You've probably heard about telemedicine and how it allows people to see doctors online or over the phone. Well, teletherapy works the same way, but for mental health counseling instead of medical care.
With teletherapy, you can talk to a therapist without having to go into an office. All you need is a phone, tablet, or computer. Then, you and your counselor can connect in a few different ways:
On a phone call
Through online chats or emails
Over video chat
Since most of us already have the technology to do video chats and calls, getting set up with online therapy is super easy! Advances in technology have made it so both counselors and clients can get past obstacles that used to keep people from getting or giving care.
The Many Advantages of Teletherapy
There are tons of great reasons to give teletherapy a try over traditional in-office counseling. In some cases, like during the COVID pandemic, online therapy has way more benefits than in-person sessions. Here are some of the best things about teletherapy:
It Allows for More Convenient and Accessible Mental Health Care
One of the biggest pluses of teletherapy is that it's more accessible for all clients. No matter how busy your schedule, if you have limited mobility, if you don't have transportation, or if you live far away in a rural area, you can still get mental health help without much trouble.
Teletherapy has been especially helpful for folks staying home during the COVID pandemic. People have been able to keep up with counseling from home without any interruptions.
It Helps Reduce the Shortage of Mental Health Services
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. lives with some kind of mental illness. That's around 46.6 million people as of 2017. But less than half of those people got any mental health services. There are a few reasons for this we'll get into in a minute.
One big issue in mental healthcare is there just aren't enough providers to meet the need. Reports show there's a shortage of mental health professionals in nearly 80% of counties across the U.S. When there are fewer counselors available, it means fewer appointment slots for clients who need help.
Teletherapy helps connect licensed counselors with clients who need treatment, regardless of where they live. As long as you're in the same state as your provider, you could be hundreds of miles apart and still get care you might not have access to locally.
It Upholds Privacy and Can Make Clients More Comfortable
Another reason less than half of folks with mental illness seek help is because of the stigma around mental healthcare. Many people fear being seen walking into or out of a therapist's office.
With teletherapy, you don't have to go to an office at all. You can attend sessions from the privacy and comfort of your own home by phoning or video chatting your counselor.
Being in a familiar environment has advantages too! When you feel safe and relaxed at home, you're more likely to open up about struggles with anxiety, depression, or other issues. This can really improve your overall treatment.
It Can Enhance Overall Health
Addressing mental health concerns can positively impact your overall health - not just your mind, but your physical health too. The World Health Organization says health is "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." So without mental health, you can't be fully healthy.
One CDC study found mental illnesses like depression are directly tied to more chronic physical diseases, including asthma, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. This shows just how crucial mental health is for total wellness.
Teletherapy also enables collaboration between providers for more accurate diagnoses. It has allowed rural doctors to gain expertise and provide evidence-based care by consulting specialists in bigger cities. Teletherapy has successfully helped primary care pros deliver mental healthcare to seniors in rural towns across several states.
It Can Lead to More Satisfaction for Patients and Providers
Teletherapy makes it easier for patients to stay healthy and get consistent care for their conditions. They can enjoy perks like convenience, flexibility in scheduling, and real-time access to their providers.
Meanwhile, fulfilling each patient's needs while keeping them happy can be tiring and stressful for providers. Teletherapy boosts job satisfaction by streamlining the process of caring for more patients. Counselors and therapists find it's easier to balance work and family when they can see clients online.
Final Thoughts
Teletherapy is emerging as a top choice in healthcare, and when used thoughtfully, it can be extremely helpful for both clients and counselors. At Jewish Family Service, clients can connect with therapists by phone, computer, or tablet to chat or video conference in a seamless way.
Give us call at 505-842-9911 or email Healthy Families by filling out their online form to get started today!
FAQ
What If I'm Not Tech-Savvy? Can I Still Do Teletherapy?
You absolutely can still benefit from teletherapy even if you don't feel super comfortable with technology! The platforms used for video chatting or phone sessions are very user-friendly and designed to be simple for clients of all tech skill levels. Therapists are also very familiar with guiding new clients through any learning curves.
I'm Worried About Privacy - How Secure Are Teletherapy Sessions?
Your confidentiality and privacy are top priorities, and teletherapy platforms use strict encryption and security measures to protect sensitive health information. Therapists use HIPAA-compliant software and take steps like password protection, firewalls, and securing WiFi connections. You can also use a headset for privacy.
Breaches are extremely rare, but if ever concerned, ask your counselor about safety protocols to put your mind at ease. With proper precautions, teletherapy can be incredibly secure.
What If Connection Issues Interrupt My Sessions?
Technical glitches can be frustrating! But plans can be made to minimize disruptions. Have a back-up number on hand to call your counselor if video fails. Schedule sessions in a location with strong and reliable internet.
Run speed tests beforehand and close extra browser tabs. Use wired ethernet instead of WiFi when possible. If outages occur, pick up where you left off once reconnected. The therapeutic relationship is what matters most. Temporary technological hiccups can be worked around.
Am I Allowed to Skip Video and Just Do Phone Sessions?
While video chat may have benefits, telephone sessions are completely valid too. Don't feel pressured into video if verbal-only communication feels more comfortable for you. Many clients opt for phone teletherapy only, especially when first starting out.
Discuss options with your therapist to decide which method works best to meet your needs. But remember - no cameras required! The choice is up to you.
What If I'm Traveling - Can I Still Do Teletherapy?
Absolutely! One of the major conveniences of teletherapy is it allows you to continue your counseling while traveling or if you seasonally live in different locations part-time. Phone and online sessions make it easy to remain fully engaged in therapy wherever you may be located.
Just confirm with your therapist that they can legally practice therapy in the state you'll be in during sessions. As long as that's permitted, teletherapy makes it simple to maintain continuity even when you're on the go.
How Do I Involve a Loved One in My Teletherapy If Needed?
If you want your partner, parent, or other loved one to join some of your sessions for couple's counseling or to give their perspective, teletherapy makes that easy. Your counselor can send a secure link for your loved one to log into video sessions with you together.
For phone sessions, they can either dial-in on a separate line, or join on speakerphone with you. Teletherapy provides a convenient approach to bring family members or partners into your mental health journey when appropriate.
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