerns that may prevent one from seeking therapy regularly. Living with a chronic illness is often unpredictable, and clients suffering from certain conditions may experience embarrassment or shame when in public places.

2. Increases Privacy and Comfort

Unfortunately, seeking therapy is still stigmatized due the perceived shame, lack of knowledge, negative attitudes toward our mental health system. With the advancement of technology, seeking counseling from home is highly beneficial for individuals who may not otherwise fear being seen entering and leaving a mental health agency. Teletherapy eliminates that barrier. Some individuals may start teletherapy and eventually transition to in-person sessions once maybe some of their views of therapy change.

In addition, to increase privacy, clients may find it safer and comfortable to open in a more familiar environment. Typically, once clients feel more comfortable and develop trust and rapport within therapy, they may even show a glimpse into their daily lives. (i.e., children, furry companions, laying in bed, backyard, home-office, etc.). Plus, doesn't the idea of laying in bed with a blanket and cup of coffee talking opening up about your concerns sound amazing?!

3. Improves Consistency and Continuity

Efficacy of therapy increase when an individual is more committed throughout the therapeutic process. Whenever therapy is inconsistent or irregular due to many factors such as (personal commitment and motivation, finances, illnesses, travel, children, and varying schedules) clients may often not receive the full benefits of therapy. Teletherapy has dramatically impacted the ability for many individuals to access consistent and regularly scheduled, resulting in an overall increase in client satisfaction.

While I am a virtual practice, I believe that there are many benefits to teletherapy. However, I am conscious that virtual counseling may not be suitable for everyone. It wouldn't be fair to only mention the benefits without discussing some of the cons of online therapy.

Some Downsides of Teletherapy:

• Some insurance companies may not cover telehealth.

• Technology can be unreliable.

• Not appropriate for individuals who are at high risk for suicide or living with a serious psychiatric illness.

• Lack of response to a potential crisis situation.

Begin Online Counseling for Chronic Pain and Anxiety in North Carolina and Colorado

Begin counseling at the comfort! It is exciting that I get to offer online therapy to anyone in need of counseling services in the state of North Carolina. It can be scary to begin and to know where the best place to start is. That is why I want to simplify this process to straight forward and easy to start. The Virtual Couch online counseling practice offers a compassionate and non-judgmental space to help create relief and sustainable change. To begin online therapy in Fayetteville, NC follow these quick and easy steps:

1. Contact The Virtual Couch

2. Schedule a consult with Patricia, a skilled online therapist

3. Begin virtual therapy from anywhere in the state as long you live in North Carolina.

Other Counseling Specialties The Virtual Couch provides:

With online therapy from my Fayetteville, NC practice, I can offer many different mental health therapy services. The Virtual Couch provides other focus areas, including chronic pain counseling, anxiety counseling, grief counseling, disability support, depression therapy, and Brainspotting. These services are available via online counseling in North Carolina from Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Durham, Chapel Hill, Wilmington, Charlotte, or Asheville.

I am excited to help you create the life you desire. I cannot wait to begin your journey with you today!