5 Surprising Facts About Virtual Therapy with Social Workers

Virtual therapy with licensed clinical social workers delivers treatment outcomes equivalent to in-person sessions while providing enhanced accessibility, privacy, and flexible communication options for individuals seeking evidence-based mental health support.

Think virtual therapy can't match the real thing? Virtual therapy with licensed clinical social workers delivers surprising benefits that might change your mind about getting the support you deserve.

Five Surprising Facts About Virtual Therapy with Licensed Clinical Social Workers

As our digital landscape continues to evolve, many traditionally in-person services have made the transition to virtual platforms. Mental health counseling is a prime example of this shift. Today, through telehealth services, qualified, licensed clinical social workers can provide mental health support for various conditions via video sessions and other remote communication methods.

According to Medical Daily, virtual therapy has become essential in our modern world for a fundamental reason: Many individuals would otherwise be unable to access mental health support. Statistics show that only one-third of people exhibiting symptoms of major mental disorders or high stress will seek professional help. Traditional therapy presents barriers such as travel difficulties for those with physical disabilities or in rural areas, while the relatively higher costs of in-person sessions can be prohibitive for many.

Quality telehealth platforms like ReachLink provide flexibility and options to meet diverse client needs. Many virtual therapy services offer affordable treatment approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, couples counseling, and family therapy. These platforms typically feature various specialists including licensed clinical social workers who focus on specific areas like relationship issues, family dynamics, and more.

Five facts about telehealth therapy you may not know

Whether you’ve been actively exploring virtual therapy options or are new to the concept, understanding the following facts may help you gain insight into how telehealth works and who can benefit from it before selecting a virtual therapy provider.

1. Virtual cognitive behavioral therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy

The number of studies examining the effectiveness of telehealth therapy with licensed clinical social workers has grown significantly in recent years, particularly since the pandemic when many came to rely on this form of care. For instance, one major review of studies on the topic demonstrates that in-person and virtual therapy were able to “produce equivalent overall effects” for conditions including social anxiety, panic disorder, depression, body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, phobias, and others. Licensed clinical social workers can adapt many of their therapeutic techniques to a virtual environment. Virtual cognitive behavioral therapy, relationship counseling, and acceptance commitment therapy are all approaches that can be effectively delivered through telehealth. With the exception of severe forms of certain mental illnesses that require inpatient care or constitute a mental health emergency, a wide variety of mental health conditions can be successfully treated virtually.

2. Telehealth counseling can help those experiencing stigma around mental health care

While seeking mental health support has become increasingly normalized in recent years, some stigma persists. For those concerned about judgment from family or friends for meeting with a therapist, virtual therapy offers a more discreet option since sessions can take place from the comfort of one’s own home, office, or anywhere with a reliable internet connection.

Some individuals may also worry about potential judgment from their therapist, and virtual therapy can help address this concern as well. First, qualified licensed clinical social workers—whether they practice in person or virtually—are trained to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where people can express their authentic feelings. Additionally, one study found that telehealth therapy users in particular were more likely to rate their connection with their provider as “personal,” which may correlate to better treatment outcomes. Another study on couples who participated in virtual therapy via video found that they typically felt less intimidated, less judged, and more in control of the session.

3. You can easily try multiple licensed clinical social workers with telehealth platforms

For effective treatment, feeling safe and comfortable expressing your feelings with your therapist is essential. Not every provider will be an ideal match for every client. You might meet with several different licensed clinical social workers before finding one who aligns with your needs and preferences. This process can be challenging with in-person sessions, potentially taking months to arrange multiple appointments with different offices and traveling to each location. The process becomes much simpler when done virtually through a telehealth platform. The best virtual therapy for you may differ from what works for someone else, which is why exploring options online rather than in person can be beneficial.

Consider the process with a virtual therapy platform like ReachLink. When you register, you’ll complete a brief questionnaire about your needs and preferences, such as your reasons for seeking mental healthcare and specific areas where you’d like your therapist to have expertise—such as LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, ADHD, parenting challenges, depression, etc. You’ll then be matched with a licensed clinical social worker accordingly within days. If you feel they’re not a good fit, you can quickly restart the process and get matched with different providers. You can meet with multiple therapists within a short timeframe, all from your home, potentially shortening the timeline for finding a therapist who works well for you. This is particularly valuable for families trying different family therapists, as each family member needs to feel comfortable with the provider, which may require trying several options.

4. Telehealth therapy allows you to connect with your therapist in different ways

Some people may hesitate to try virtual therapy because they worry that video sessions with a licensed clinical social worker might feel awkward. Others might be concerned about establishing a personal connection with their provider if sessions are conducted remotely. However, quality telehealth platforms offer various formats so you can choose what works best for you. With ReachLink, for example, you can meet with your licensed clinical social worker through secure video sessions designed to provide a comfortable therapeutic experience.

5. Almost anyone can benefit from virtual therapy

A common misconception about therapy in general is that a person needs to have a diagnosable mental health disorder to seek help. In reality, almost anyone can pursue and potentially benefit from counseling, whether online or in person. Many people use therapy as a maintenance tool to help preserve their mental wellbeing and relationships. Others use it preventatively rather than waiting for significant problems to develop. Of course, many also seek therapy to address symptoms of mental health conditions. Licensed clinical social workers cannot prescribe medication or develop medication management plans for clients; however, they can refer clients to appropriate medical professionals when medication might be beneficial.

Flexible mental health care for diverse needs

It’s important to note that mental healthcare is available for both teens and adults, as both age groups may experience mental health challenges. Virtual therapy platforms like ReachLink provide care to individuals across age groups, offering specialized approaches for different life stages and circumstances. Additionally, while ReachLink works with numerous insurance providers to make services more affordable, having insurance is not always required to access quality mental health care virtually.

Starting your therapy journey with a licensed clinical social worker

After learning more about virtual therapy, you may be ready to begin your own therapeutic journey. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition or simply feel you could benefit from the supportive guidance of a licensed clinical social worker, you deserve access to the support you need. If you prefer in-person sessions, you might search for providers in your local area. Or, if you’re interested in the accessibility and flexibility of virtual therapy, a telehealth platform like ReachLink offers an option worth considering.

Takeaway

People in various situations and circumstances can benefit from seeking mental healthcare. For those who prefer receiving this type of care from the comfort of home, virtual therapy with licensed clinical social workers provides a convenient, effective, and accessible option to consider.