A new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research argues that web-based self help programs work. The study took 213 participants and put them through a four week online course aimed at helping the participants with depression, anxiety and work related stress.

According to the studies findings, a high percentage (about 95%) of participants reported significant improvement in their symptoms after the program ended. During the study participants were sent directions via email and provided with support by psychology students. The main approach used to attain these results were based on the participants “approaching solvable problems in a structured way”. Not sure what that means exactly, but I suspect that is is related to Anxiety Guru’s blue print method. So why does this study matter?

It matters for many people, namely because of the cost associated with health care. If you don’t have health insurance (many people do not) than it can be difficult to afford a trip to a psychiatrist or even a family doctor. Another issue is anonymity and the feeling that you don’t want to be outed – even to a stranger. Online therapy programs are like home schooling in that it allows you to do the work without having to deal with the reality of visiting a place you’d rather not go to – in this case a mental health care office. For some people entering or exiting such an office (or being seen at one) can make some feel like they are sneaking into an adult video store in the middle of the day- oh the shame they think to themselves. But really there is absolutley no shame to be had it’s just that there are some folks who feel self conscious about seeking help. If you do decide that an online therapy program might work for you, there are somethings you should consider first.

I encourage you to always speak with a doctor first. But once you have been properly evaluated and you know you a have a nervous, anger, loneliness, strange symptoms problem and not a more serious health problem then the door is wide open for you to exploit all the internet resources available to you. The good doctors that conducted this study say that more studies are needed to make more detailed information (this study is the first of it’s kind), but are certain that they are on to something. I am certain that they are – and interestingly I knew this way before I ever read their study. The bottom line is that you have an emotional problem, not a “crazy” problem. You have no deep seeded issues that are making you like this and as a result you can recover.

Warning to the wise. The internet is really two faced – good and bad. Make sure that if you take advantage of any online therapy program that you practice patience and shop around. Make sure you don’t overpay, treat it like a supermarket, because you and I both know that there is nothing wrong with the store brand. Don’t get caught up with the bells and whistles found on some sites, look for content and reputation. Look for testimonials, check the BBB for any complaints or simply type the dot coms website name in the Google search bar and add sucks at the end. Chances are if the company burned people that there will be someone or group yelling about it (Ripoff Report). Just be smart and use your common sense.

For more information about online therapy click here.

Leave a Reply