Treatment of Mental Health Disorders Goes Cyber
How Online Therapy Programs can Relieve Anxiety and Depression
The incidence of mental health disorders is high. In the Western world, it is estimated that one in five people battles with mental health problems each year. Anxiety and depression are particularly prevalent in all age groups, often going untreated. Recognising that a problem exists and reaching out to a doctor for initial help is only the first step. Waiting lists for therapists can be lengthy, and turning up to the first session takes courage and motivation, both of which depressed people lack.
Online therapy is now recognised worldwide as an alternative treatment program for specific mental health disorders. Through cognitive behavioural therapy - where people learn how their thoughts and feelings shape their behaviours - conditions such as anxiety, depression, social phobias and post traumatic stress disorder can be effectively treated through education and activities via the internet. Professional psychologists are at the other end of the cyber-line, providing support and guidance at a distance. Researchers are discovering that this form of therapy is just as effective as the traditional face-to-face therapist/client relationship.
Online Treatment General Benefits
Accessing mental health treatment via the internet offers four universal benefits:
- Free or low cost treatment;
- The completion of lessons and activities at any time, day or night;
- Removal of the stigma of walking through a therapist's door; and
- Anonymity.
Opening up to a therapist about deeply held thoughts and fears can be overwhelming. The anonymity and distance offered by online therapy has been found to eradicate this barrier. People find they can speak freely through cyberspace about their inner worlds.
Dr. Titov of St. Vincents Virtual Clinic feels that online therapy is "...really about empowering people to be their own therapist, or supporting people to develop the confidence to get more specialised face-to-face treatment after they finish."
Reaching More Mental Health Sufferers
Those disadvantaged by location, health and even gender are more able, and perhaps more likely, to access mental health treatment through online therapy. Depression, for example, is high amongst farmers in rural and remote areas, yet resources are scarce. And many men are reluctant to seek professional help. Similarly, people with chronic physical disabilities and communication problems find the challenge of just getting to a therapy appointment too much.
Dr. Klein of Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia, identifies another group who could benefit from online therapy: "...populations, such as people in prisons," she says, "where the prevalence of mental health disorders are disproportionately higher in comparison to the general community" could also get vital help from online therapy.
Safety of Online Treatment
Not everyone affected by anxiety, depression, social phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder can make use of online treatment programs. Professional online therapy clinics administer a screening tool, which assesses the severity of the condition, including the risk of suicidal behaviour. Potential clients are directed to either the online self-help programs or the therapist-assisted program. Those with more complex needs are referred on to appropriate services.
Success of Online Therapy
Online treatment of mental health disorders is proving to be just as successful as face-to-face therapy. Recent statistics from St. Vincent's Virtual Clinic show that after completion of the relevant programs, over 70 percent of clients no longer felt anxious; 85 percent of people with social phobias had improved; and more than one-third of those experiencing depression were free of this illness.
Despite its success, online therapy has its limitations and is not meant to replace existing therapeutic services for those suffering from mental health disorders. However, it does offer some valuable benefits. There are many online therapy clinics on the internet. Before signing up, people should check professionals' qualifications and the level of support and guidance provided.
Internet makes accessing treatment easier
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