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Feel free to contact Dr. Samstag to learn about the many types of human difficulties he treats.

The Benefits of Online Therapy

Had it not been for online mental healthcare, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic would have been truly devastating for millions of patients worldwide. Teletherapy has allowed access to potentially life-saving services delivered by qualified professionals during lockdowns, illness, and interrupted transportation. Indeed, the pandemic has shed light on the inherent value of delivering psychoanalytic therapy virtually. This trend is likely to continue for several reasons.   

1. There is a major dearth of mental health practices in remote and rural areas. For these individuals, it can be the only way to have access to therapy sessions.

2. Even if you don’t live in a remote area, it may still be too time-consuming to drive or take public transportation to in-person appointments. The stress of getting to and from appointments could layer an additional burden onto your current challenges.

3. If you also have a physical or mental disability that makes it more difficult to leave your home, locate parking, etc., you know that such challenges often intensify a hundred-fold.

4. Being able to experience therapy in your own home can provide a level of comfort and privacy that might not be available at a therapist’s office. With HIPAA-compliant software, patient confidentiality is well-protected.

Finally, evidence-based research has indicated that telepsychotherapy can build a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship as effectively as in-person treatments. Furthermore, online psychotherapy services have been shown to result in similar outcomes (levels of success) as in-person mental health therapy.

A Brief Description of Present-Day (Contemporary) Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

Although traditional psychoanalytic treatment has been in use for over a century, current strategies in psychotherapy have changed dramatically since the days of Sigmund Freud, in which repressed emotions and inner desires of childhood appeared to dominate therapy sessions.

Contemporary psychoanalysis is much different in that it seeks to nurture self-discovery and personal growth, with the goal of establishing and improving healthy interpersonal relationships. Many call this type of therapy contemporary psychoanalysis. Rather than the more authoritarian style as supported by Freud, it centers around the collaborative and therapeutic relationship that develops between the therapist and patient. Strong emphasis is placed on the patient’s subjective experiences. Together, the patient and therapist work to make sense of the here-and-now in ways that are meaningful to the patient and his/her needs.

Scientific research has demonstrated that psychotherapy can lead to very positive outcomes in mental health. This is the case even when comparing psychotherapy with medication. It’s particularly impressive that improvement in mental health can continue even after therapy sessions have been completed.

Is Online Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Right for Me?

In determining whether online therapy services are right for you, you may wish to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I have a strong and consistent internet connection?

2. Do I have a private place in my home in which I can meet with my therapist uninterrupted?

3. Do I have any physical challenges that make it difficult for me to travel to therapy on a regular basis?

4. Do I have any mental health challenges that make it difficult for me to get to therapy on a regular basis (such as claustrophobia)?

5. Do I find that it’s easier to express my feelings and emotions in the home setting? Or in the setting of my therapist’s office?

Prior to COVID-19, many insurance carriers didn’t cover online mental health therapy services. However, this has changed a great deal since then, as many insurance carriers now acknowledge the benefits of online therapy services for their beneficiaries. You can always contact your insurance company to see if you’re covered.

If you are used to seeing your therapist in person, it may be difficult to make the adjustment to online therapy services. Also, some types of mental health challenges may not be conducive to online virtual psychotherapy. Dr. Samstag is happy to help you with making these decisions.

Contact Dr. Samstag here.