7 advantages of video conferencing with an addiction counselor

Video conferencing with an addiction counselor can be less expensive, more comfortable and more flexible than traditional face-to-face therapy. Consider these and other advantages to working with an addiction counselor from the comfort of your own home.

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7 advantages of video conferencing with an addiction professional

1. Video conferences are convenient

Video conferencing allows you to fit in time to work on your problems with drugs or alcohol without having to leave your home. Sometimes motivation is difficult and having fewer barriers to treatment is helpful especially when you are feeling ambivalent about change. Also, adding something else into your schedule can feel overwhelming. Video conferencing affords you the opportunity to attend therapy for possible drinking or drug problems without hassle or travel.

2. Counseling and therapy is not threatening

While attending therapy may be intimidating or uncomfortable, being able to do it from home allows you to be comfortable and relaxed while “showing up” for session. You are able to stay in your comfort zone while attending therapy. You avoid the awkwardness of entering a space designed by someone else in order to share your most personal issues.

3. Therapeutic intimacy with an addiction professional

When working with an addiction professional online through email or text, you lose a lot of intimacy with your therapist. Non-verbal cues are missed completely and you miss out on making a connection with your treatment provider. Now that we have the technology, video conferencing allows you the convenience you always wanted from technology based treatment without sacrificing any of the therapeutic connection.

4. Never miss an addiction therapy session

Being busy and stressed is part of our everyday life. It can be really challenging to decide to change, connect with a therapist, and establish continuity by attending a session at least once a week. This can be even more challenging if you are not sure about change; therefore, the more barriers to getting there the less likely change happens. I have treated clients in my private practice that due to work constraints coupled with ambivalence about change never get to take advantage of treatment. Video conferencing gives you access to support and treatment from wherever you can find an internet connection and some privacy.

5. Flexible addiction treatment process

Individuals who choose video conferencing find that it allows them to be more flexible in the treatment process. Clients flexibly receive treatment by fitting treatment into their schedule and lifestyle. It also gives clients an opportunity to access a variety of addiction treatment options that may not be available to them otherwise. For example, video conferencing allows you to stay connected to treatment providers in aftercare that may not be local and/or explore different types of treatment that can be alternatives to 12-step programs or great additions.

6. Exploring change is easier with video conference therapy

Because there are fewer barriers to treatment with video conferencing, people who are ambivalent about change are more likely to explore possible change using video. In other words, you don’t have to make a big commitment to schedule and show up for a face-to-face session when you are not even sure about wanting to change in the first place. In addition, people can choose a treatment provider who can help them sort out whether they would like to change and address motivation issues. These services are not standard options everywhere.

7. Lower cost of counseling treatment

Ultimately due to less overhead and increased convenience for treatment providers, video conferencing allows providers to offer treatment at a lower cost to clients. This therefore reduces another barrier to treatment. In some areas, it may cost upwards of $200 for a single session with a highly skilled and experienced addiction professional. Video conferencing can cut this cost considerably.

Video conferencing for drinking or drug problems

Do you have questions about using video conferencing as a way to connect with an addiction counselor? Does video conferencing seem like something you’re interested in but a little nervous about starting? Please ask your questions here and Dr. Levin can respond to your suggestions, feedback or comment as soon as possible.

About the author
Cindy is a clinical psychologist and founder of Clarity Path, an online counseling group that uses video chat therapy to help address drinking or drug problems. Cindy's 15 years of experience include a strong research background and expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Cindy focuses on fostering collaboration as the basis for her therapeutic relationships with clients.
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