Online Therapy in Pakistan: Is It Effective?
In Pakistan, mental health still carries a heavy stigma. Many individuals shy away from seeking help from psychologists or psychiatrists, worried about what their family, friends, or even neighbors might think. For those who do wish to get support, practical challenges like a lack of trained professionals, steep consultation fees, and limited mental health services in rural areas only add to the difficulty. This is where online therapy comes in: whether through video calls, phone sessions, or text-based counseling via apps and websites. While it may not be a perfect solution, for many Pakistanis, it’s certainly better than nothing and sometimes, it’s their only option.
Why Does Online Therapy Work for Some Pakistanis?
1. Accessibility in Remote Areas: If you’re in smaller towns like Gilgit, Charsadda, or parts of Sindh, finding a qualified therapist nearby can feel impossible. Online therapy opens the door to connecting with professionals from Karachi, Lahore, or Islamaba, all from the comfort and flexibility of your home.
2. Privacy and Anonymity: In a culture where visiting a “mind doctor” can lead to whispers and gossip, online therapy provides a more discreet alternative. Many people find it easier to share their thoughts and feelings from the safety of their own space rather than stepping into a clinic where everyone can see them.
3. Flexible Scheduling: For young professionals, students, and homemakers, juggling fixed in-person appointments can be a challenge. Online sessions, especially those that offer late-evening slots are much more accommodating to the busy lifestyles many Pakistanis lead.
4. Saves the hassle of travelling: Due to lack of public or any transport ,especially for women, online sessions allow them to focus on their healing rather than worrying about long commutes or their concerns about safety.
The Limitations of Online Therapy
1. Lack of Non-Verbal Cues: In video calls, the camera usually focuses on just the face and upper body, which means that important signals like trembling hands or fidgeting feet can easily be missed. In Pakistan, therapists often depend on in-person cues such as body language, subtle facial expressions, and the overall atmosphere of the room to gauge how a client is feeling. However, during a glitchy Zoom call, these nuanced signals can fade away, making it tougher to diagnose issues and hindering the ability to form the same deep connection that comes naturally in face-to-face meetings.
2. Connectivity Issues: Imagine having a breakthrough in therapy, only for it to be shattered when your internet cuts out in the middle of an emotional moment. In Pakistan, frequent power outages and weak signals in rural areas can really disrupt online sessions.
3. No Immediate Crisis Support: When someone is at risk of self-harm or stuck in an abusive situation, a therapist on a video call has limited options to ensure their immediate safety, something that’s much easier to handle in person.
4. Quacks Behind Cameras: Just like there are unqualified “doctors” in physical clinics across Pakistan, the online world is also home to untrained self-proclaimed therapists often life coaches or motivational speakers without any formal mental health training. Like recently, a renowned Pakistani surgeon has started offering therapy sessions, being a doctor himself, a man of his credibility promoting quackery and even practicing it.
These impostors can do more harm than good, offering dangerous advice, downplaying trauma, or taking advantage of vulnerable clients for money. The anonymity of the internet makes it all too easy for them to masquerade as professionals, so it’s crucial to do your homework.
Pakistani Culture and the Online Therapy
Experience
In our joint family system, finding privacy can feel like a rare treat. Imagine trying to take a video call in your bedroom, only to be met with questions like, “Kis se itni lambi baat kar rahe ho?” or you might be accused of having an affair. This lack of personal and emotional space can really hinder the effectiveness of online therapy. On the other hand, younger Pakistanis particularly those who’ve been exposed to global ideas through social media are becoming more receptive to online therapy. Take university students, for instance; they often reach out for help with anxiety, depression, or academic stress through partnerships their campuses have with online mental health platforms.
Better Than Nothing—But Not a Full Substitute
Research and feedback from practitioners in Pakistan indicate that in-person therapy tends to be more effective, especially for serious mental health issues like PTSD, bipolar disorder, or complex trauma. However, when it comes to mild to moderate conditions, such as general anxiety, workplace stress, or relationship counseling, online therapy can still make a significant difference. While it may not replicate the warmth of sitting face-to-face with a therapist, for someone who’s feeling isolated, it can serve as a vital lifeline.
Tips for Making Online Therapy More Effective for Yourself in Pakistan
1. Ensure privacy: Find a quiet, private space and consider using headphones for a more focused session.
2. Check credentials: Make sure your therapist is a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. It is your right to ask for their credentials. Steer clear of “Instagram counselors” who lack proper training or credentials.
3. Be open about your situation: Share any cultural or family pressures that might be affecting your privacy with your therapist.
4. Use secure platforms: Opt for communication tools that prioritize your confidentiality to keep your information safe.
Closing Thoughts: Imperfect but Essential
In-clinic Therapy will always be miles more effective than online therapy but Online Therapy is better than no therapy!
Online therapy in Pakistan might not be perfect, but in a place where mental health services are hard to come by, it can be a crucial lifeline for those at risk of slipping further into isolation. For some individuals, it opens the door to eventually pursuing in-person therapy; for others, it becomes their only reliable source of support. Whether it takes place on a screen or in a clinic, reaching out for help is always better than doing nothing. The key is to take that first step—because waiting for the “perfect” situation could mean missing out on the help that’s needed the most.
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