Home | Health | Pros And Cons Of Online Therapy To Consider

Pros and cons of online therapy to consider

Health
Pros and cons of online therapy to consider

Technological advancements have more than a handful of benefits to offer, including the possibility of teletherapy, also known as online therapy. It uses web-based applications to provide patients with the therapy and counseling they require. One can address their mental health issues and seek guidance without having to spend time commuting. Several types of therapies are available online, but before choosing, one must consider the pros and cons of the service.

Advantages of online therapy sessions

Efficiency
There have been studies that suggest online therapy sessions may be just as effective as in-person sessions. Different types of mental health conditions were researched, and it was found that there was minimal difference in positive patient outcomes. Consequently, online therapy sessions are a preferable option to having no sessions at all. Furthermore, patients do not have to worry about any social stigma while seeking the care they need.

Accessibility
Online therapy sessions are more accessible than in-person sessions. People who are home-bound due to various reasons can easily schedule a session and get access to the treatment they need. Moreover, it can be more convenient to receive therapy sessions from a distant professional who would otherwise be unavailable.

Convenience
In most cases, online therapy sessions are more affordable and convenient for patients. They allow patients to schedule their sessions at a time that suits them best. In addition, patients can attend the session from the comfort of their own homes or any location in the world.

More approachable
People in remote or rural areas may face difficulties in accessing in-person therapy due to distance, time constraints, or the availability or lack of qualified experts in the area. Online therapy sessions can provide access to various types of mental health therapy treatments that may otherwise not be available to them.

Finding the right therapist
With online options and a working internet connection, one can easily find the right therapist according to one’s needs. The patients can stay connected with the expert throughout their treatment course without having to worry about commute and other related hindrances.

Disadvantages of online therapy sessions

Lack of insurance coverage
Insurance coverage for online therapy sessions varies widely. A patient’s coverage is based on the type of policy they hold, the state they reside in, the qualification and licensing of the therapists, and other factors. Additionally, some therapists may not accept insurance as payment, and even if they do, one may be limited to a policy that does not cover online sessions.

Unreliability of technology
Therapy sessions require confidentiality to ensure the patient’s privacy. This is even more important when it comes to online therapy sessions. However, these remote sessions may complicate the situation. Since the information exchanged during these sessions is online, there is a risk of hacking, recording, or leaking sensitive patient information in secrecy. Additionally, the data on hand may be misused. Technology also presents its own set of challenges, which can make online therapy sessions different from traditional in-person sessions. These challenges affect both patients and therapists.

Ethical concerns
Online therapy sessions can pose some challenges regarding legal and ethical code enforcement. While it allows clients to choose therapists from anywhere in the world, it can also create problems since different states have varying guidelines and licensing requirements for treating patients. Before starting treatment, patients should verify the licensing, experience, expertise, and qualifications of the professional to ensure they are qualified to provide therapy.

Limited cues
Video conference platforms do not allow therapists or counselors to see the patient’s body, making it easy for them to miss some cues. Body language plays an important role in therapy. While online therapy sessions have their perks, they cannot replace all the benefits of in-person sessions. Therapists can use cues from the person’s body language to make the session more impactful and result-oriented.

It may not be for everyone
Not all mental health conditions are suitable to be treated through a screen. Some conditions, like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, require close monitoring, and it can be difficult to assess the patient’s condition through remote communication. Therapists can provide a combination of treatments during in-person mental health therapy sessions. Additionally, online therapy sessions may not be suitable during a crisis. If patients with mental health conditions require physical intervention or immediate care, they can benefit more from in-person therapy than online sessions.

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4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don’t have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother’s body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.  Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies.
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It has become the norm to keep ornamental at home, especially since they beautify the space tremendously. But, if you are a pet parent, you must exercise caution in picking the potted plants you want. While some plants can cause vomiting or dysentery, a few can cause respiratory, digestive, neurological, or cardiac problems, leading to death. If you have become a pet parent recently, here are six plants toxic to dogs to note: 6 plants that dog parents must take note of Sago palm Sago palm is a very popular ornamental plant for indoor and outdoor spaces. It is known by many names like coontie palms or cardboard palms and is part of the Cycads group of plants. It contains multiple toxins, including cycasin and BMAA. Every part of the sago palm is toxic for your dogs, and the seeds can be the most dangerous. If a dog ingests even a small amount of any part of a sago palm plant, it can affect its nervous system, liver, or gastrointestinal system. You may see symptoms within 15 minutes or many hours. The most common reaction is gastrointestinal irritation, with initial symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also lead to serious complications like neurological problems, resulting in weakness, seizures, and tremors.
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6 human foods that cats can safely eat

Cats are picky eaters, but they may jump with glee if you share a titbit from your plate. Felines love variety in food, and you can share some of your food if it is nutritious and non-toxic. Moderation is the key when you feed human food to your cat so that it does not cause any allergies or digestive issues. Here is a list of six human foods that are safe for your cats: Eggs Small quantities of cooked eggs are good for cats. You can set aside a tablespoon of scrambled egg or a piece of a boiled egg while you cook some for yourself. Don’t season it, add any oil or butter, or  feed raw eggs or yolks. Eggs contain a protein called Avidin that may prevent the absorption of Vitamin B. Raw eggs could contain Salmonella, a bacteria that can infect the GI tract of both cats and humans. Severe infection may lead to death in cats, while humans may need hospitalization. Vegetables Cats are carnivores and are partial to meat; a non-meat diet may not excite them as much. However, you can feed small portions of a few vegetables that can supply your cat’s fiber, protein, and nutrition requirements.
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4 tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs

Dogs get affected with fleas or ticks due to spending time on grassy trails, lush parks, or moist areas. And these pests can cause itching and skin damage if not controlled in time. Flea and ticks leave eggs and larvae on the coat, which can be challenging to eradicate. They can also lead to Lyme disease and other debilitating conditions. Following are tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs: Consider the following treatment options Bravecto chew Bravecto chew is a chewable treatment option that you can administer along with your dog’s food. It contains fluralaner, an active ingredient that spreads quickly through the dog’s tissues and the skin. Fleas and ticks in the coat ingest minute amounts of fluralaner, which affects their central nervous system, killing them within 12 hours. One dose of Bravecto is effective for about 12 weeks. If your dog is sensitive to the treatment option and vomits within three hours of ingestion, contact your vet, as it may be less impactful in killing the ticks and fleas. Bravecto is also effective in preventing heartworms and intestinal worms. Simparica This prescription treatment option is ideal for dogs over six months and can be administered monthly.

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