Teletherapy
Options for counseling are growing rapidly in this culture. Teletherapy is at the front & center of it all. Teletherapy or video counseling is therapy done through a live video connection, over the internet. Clients can get the same type of counseling they could receive in person, it’s just done through a computer! If you’ve ever used Skype or FaceTime, you’ve used the same type of technology teletherapy uses.
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Conditions that teletherapy can help with include:
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Depression
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Anxiety Disorders
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Stress Management
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Substance Abuse and Addiction
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Eating Disorders
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Relationship Issues
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Grief and Loss
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Self-Esteem and Body Image
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Sleep Disorders
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Chronic Illness or Pain
How do I know if teletherapy is right for me?
Determining if teletherapy is right for you involves careful consideration of your individual needs and preferences. Here are some questions to help you make an informed decision:
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Are you comfortable using technology?
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Do you have a private space to take you teletherapy call from?
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Is a virtual appointment more convenient for your schedule?
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Does your insurance cover teletherapy appointments?
Benefits and Downsides to Teletherapy
What are the benefits of virtual therapy?
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Convenience: Teletherapy allows individuals to access mental health services from the comfort of their own homes. This eliminates the need for travel and reduces barriers to receiving care, especially for those with mobility issues or living in remote areas.
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Accessibility: Teletherapy expands access to mental health care. People in rural or underserved areas can connect with therapists they might not have had access to otherwise. Additionally, individuals with busy schedules can more easily fit therapy into their lives.
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Cost-Effective: Teletherapy can be more cost-effective than in-person therapy. There are no travel expenses, and some online therapy platforms offer more affordable options.
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Continuity of Care: Teletherapy ensures continuity of care, even during circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person services may be disrupted.
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Comfort: Being in a familiar environment during therapy sessions can help individuals feel more comfortable and open, potentially leading to more effective treatment.
What are the downsides to online therapy?
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Technical Issues: Teletherapy relies on technology, so technical problems like poor internet connectivity or software glitches can disrupt sessions, causing frustration and interruptions.
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Lack of Non-Verbal Cues: In virtual sessions, therapists may miss some non-verbal cues that they would typically pick up during in-person sessions, potentially affecting the accuracy of their assessments and interventions.
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Digital Fatigue: Spending extended periods on screens can lead to digital fatigue, which may affect the quality of the therapeutic experience.
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Limited Therapeutic Tools: Some therapeutic techniques and tools that are typically used in in-person sessions may not be as readily available in teletherapy, potentially limiting treatment options.
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Distractions: Being in a home environment during sessions can lead to distractions that may hinder the focus and effectiveness of therapy.
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Technology Barrier: Not everyone has access to the necessary technology or is comfortable using it. This can create barriers to accessing teletherapy services for some individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Teletherapy
Is Teletherapy private?
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Yes. Licensed counselors are ethically and legally bound to a privacy protection law called HIPAA.
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When working with a counselor through teletherapy, they will likely ask you to use their secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. Your counselor will be in a private, secure place for the video session. Your risk for a privacy breach will largely be in your hands. If you open up your computer in Starbucks, your session will not be private. If you go to a quiet, private space, your privacy will be protected just as it would be in a traditional session.
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Will my insurance cover teletherapy?
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In general, yes. Most insurance policies will cover teletherapy as part of your mental health treatment options. Although all insurance policies are different, it is best to contact your insurance company directly.
Does Teletherapy work as well as traditional counseling?
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Yes, teletherapy is very effective. Research on the matter shows that video counseling is just as helpful as counseling done in person. Teletherapy is also very convenient and accessible, which helps people with consistency in counseling sessions.
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With that said, there are some areas, particularly in family and couples counseling, that have not been researched. There is also something to say about not being able to shake hands or toss a nerf ball with your counselor.
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Where can I find a counselor who offers video sessions?
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At Hall Counseling we offer in-office and teletherapy appointments. We are passionate about giving people access to high-quality counseling services. We are committed to improving the lives of children, teens, adults, couples, and families. We would be more than happy to speak with you about your situation and if we are the right fit.
