Teletherapy

Teletherapy refers to psychological services that take place in video chats or by phone. Appointments occur in real time and sessions are conducted just as they would be if the therapist was in the same room.

In general, teletherapy sessions work the same as traditional therapy. Patients schedule an appointment with a therapist for a video appointment. Patients should plan and prepare just as they would for an in-person session.

Teletherapy as a format has been gaining in popularity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 98% of clinicians moved their therapy practice online (Sampaio, et al., 2021). COVID also impacted willingness of individuals to utilize teletherapy services. A national public opinion poll of U.S. adults by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 2021, showed a significant increase in teletherapy usage. Results showed that most individuals would use telehealth services for mental healthcare, and that younger adults (aged 18-29 years) were most likely to use teletherapy services.

In this article, we highlight the 12 most common benefits of teletherapy.

Benefits of Teletherapy

1. Just as effective

Teletherapy has been shown to be equally effective to in-person therapy for most people. In a review of studies that examined the effectiveness of teletherapy, there were equivalent clinical outcomes for both in person and teletherapy group (Batastini, 2021)

2. Comforts of home

Because teletherapy allows for remote access to therapists, individuals can engage with therapy in the comfort of their own home. Clients can adjust the temperature, sit in their favorite chair, lay down on the couch, and wear comfortable clothes.

3. Safe place for discussing difficult topics

In therapy, difficult topics are often discussed. Having an option to choose your own safe place to meet with your therapist can be important. At times, having control over your physical environment can be less intimidating than walking into an unfamiliar therapist’s office.

Teletherapy can also be less intimidating compared to in-person therapy, especially for clients who have social anxiety (that could create a barrier to care) or clients who have not been to therapy before. Being in your home and behind a computer screen can be much less intimidating, and might help some to express thoughts, feelings and emotions that could be more challenging in in-person therapy sessions.

4. Safety

Weather events limit travel from time to time. However, teletherapy allows for continuation of care at times when it might not be physically safe to meet in person.

Also, physical illnesses have been a significant consideration in recent times. Compared to in-person therapy, teletherapy reduces risk of contracting COVID-19 and other illnesses. Additionally, for clients who are immunocompromised, teletherapy might offer a necessary level of protection.

5. Greater privacy

At times, clients prefer discretion when speaking with health professionals. To maintain a degree of additional privacy, clients can meet with their therapist without advertising to others that they are doing so. There is no need to park a car in a therapists’ office or have any other public display of services being rendered. Clients can schedule an appointment online, meet with a therapist virtually, and choose paperless billing.

6. Efficiency – Reduced travel time

Due to obligations and time demands, individuals often turn to efficiencies to get everything done in the day. Teletherapy eliminates travel time leaving more time at work or with family. In many instances, clients can also schedule appointments online (and not wait for a phone call with a receptionist to make an appointment).

7. Taking the first step is easy (well, easier…)

Teletherapy comes with a lower barrier to entry. For many clients, one of the hardest things to do is request the first appointment. Teletherapy allows you to make this decision independently at your own timeline and in the comfort of your own home. Many teletherapy practices allow for clients to schedule appointments immediately instead of waiting to speak with someone during certain business hours.

8. Fewer ancillary costs

Teletherapy can help those facing barriers such as lack of transportation, the inability to take time off work for appointments, or family responsibilities. Traveling and childcare can be expensive considerations to some individuals seeking therapy, but teletherapy at times can avoid certain costs associated with in-person therapy.

9. Continuity of care for college students

Teletherapy is particularly helpful for individuals who are not always at the same physical location. For example, college students often live in multiple locations throughout the year. Teletherapy can allow for continuity of care during transitions and travel.

10. Better access to services for some individuals

Teletherapy can also be helpful for individuals who have limitations that restrict their mobility. For example, individuals with chronic illness may not be physically able to make it to in-person therapy but could access the same services in home. In this way, teletherapy is similar to in-home medical care. Individuals who have restrictions on their ability to drive may also benefit from teletherapy. For example, individuals who are blind may prefer meeting virtually rather than securing transportation for an appointment.

11. Access to services for individuals in rural areas

Teletherapy can also reach individuals who live in rural areas where there may be fewer therapists.

12. Highest quality of care

Because of the access to a diverse group of specialists, teletherapy can help clients identify the specialized care that will meet best their needs. Additionally, clients can access certain specialists that would not be accessible otherwise.

For more information about teletherapy, please call Thriving Point therapy at 864-958-8416.

Thriving Point Therapy provides phone and video teletherapy sessions.

All services and communication are HIPAA compliant and HITRUST certified.

References

Batastini. (2021). Are videoconferenced mental and behavioral health services just as good as in-person? A meta-analysis of a fast-growing practice. Clinical Psychology Review., 83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101944

Sampaio, M., Navarro Haro, M. V., De Sousa, B., Vieira Melo, W., & Hoffman, H. G. (2021). Therapists make the switch to telepsychology to safely continue treating their patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual reality telepsychology may be next. Frontiers in virtual reality, 36.