Top Online Therapy Programs in Singapore

Overview of Online Therapy Programs

Procedure

As online therapy programs continue to be adopted, individuals may choose non-verbal online therapy options, such as email or texting, or verbal online therapy options, such as counselling through phone or video calls. The presence of such multiple array of options allow for more therapeutic delivery options for individuals seeking for counselling. This also gives them the variations to choose from their personal comfort level with technology.

The use of email or texting as a method of communication is mostly catered to a group of individuals who are more comfortable with non-verbal communication or they are too busy and prefer the convenience of communicating with a therapist at any time or place without speaking.

While convenient, private, and relatively affordable online method of texting or emailing is used, it may not work for all. The use of phone or video calls, on the other hand, is most catered to a group of individuals who are seeking counselling via verbal communication on platforms, such as Zoom/TalkSpace/Webex/Google Meet etc. It enables both patients and therapists to communicate through texts, audio, and video in real time.

Phone calls allow the therapist to comfort and counsel the patient with his knowledge and skills in the field of therapy work. Video conferencing calls allow the therapist to observe the patient’s facial expressions and physical real time responses; not noticeable over phone or messaging platforms. This helps him/her to better understand the patient as body language and facial expression have a lot to say about their mental health. It will also lead to a better connection between all therapists and patients.

The length of online therapy sessions will range between 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the patient’s needs and the therapist’s treatment method(s). It will also vary as some patients prefer to communicate with their therapists via email or text message, but others may opt for phone or video calls equivalent to physical face-to-face counselling sessions.

Professional licensed therapists with relevant knowledge and skills can treat mental health conditions such as depression, panic disorder, anxiety via online platforms as effectively as in face-to-face counselling sessions. Although some patients still prefer to meet up face-to-face as they are not sure of the effectiveness, there have been a few studies that offer evident effectiveness of online therapy programs.

 

Who Is Suitable

Online therapy programs are available for everyone as long as they want to adopt the service. However, we will provide a comprehensive list of individuals who are best suited for such programs:

• Individuals who live in areas with limited access to mental health professionals,
• Individuals who are busy and their responsibilities have interfered with their abilities to schedule face-to-face physical sessions
• Individuals who find that online counselling is a more affordable and convenient way to get necessary help
• Individuals who are in the age range of children to elderly

However, it is highly recommended that individuals who are facing serious mental, emotional, or behavioural conditions to seek face-to-face professional counselling (with regular consultations and medications provided).

Here are some pros of online therapy programs, and the ways in which they have been used to treat mental conditions such as anxiety and depression for better well-being and mental health.

Online therapy programs offer necessary services to individuals who are seeking help in rural areas or other isolated locations with limited access to therapists. Moreover, it is a more affordable, quick, accessible options to all patients as compared to physical face-to-face sessions.

The sense of anxiety and depression that grips many people as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for mental health services and the need for socially distant healthcare formats. Online formats help meet this need by providing a safe alternative to face-to-face meetings.

Cons

Besides the pros of online therapy programs, there are also some cons of online therapy programs.

The interactive technology used in online therapy programs involve phone or video apps like Zoom, TalkSpace, Webex FaceTime, and Google Meet, which can make some patients feel uncomfortable for being exposed, or distracted and uneasy by their displayed image. Being in front of a screen may not be as easy as it seems, as some patients feel like they are being watched. The consultation will then be affected significantly as patients are not focused on giving accurate answers to therapists.

Cost

The cost of online therapy programs can range up to $100 per session – depending on which provider you are looking for and source of platforms (verbal or non-verbal). It is usually less expensive than face-to-face physical counselling sessions.

Finding a Good Online Therapy Program