The Benefits of Teletherapy
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. With new technology, it’s easier than ever to see a provider.
Teletherapy is any remote therapy that uses technology to help you and a provider communicate. You can do therapy sessions over the phone, video and apps.
Research suggests that remote therapy can be as effective as that conducted in-person. It even has added benefits like greater access to care. Some people may not seek out in-person therapy due to disability or scheduling issues. Those issues are alleviated by teletherapy. Remote therapy may also help clients save money on treatment. Additionally, people can seek treatment in the privacy of their homes.
Therapy doesn’t require physical contact or lab tests. So, the experience can easily be done virtually. Getting help for a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety and chronic stress, is important for your overall health.
Remote therapy is an ideal option for people who find it hard to access care in person. It’s also a great way to slow the spread of illness during cold and flu season. You should work with your therapist to create an effective course of treatment.
The process is very similar to in-person therapy. It usually begins with initial sessions where you and therapist can get to know each other. You can discuss mental health and emotional well-being goals. There are also steps in place to ensure confidentiality. A therapist may ask you to:
- Log on from a private network
- Keep the computer used for sessions in safe and secure place
- Access therapy via an encrypted platform
Anyone can offer to support another person virtually. Only licensed professionals can describe their services as therapy. If you find it hard to access therapy in person or prefer to try it at home, visit telehealth services to speak to a behavioral health specialist.
Or you can use Find a Doctor tool to see if your doctor is in our network or to find a new doctor or specialist.
