The Internet has allowed for better access to healthcare for many. Better access to health insurance, more competitive rates in regards to online shopping, and telehealth services. Telehealth allows those who can’t make it to a doctor’s office to get the care services they need remotely.
Telehealth has evolved into the mental healthcare field as well, with many apps and services emerging that promise to treat those with mental health problems, or provide general counseling for those who need guidance.
In many ways, online therapy has revolutionized the mental healthcare system and has shaken it up. In the 2020s, we expect it to be even better. Here’s why.
Improving Speeds and Technology
Technology is evolving fast. Look at a phone from 2010 and compare it to 2020’s lineup. 2020 has phones with a professional-quality camera, 5G speeds that are faster than ever, and they’re affordable for most people.
The challenge of online therapy, especially in the form of video chat, comes in the form of lag and poor picture quality. With today’s technology, a face-to-face conversation is easier than ever and there’s less lag.
Online therapy may start to incorporate other bits of tech, such as VR. With VR, you can be in a therapist’s office without leaving your home. This will work wonders for those who have disabilities or severe phobias.
More Competition
If you want to build a business based on online therapy, now is a great time to do so. Many people are entering the arena of online healthcare, each with a niche or unique service. There’s online therapy for teenagers, couples, LGBTQ, people of a certain faith, and so on. This allows you to find the exact services they need, and it makes the market much more competitive in that regard.
More Acceptance
Online therapy has been a slow burn. Some see it as useless advice from anonymous internet people, despite the fact that every reputable online therapy service has licensed therapists available to take care of you. With the increase in online therapy and its normalization, more people will accept that there is no shame in getting help online.
This is good news for people who have insurance, too. Currently, most insurance companies don’t cover online therapy, and most online therapy services can’t accept insurance as a result. However, this may soon change, meaning more people can get access to therapy.
The World is Ever Demanding
The world is changing, with new threats and challenges. With so much uncertainty, many find comfort in advice from a counselor or therapist. Online therapy helps those who have too much on their plate. Those who never have the time or resources to attend therapy. By searching for “therapist near me,” on an online therapy app, you may find yourself connected to a nearby therapist. Or, you may be connected with someone around the globe who can still help you. Online therapy conforms to your busy life and schedule, which is why it will increase in popularity.
More People Are Realizing There is No Shame in Getting Help
Mental health has, and still is in some areas, a stigma towards talking about it. Many thought or still think that if you have depression, anxiety, or another disorder, that you should just suck it up. But this isn’t the case. Your mental health is important and it’s okay for you to speak about it.
With that, these are some reasons why we expect the online therapy world to grow as we enter this decade. Consider online therapy or counseling if you want to improve an aspect of your life.
Author Bio
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
