Virtual counseling has been around for a few years, but it has become increasingly prevalent since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s convenient, accessible, and reduces overhead costs for counselors, making it many people’s preferred way to receive – and deliver – mental health care.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an online Master’s in Counseling and Psychological Services to students in Minnesota and beyond. Here, we discuss virtual counseling jobs, including their benefits, downsides, and outlook, to help you identify your ideal career path.
What Is Virtual Counseling?
Virtual counseling, which may also be called online therapy, teletherapy, or e-therapy, refers to any counseling services that are provided over the internet. The services provided are often the same or similar as clients would receive face-to-face at a counselor’s office. Research suggests that virtual counseling can be just as effective. Remote delivery, however, offers additional convenience for the client and counselor alike.
Virtual counseling is available from a variety of sources. Some counseling offices offer teletherapy as a supplement or alternative to in-person treatment, while other companies are exclusively online. Virtual counseling can be accessed following a traditional model or through a subscription service. Different virtual counseling sources offer a variety of delivery methods as well, including voice calls, video calls, or text chatrooms, to better accommodate each individual’s needs and challenges.
The Benefits of Virtual Counseling
Virtual counseling is intended to help counselors reach individuals who may otherwise struggle to receive the services they need. The method offers several benefits to participants, such as:
Convenience
By meeting with a counselor online, clients can receive mental health services without leaving their own homes. This also allows for smoother scheduling around work, family, and other everyday obligations. Counselors may also benefit from not having to commute to an office, as well as reducing gas costs and time spent in traffic.
Access
Convenience also means improved access. In-person counseling sessions aren’t always feasible for clients who live in rural areas, can’t drive, or struggle with physical health limitations. Virtual services help overcome this barrier by reaching clients wherever they are. Counselors are also able to provide services to a wider range of clients than they would with just in-person sessions.
Affordability
The cost of therapy is another significant barrier that prevents many people from accessing the support they need. Counseling can be expensive by itself, and that’s not counting the price of gas or childcare. Virtual services eliminate extraneous expenses. In addition, online businesses often lack the overhead of office rentals. This lets them offer services at lower rates.
Comfort
Receiving counseling at home is often more comfortable than visiting an office. Familiar surroundings, a favorite blanket, or a cuddly pet can help clients cope in the midst of painful conversations. This may make it easier to share difficult information, making counseling more effective in turn. Counselors may also benefit from offering sessions from their home office.
Confidentiality
Counselors are bound to an oath of confidentiality. Some clients, however, may feel nervous about being recognized in the waiting room or parking lot. Virtual services eliminate this possibility, helping clients feel secure when accessing the health services they need.
Are There Drawbacks?
As many benefits as virtual counseling may offer, it also has its potential downsides, which include:
- Insurance: Coverage for virtual counseling is improving. Some companies, however, still don’t cover online mental health services.
- Privacy: Digital data transmission adds extra complication to confidentiality. Robust security is necessary to protect clients against cyber-attacks. When clients do sessions from home, the counselor can’t control the client’s space, and therefore, can’t guarantee privacy from others in the home who may overhear conversations.
- Body language: Text or voice-only chats don’t show body language. This makes it challenging for counselors to evaluate client responses.
- Crisis: Counselors cannot provide immediate, direct intervention when providing services remotely, making this model inappropriate for serious illnesses.
- Certain diagnoses: Not all diagnoses and concerns are appropriate for virtual counseling. Some may require in-person, face-to-face sessions to treat.
- Internet access: Some clients may not have reliable high-speed internet or electronic devices, which is required for video conferencing platforms. Clients who are not skilled with navigating technology can also struggle with using these systems.
Remote sessions aren’t ideal for every person and situation. Counselors offering this type of service must be aware of its shortcomings and understand when in-person counseling is the better option. The MA in counseling and Psychological Services curriculum at Saint Mary’s University includes information on the appropriate and ethical use of teletherapy.
Outlook for Virtual Counseling Jobs
If you are considering a career in virtual counseling, now’s a good time to start. The U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics predicts a 19% growth in employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors over the next decade. This is much higher than the average across all occupations and is matched with rising salaries.
Beyond compensation, counseling is an excellent career path for those with a passion for helping others. In this role, you will make a meaningful difference in your clients’ lives, helping them overcome difficult situations and improve their happiness and emotional resilience.
Become a Virtual Counselor
Do you feel called to help others? Provide valuable mental health services to people in need by becoming a virtual counselor. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota provides an MA in Counseling and Psychological Services program that can help prepare you to become a virtual counselor. As a private, non-profit Lasallian Catholic university, we are committed to academic excellence. Request information or apply for admissions today to get started with your degree.
