From alleviating symptoms of various mental health conditions to providing the convenience of attending sessions from home, online therapy offers myriad benefits. Here are some of the advantages of online therapy, according to Dr. Spann:
Convenience: One of the biggest draws of online therapy is the ability for LGBTQIA+ people to meet with a mental health professional without having to travel to a physical office.
Access: Dr. Spann emphasizes online therapy’s ability to reduce barriers for accessing therapy as a major advantage. “Through teletherapy, LGBTQIA+ clients can seek a larger pool of therapists due to schedules and proximity being less of a factor,” says Dr. Spann, adding that online therapy also provides individuals who live in areas with limited mental health resources the ability to find a qualified therapist.
Safety and privacy: “Unfortunately, some Queer individuals don’t feel comfortable or welcomed in some neighborhoods where practices are located,” says Dr. Spann. “Teletherapy provides the client with anonymity, which may allow people who are questioning, not currently out or need privacy to seek therapy.”
Flexibility: Online therapy allows mental health care providers and clients flexibility in their schedules. “Flexibility for the clients and therapists could mean more people will match with the therapist that best suits their needs,” says Dr. Spann, adding that with increased flexibility and larger access to therapy, “More clients, including Queer-identifying, are receiving mental health services, which helps to save lives.”
Who May Benefit Most From LGBTQIA+ Online Therapy?
Because of the unique lived experiences and social and political issues LGBTQIA+ people may face, Dr. Spann asserts that any LGBTQIA+ person could benefit from online therapy.
A report from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) indicates that LGBTQIA+ individuals are more than twice as likely to experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime as heterosexual individuals. Specifically, they are 2.5 times more likely to experience conditions such as depression, anxiety and substance misuse. Fortunately, research indicates that therapy modalities such as CBT and DBT are effective treatments for such conditions.
Dr. Spann also encourages LGBTQIA+ people who are still seeking to understand their sexual experiences to see a sex therapist. “A sex therapist may assist an individual in exploring sexual experiences which might not have been discussed or explored.”
Additionally, Dr. Spann believes that individuals in LGBTQIA+ relationships may want to seek a relationship counselor, as “having a safe space to talk about a healthy Queer relationship might be helpful.”
Who May Not Benefit From LGBTQIA+ Online Therapy?
While online therapy offers many benefits, it may not be the best option for everyone. Individuals who experience severe symptoms or have been diagnosed with certain mental health conditions (such as schizophrenia or borderline personality disorder) may benefit from the advantages offered by in-person therapy sessions. Additionally, those who find it difficult to fully commit their attention to an online meeting or struggle to make an emotional connection through a virtual format may benefit from seeking in-person care.
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