From the comfort of your home, online therapy sessions provide mental health support and a safe space to talk to a professional. You don’t have to travel to an office or sit in a waiting room – help is just a click away. 

Many find online therapy as effective as in-person sessions, and it fits into any schedule. If you need support, online therapy offers a simple, convenient way to start your healing journey.

What Are Online Therapy Sessions?

Online therapy is also known as telemedicine or telehealth. These sessions include video, phone, or chat-based meetings with a licensed therapist. Instead of going to an office, you can talk to a professional from home or anywhere you feel comfortable. 

These sessions help with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, stress, or addiction recovery. They provide the same kind of support as in-person therapy but in a more flexible and private way.

Many online therapy services also include group sessions, where you can connect with others going through similar struggles.

To get started, you usually need to:

1. Choose a therapy platform – Find a trusted service with licensed professionals.
   
2. Sign up and answer questions – Share basic information about your needs.
   
3. Select a therapist – Some platforms let you choose a therapist based on your preferences.
   
4. Schedule sessions – Set a time that works for you, whether weekly or as needed.
   
5. Join the session – Use a computer, tablet, or phone to start your therapy.

Online therapy is a great option if you need mental health support but want something flexible, private, and easy to access. 

How Online Therapy Supports Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Mental Health Recovery

Research indicates that online therapy can be as effective as in-person treatment for SUD and mental health recovery. A systematic review published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment analyzed 13 studies focusing on telemedicine interventions for various substance use disorders, including nicotine, alcohol, and opioids. The review found that patients were highly satisfied, and the treatments worked as well as in-person therapy.¹

Another study published in Cureus examined the efficacy of telepsychiatry in addiction treatment. The study concluded that telepsychiatry is equally effective in treating patients with substance use disorders compared to in-person treatment. It also noted that combining telepsychiatry with in-person treatment could lead to higher retention rates and reduced premature dropouts.²

While online therapy offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to consider factors such as the need for a reliable internet connection and a private space for sessions. 

Who Can Benefit from Online Addiction Therapy Programs?

Below are the ideal participants in an online addiction therapy program:

1. People in Early Recovery

If you are just starting your recovery journey, online therapy can help you stay on track. You can talk to a therapist about cravings, triggers, and stress without having to leave your home. 

2. Those Who Need Ongoing Support

Recovery doesn’t stop after rehab or detox. If you have finished a treatment program but still need help, online therapy gives you a way to continue therapy and stay connected with a support system.

3. People Who Live in Remote Areas

Not everyone has easy access to an in-person rehab center or therapist. If you live far from addiction treatment centers, online therapy makes it possible to get help without traveling long distances.

4. Busy Professionals and Parents

If you have a busy job or family responsibilities, making time for in-person therapy can be hard. Online therapy lets you schedule sessions when it works best for you – before work, during a lunch break, or after putting the kids to bed.

5. People Who Feel Anxious About In-Person Therapy

Some people feel nervous about going to a therapist’s office or joining a group in person. If you feel more comfortable talking about your struggles from home, online therapy gives you a safe space to open up.

6. Those Who Want Privacy

Addiction can be a sensitive topic, and some people worry about being seen at a rehab center or therapy office. Online therapy allows you to get help without worrying about others knowing.

7. People with Physical Disabilities or Health Issues

If you have a health condition that makes it hard to travel, online therapy is a great option. You can receive the same quality care without having to leave home.

If you need support for addiction but want a flexible, private, and easy-to-access option, online therapy could be a great choice. It helps people at different stages of recovery, no matter where you live or how busy your schedules are.

Getting Started with Online Therapy for Addiction and Mental Health Recovery

​Embarking on online therapy for addiction and mental health recovery is a huge step toward healing. 

Here’s how you can start: 

Enrolling in an Online Therapy Program

1. Assess Your Needs: Determine the specific challenges you’re facing—be it substance use, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns.​
   
2. Research Providers: Look for reputable online therapy programs that specialize in your areas of concern.​
   
3. Verify Credentials: Ensure the program employs licensed and experienced healthcare professionals.​
   
4. Check Insurance Coverage: Confirm whether the program accepts your insurance to manage costs effectively.​
   
5. Register and Provide Information: Sign up on the platform and share relevant personal and medical history to tailor your treatment plan.

What to Expect in Your First Session

Your initial therapy session is foundational in building a therapeutic alliance – a collaborative partnership between you and your therapist. Research indicates that establishing a strong alliance in the first session contributes to better treatment outcomes and remains stable throughout the therapeutic process.³

During this session:

• Introduction: Your therapist will introduce themselves and outline the therapy process.​
  
• Discussion of Concerns: You’ll have the opportunity to share the issues that led you to seek therapy.
  
• Goal Setting: Together, you’ll identify objectives for your therapy journey.​
  
• Questions and Clarifications: Feel free to ask any questions about the process to ensure clarity and comfort.

Selecting a program that aligns with your needs is vital. OceanRock Health offers private online therapy sessions tailored for substance use and mental health challenges. Our accredited team of healthcare professionals provides personalized, accessible treatment options, including Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and group therapy counseling.

To explore how OceanRock Health can support your recovery journey, visit our website or contact our team directly.

Sources:

1. Lin, L. (Allison), Casteel, D., Shigekawa, E., Weyrich, M. S., Roby, D. H., & McMenamin, S. B. (2019). Telemedicine-delivered treatment interventions for substance use disorders: A systematic review. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 101, 38–49. https://www.jsatjournal.com/article/S0740-5472(18)30428-8/fulltext
2. ‌Kamma, H. K., Alabbas, M., Elashahab, M., Abid, N., Manaye, S., Cheran, K., Murthy, C., Bornemann, E. A., & Arcia Franchini, A. P. (2023). The Efficacy of Telepsychiatry in Addiction Patients: A Systematic Review. Cureus. https://www.cureus.com/articles/126623-the-efficacy-of-telepsychiatry-in-addiction-patients-a-systematic-review#!/
3. ‌del Río Olvera, F. J., Rodríguez-Mora, Á., Senín-Calderón, C., & Rodríguez-Testal, J. F. (2022). The first session is the one that counts: An exploratory study of therapeutic alliance. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1016963/full