Just a few years ago, the psychologist or counsellor needed to be in the same room with the patient for the scheduled session at a clinic.

Today, you can seek therapy from the comfort of your own home with just a few clicks. All you need is a computer or device and an internet connection, and you will be having a face-to-face session with your therapist.

With the pandemic, mental health treatment has shifted online in a big way, and professional therapy has become more accessible, convenient and affordable, with websites such as The Help Talk and Relate Therapy serving Malaysians.

Here are some aspects that make remote counselling services unique and advantageous.

• Greater comfort and convenience

A counselling session is most effective if the patient or individual feels more at ease in their environment. This is a significant benefit with online therapy as the patient can attend sessions at times and in locations most convenient and comfortable for them.

• Enhanced privacy, confidentiality and security

With online therapy, you enjoy greater security and privacy as you are not commuting to a physical clinic. With advanced encryption, conversations and related data between patient and professional remain safe and secure.

• Supporting rural, remote populations

Online therapy is a great option for those in rural and remote locations with limited access to counselling. Note, however, that there should be reliable internet access in these locations for a successful online session.

• Helping those with physical limitations

Individuals who are housebound due to illness or disability can benefit from mental health services that would otherwise be inaccessible to them.

• Lower cost, higher affordability

Patients can save on expenses such as transportation and petrol. Moreover, therapists do not have to bear overhead costs like clinic and equipment rental. As a result, the final cost often turns out to be lower compared with traditional counselling services.

• Greater resourcefulness

Online therapy websites have proven to be effective for patients who typically shy away when communicating face to face. Mental health professionals, on the other hand, can enjoy the flexibility of practising their profession while maintaining work-life balance.

Before you subscribe to an online therapy session, it is essential to compare between therapy websites and services. Pay attention to the price of each session, as well as how each service is rated by patients, and whether they provide flexible therapy modalities to suit your needs.

Dennis Relojo-Howell is the founder of Psychreg. Connect with him on Twitter @dennisr_howell.