Online counseling and therapy services are relatively new but have quickly become one of the most popular and effective ways that people get help for just about any mental health issue, and this is partially due to how quickly consumer technology has advanced as well. This article will share some of the devices you should consider picking up so that you can enjoy online therapy to its fullest.
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A Stable Internet Connection
Online therapy can’t function without the internet, so if you want the best experience possible, it’s imperative that you have a reliable high-speed connection so that you can eliminate frustration and get the most out of your sessions.
If you plan to utilize video chatting features, your internet needs to be able to handle streaming, and there are internet connection tests to check to see if your connection is up to par.
A Computer or Tablet
A computer is highly recommended for online therapy because they tend to have a better ability to handle video chatting due to having improved processing power. However, if you don’t have a computer at home, many tablets should be able to provide a good experience overall.
Smartphones may also be satisfactory as well, depending on how new yours is, but even if it’s not, there are still some perks to having one, which will be discussed next.
A Smartphone
Having a reliable smartphone is an excellent asset to have because there are tons of mental health applications out there for you to take advantage of at your fingertips, and this also includes online therapy apps as well.
The beauty of online therapy is that you can actually send texts and emails to your licensed professional anytime and anywhere if you have a smartphone, as many services, such as BetterHelp, grant people access to 24/7 virtual rooms where you and your therapist can respond at your leisure. Therefore, your interactions won’t be limited to the one-on-one sessions you will receive, and having a smartphone will essentially open up more communication options that you might find handy at certain points.
A Webcam and Microphone
In order to get the same face-to-face experience you would get from in-person sessions in online therapy, you will need to have a camera and microphone to interact with your therapist in your video chats.
Luckily, good-quality ones are built into most modern laptops, tablets, and smartphones, but if you happen to use a computer without these included, you will most likely need to invest in some so that you can get the best treatment possible.
Patience
Change doesn’t happen overnight, and it will take dedication and persistence on your part to see the most growth.
However, making the decision to start talking to a therapist is a huge first step, and by committing to working with one regularly you give yourself the opportunity to get the most out of online therapy and make the changes in your thinking and behavior patterns you need and deserve.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, all you need to get started with online therapy is a solid internet connection, a device that can connect to it, and possibly some peripherals to aid in communication. Once you are prepared, you can start enjoying a new way to get therapy that is just as effective as being there in person.
