Teletherapy is mental health counseling over the phone or online.
As videoconferencing software improves, more therapists are incorporating this form of virtual mental health support into their practice.
Teletherapy can be convenient for both the client and the therapist. Most research suggests that it works just as well as in-person counseling.
What is Teletherapy?
Teletherapy is any remote therapy that uses technology to help the therapist and client communicate. Some examples of teletherapy include:
- Doing therapy sessions over the phone.
- Having a group chat for group therapy.
- Using video conferencing for individual, couples, or group therapy.
- Receiving therapy via email or instant messenger.
- Using apps that connect clients to therapists and offer therapy within the app.
Benefits of Teletherapy
Teletherapy provides a range of benefits in comparison with traditional therapy.
For Therapy Clients
Most research suggests that teletherapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. The benefits of seeking research-supported teletherapy with a licensed therapist include:
- Greater access to care trusted Source: Some people are unable to use traditional therapy due to physical disabilities, geographic location, or scheduling issues.
- Lower costs: Teletherapy may help clients save money on treatment. Clients are also likely to incur fewer therapy-associated expenses when they do not have to travel to receive treatment or pay for child care.
- High satisfaction: Users of quality teletherapy report high satisfaction with treatment.
- More privacy: People who choose teletherapy do not have to sit in busy waiting rooms but can seek treatment in the privacy of their own homes. For some, this alleviates privacy concerns.
- Better public health: The COVID-19 health crisis demonstrates that the ability to seek medical care at home can slow the spread of illness and protect vulnerable populations. Teletherapy allows people to get mental health treatment at home without risking the spread of infection during epidemics and pandemics.
How a Teletherapy Session Works
While it is possible to do teletherapy via email or phone, contemporary telemental health sessions typically use HIPPA Compliant video chat.
The therapeutic process is similar to in-person therapy. It usually begins with a few initial sessions during which the therapist and client get to know one another and discuss treatment goals. After that, the therapist may dig more deeply into the client’s issues, make recommendations for behavioral changes, and encourage the client to reflect on their emotions.
The therapist may ask the client to take steps to ensure confidentiality. These might include:
- Logging on from a private network
- Keeping their computer locked to prevent others from viewing the session
- Accessing therapy via an encrypted therapy platform
Clients should also ask their therapists what specific steps they take to protect client confidentiality and prevent third parties from viewing sessions or session notes.
Here a youtube video how we can use teletherapy in motivating children
Who can Provide Teletherapy?
Although anyone can offer to support another person online or over the phone, only licensed professionals can describe their services as therapy. Clinicians can call themselves therapists, depending on the state in which they work.
Some examples of professionals who may provide teletherapy include:
- Licensed Professional Counselors
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers
- Licensed Psychologists
- Licensed Psychiatrists
Summary
Teletherapy is an ideal option for people who find it difficult to access therapy in person. It is also an excellent option for slowing the spread of illness, for example, during the COVID-19 pandemic or in the flu and cold season.
Resources:medicalnewstoday.com
