Day: November 3, 2021

The CDC has not yet issued a formal warning for the following pandemic strain. However, in light of recent events and prior outbreaks, many people are considering online counseling as an option to traditional in-person sessions. Here are six benefits of online counseling during a pandemic

You can receive help 24/7

Traditional counseling services require that you schedule an appointment for a specific time, which can limit your accessibility during certain times. If you are experiencing symptoms of the pandemic strain and need advice immediately, online counseling is available at any hour of the day or night, 365 days per year.

You won’t need to leave the comfort of your own home

If you haven’t already, be sure to stock up on food and water. You might also want to look into alternative forms of transportation that won’t expose you further to the pandemic strain. While in-person sessions may require traveling for your appointment, online counseling can be accessed in the comfort of your own home or other location, such as a safe house or fortified shelter.

You can reduce exposure to pandemic strain

If online counseling is a better option for you, your counselor can help identify ways to reduce exposure during in-person sessions, such as suggesting that you communicate via email rather than face-to-face contact. In addition, with limited visitation and transportation options, you might be required to cancel or reschedule appointments with your counselor. This can be frustrating and inconvenient when trying to receive treatment for symptoms of a pandemic strain. Online counseling allows you and your counselor to communicate at any time and is not impacted by travel limitations that may come about during a pandemic outbreak.

You can start treatment immediately

Even before the identification of pandemic strain or an official warning from the CDC, if you are experiencing symptoms such as fever and coughing, it is important to begin treatment. While your physician may be able to prescribe medication for you, remember that pharmacies may not have medications in stock due to high volume demands associated with a pandemic outbreak. While your counselor cannot prescribe medication, you can receive treatment immediately through online counseling, this is also confirmed by Washingtoncitypaper.com. In addition, online counseling may be a better option for those experiencing severe symptoms that would prevent them from traveling to an in-person appointment.

You can more easily remain anonymous

When it comes to pandemic strain and other crisis situations, it can be difficult to remain anonymous. Unfortunately, there are still some people who choose not to call for help or medical treatment due to the fear of being stigmatized. With online counseling, you can provide your counselor with contact information that will keep you anonymous during sessions, such as an email address rather than a phone number.

You can also choose to remain completely anonymous throughout your treatment by not providing any contact information during the initial intake process.

You don’t have to travel

During a pandemic, there are several factors that might impact travel options, such as closed stores and roads due to the high volume of traffic or limited supplies of gasoline. While your counselor cannot prescribe medications or travel arrangements, they can help reduce stress and anxiety and recommend community resources to you. With limited transportation and supply options available during a pandemic outbreak, online counseling is an excellent alternative to traditional in-person sessions.

Conclusion

During a pandemic, it is important to manage your symptoms and reduce exposure as much as possible. While online counseling can’t provide prescriptions or travel arrangements for you, it will help you stay up-to-date on the most recent information from the CDC and sustain you through difficult moments that may arise during this crisis. Additionally, if you feel comfortable, online counseling can help reduce stress and anxiety.