In recent years, the healthcare industry has shifted to include more virtual options for care.
It’s time to consider exploring virtual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a popular therapy program that’s proven to deliver remarkable results – even online.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a popular type of therapeutic counseling developed to help people change their thoughts and behaviors. Rooted in the belief that people’s thoughts, feelings, and actions are inherently connected, CBT employs a variety of therapist-guided tactics to help patients create more positive ways of thinking and behaving. CBT aims to help people develop new skills and coping strategies to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, phobias, and other mental health conditions.
In a traditional in-person setting, CBT involves working with a therapist to identify negative thought patterns and behaviors that are causing distress or interfering with daily life. Now, CBT therapy is available digitally with varying levels of involvement from mental health professionals.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is recommended by counselors, therapists, and even psychiatrists to help patients combat mental health conditions.
Fortunately, thanks to advancements in technology, CBT is now more accessible to patients than ever. Patients can receive CBT online through a variety of channels and approaches depending on what best suits the patient’s lifestyle. Popular methods of conducting online CBT include one-on-one video call sessions and self-guided programs.
Like traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, internet-based CBT therapy begins with an extensive intake questionnaire. While questions may vary from provider to provider, the questionnaire will focus on understanding the patient’s mental health background, their reasons for seeking counseling, who they can lean on in their support system, and more. From there, a qualified mental health practitioner will review the responses to evaluate the patient’s unique needs and goals.
Online CBT is highly flexible, making it ideal for practices of all sizes and patients of all backgrounds. Depending on what works best for all parties, patients may be presented with a plan that involves a series of calls, typically consisting of 8-12 sessions. In other cases, the therapist may act as more of an educator as patients independently work through a highly structured plan without any one-on-one sessions.
Usually, a treatment plan consists of a mixture of guided sessions and independent work. Patients can expect to maintain a regular cadence with their therapist via messaging, calls, or live video chats. Outside of virtual meetings, the patient will complete assignments like worksheets or quizzes provided by the therapist.
While in-office sessions are still a great fit for many patients, they don’t work for everyone, and online CBT may be a viable alternative that can yield similar results. Virtual CBT is much more accessible and can even be more impactful than traditional face-to-face therapy sessions for a myriad of reasons:
Stepping into a therapist’s office can be intimidating. With virtual CBT, patients can join from anywhere so long as they have a stable internet connection and privacy. Plus, a patient’s lack of reliable transportation won’t prevent them from seeking help.
As long as the patient has a stable internet connection, they can find a program that works best for them. Patients who feel more empowered in their healthcare decisions tend to experience better outcomes. With online CBT, patients can explore all available options and select one they deem to be the best fit without needing to interface directly with their primary care provider or other members of their care team — unless they want to.
Everyone deserves to feel their best, but unfortunately, in-person mental health care services aren’t always available or accessible, especially in rural areas and other underserved communities. Virtual CBT allows more patients to connect with therapists and receive high-quality care regardless of where they live.
Not all patients are able to commit to ongoing therapy, but a short-term program with a clear end in sight can feel much more manageable. Since CBT focuses on changing the way patients think, feel, and act, the results can last for years, or even a lifetime.
Online CBT is a proven method for reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions – and we’re here to help.
Benchmark Solutions provides customizable, patient-centered solutions. We are now offering iCBT, a therapist-guided virtual therapy solution. Our online CBT offering features:
