Virtual CBT: Effective Online Therapy for Mental Health
What Is Virtual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Introduction
Whether you’ve previously received therapy or are starting to research treatment options, you may have read about virtual cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) administered via the Internet.
In recent years, online CBT therapy has gained attention for its potential to address various mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and others. Since 2021, four out of 10 Americans have used online therapy. To understand whether this approach might be right for you, examining how online CBT is practiced and its potential benefits can help you make an informed decision.
What is virtual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed to help an individual better understand how thought patterns and beliefs are connected to emotions and behaviors. A CBT therapist, such as a clinical psychologist, counselor, or social worker, typically begins by helping clients identify unhelpful or destructive thought patterns.
These might include catastrophizing, assigning blame, jumping to conclusions, confusing emotions with facts, or engaging in other cognitive distortions.
Once these patterns have been identified, the focus shifts to reframing and restructuring an individual’s thoughts and behaviors, replacing them with more helpful or positive ways of thinking. According to the American Psychological Association, “the focus [of CBT] is primarily on moving forward in time to develop more effective ways of coping with life.”
What mental illnesses can CBT treat?
Cognitive-behavioral therapies are widely supported as safe and effective treatments for various mental health conditions. These may include but are not limited to:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Phobias
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is unique because it focuses on learning to recognize unhelpful ways of thinking and reframe them more positively and constructively. For this reason, CBT can equip individuals with the tools to address challenges in their lives as they arise.
According to the American Psychological Association, “CBT emphasizes helping individuals learn to be their own therapists.” This process can benefit their mental health and well-being in both the short and long term.
What happens during online cognitive behavioral therapy?
Regardless of whether therapy sessions are conducted in person or via an online platform, the focus remains the same: identifying and restructuring unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.
One of the differences between online cognitive-behavioral therapy and in-person CBT is the format. While in-person sessions are often conducted in an office setting, ReachLink’s virtual CBT can be administered via secure video calls, instant messaging, or voice calls, depending on your preferences and needs. Your therapist will typically begin with an initial session designed to understand your specific situation and concerns. After establishing goals together, they can begin helping you address your life circumstances, current challenges, and mental health concerns.
During your sessions, therapists might inquire about your perspective, thoughts, and beliefs. These mental health professionals then teach you how to question and reframe the thoughts causing you distress. Like in-person cognitive behavioral therapies, ReachLink’s online CBT providers utilize various techniques to help improve your relationship with your thoughts, including:
- Role-playing exercises
- Journaling
- Stress-reduction techniques
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Exposure therapy
Your therapist may also provide you with additional exercises or “homework” assignments designed to help you implement the strategies you’ve discussed into your everyday life. Depending on your situation, they may recommend complementary practices like self-care or group counseling to maximize the benefits you receive from your therapy sessions.
Is virtual cognitive behavioral therapy effective?
Despite the difference in setting, online cognitive-behavioral therapy has gained widespread attention for its affordability, convenience, and effectiveness. For those with mental health conditions that may make it difficult to leave the house, like depression and anxiety disorders, the ability to attend therapy sessions from the comfort of home can be particularly beneficial. ReachLink’s platform allows clients to connect with their therapists at convenient times, making it easier to incorporate therapy into busy schedules.
A significant body of research supports online CBT as an effective treatment for various mental health conditions.
A 2017 study found internet-based CBT an effective and cost-efficient treatment for conditions like depression, panic disorder, specific phobias, bipolar disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. A separate study from 2020 found that electronically-delivered CBT was at least as effective at reducing symptoms of depression as in-person CBT.
ReachLink’s comprehensive telehealth approach ensures that clients receive the same quality of care they would expect from traditional in-person therapy, with the added benefits of convenience, accessibility, and flexibility. Our platform connects you with licensed therapists specializing in CBT and other evidence-based approaches, ensuring you receive personalized care tailored to your specific needs.
Takeaway
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective form of therapy for treating mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, and PTSD. It can be safely and effectively administered in both in-person and virtual settings. Studies consistently show that online CBT can be as effective—if not more so—than in-person CBT. If you feel you would benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, consider reaching out to ReachLink to connect with a qualified therapist who can help you begin your journey toward improved mental health and well-being.
