Embracing Teletherapy
Since the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a shift to telehealth services across the country and mental health is no exception. In most cases, teletherapy can be as effective as in-person services. If you are skeptical of teletherapy, I urge you to keep reading. This article will outline the benefits of teletherapy and hopefully give you the courage to explore this option.
Accessibility
Teletherapy allows people to participate in sessions with any clinician who is licensed in their state. You can meet with a therapist virtually who works hours away from you! People with limited mobility or individuals who do not have reliable forms of transportation can access mental health services with ease. This type of accessibility makes mental health services inclusive to all populations. As a result, telehealth therapists can broaden their reach and impact more people than traditional in-person therapists ever have before.
Flexibility
Telehealth also provides flexibility that in-person sessions cannot offer. Scheduling appointments is simple because it eliminates the barrier of transportation and time constraints. For example, a person can schedule appointments during their lunch break or after their kids go to sleep at night. All you need is a private space, Wifi and you are good to go!
Expanded Therapist Options
In the medical world, we are referred to specialists all the time. If you are experiencing issues with your thyroid, you are referred to an endocrinologist. If you have a specific medical condition such as congestive heart failure, you consult with a cardiologist for treatment. It should be the same for therapists. If you lost a family member to suicide, wouldn’t you want to work with a clinician who has experience with this? Maybe you are a young adult transitioning into the workforce and feel lost and confused. You should work with a therapist who meets with other young adults and can provide you with skills to cope with this specific life circumstance. You should have access to a provider with expertise in the area you are seeking help for, regardless of location. Without the limitations of geographical proximity, individuals have more access to clinicians with specific niches or therapeutic styles. This leads to better care and improved mental health for all.
Comfortable Environment
Another important benefit of teletherapy is having the ability to attend a session in the comfort of your own home. Often clients feel more comfortable being vulnerable while sitting on their couch in their sweats. This will lead to better and quicker outcomes in therapy. My opinion is that therapy should be embraced and shared; however, I am aware that many individuals are embarrassed to attend therapy for various reasons. Those who may feel ashamed to seek services in person often feel more comfortable meeting with someone virtually. Although I want to encourage those individuals to be proud of their efforts toward self-improvement, I am mostly excited that more people are accessing mental health services. Stigma should never stand in the way of someone seeking support.
Conclusion
As technology continues to reshape the world, we should embrace it in mental health as well. In-person traditional mental health sessions are not going away. In my experience, young children benefit from in-person services due to the use of play therapy. However, for other age groups, I know that accessibility, flexibility, expanded therapist options and a comfortable environment are benefits to telehealth that should be utilized.
I am a telehealth therapist and I have witnessed my clients make progress and feel supported through this platform! I am the founder of B&B Well Counseling, a virtual group practice that provides mental health services for ages 10+. If you are struggling to find a therapist or if you feel nervous about trying teletherapy, I encourage you to contact us. I will personally make sure you are supported on your journey to self-discovery.
