Technology has become part of the fabric of our society. Video, chat, messaging is now so common that we have the ability to do it via our Smartphones anytime, anywhere.

But even before the internet was that popular, the pro’s and con’s of online help were researched. Numerous studies found online counseling as effective as visiting a counsellor or therapist face-to-face. Moreover, members of online counseling platforms feel more comfortable, calm and relaxed during sessions, and experience enhanced user satisfaction as compared to therapy in more traditional settings. Some clients who have the time for face-to-face therapy even prefer online counselling because they find it gives them more flexibility and comfort. Online help is praised for its ability to provide quick access in a more anonymous manner than traditional face-to-face help. Furthermore, people in need of counseling are more likely to seek out help when online counseling is provided as an option. Finally, online counseling provides both increased patient empowerment (it maximizes flexibility in scheduling therapy and of therapy location), and increased clinical efficacy (it allows therapists to see clients in less time).

An important recent development is the use of mobile technology for the treatment and prevention of health problems. Worldwide there is a steep increase in smartphone use with internet access. More so than laptops or PCs. Likewise, the popularity of mobile devices such as tablets is on the rise. The biggest advantage of the smartphone is that its user carries it with him day and night, providing easy access 24/7. Therefore it can make optimal use of ‘teachable moments’ (getting help when you most need it). Receiving help at the right moment increases the motivation to actually tackle difficult issues. Moreover, a smartphone can have different apps to repeatedly assess moods and activities in your normal day-to-day life (in a difficult word: ‘ecological momentary assessment’). For instance, if your therapist asks ‘when do you feel depressed’, ‘what makes you feel happy’, you will normally answer in a vague, general fashion, as the human brain does not have the capacity to remember every minute change in mood. Apps like Catch It or Blue Ice can assist and deliver valuable information to be integrated into therapy.

In short: Online help has repeatedly been proven as effective as traditional psychotherapy. The internet plays an important role in providing discrete, tailored mental health services available anytime, anywhere, from any device with internet access.