Teletherapy
Sometimes it’s better online.
Advanced Behavioral Health is always in pursuit of innovative ways to make services broadly available.
Teletherapy, also known as Telemedicine or Online Therapy Services, provides one such option for many individuals.
This mode of therapy is not a gimmick for convenience sake, nor does it require technical expertise. It simply allows us an important avenue to expand options for access to those who might not otherwise receive care.
How teletherapy works.
Teletherapy services are performed in a flexible manner, using an Internet connection with advanced encryption that adheres to HIPAA-compliance (privacy) standards.
As they would in a face-to-face session, therapists provide services on their end by using a camera and monitor in a private confidential office setting.
Clients can meet from any location of their choosing; however, to maintain privacy you are encouraged to find a place where you can be alone and free from interruptions.
Clients do not need any additional specialized equipment, software, or apps, just your own home laptop or desktop computer with a camera, a microphone, and speakers with an Internet connection. When other options are limited, a smartphone with these features will also work.
As seen below, there are many benefits to teletherapy.
Easy access
All those things you hate about sitting in any waiting room are removed, because teletherapy has a low barrier to entry. The hassles of finding the office, sitting anxiously while counting down the time, and waiting for your name to be called are eliminated.
With teletherapy, it’s almost always in the comfort of your own home. You can have your cozy blanket, your special mug, and all the things that make you feel at ease.
What is better than starting therapy and opening-up than in your safe space?
For those who travel, being able to keep appointments when you are many hours away can also be a big benefit and can provide continuity for services already in progress.
Privacy
While this can certainly vary and depends on geographical location and the diversity of clients seen by a therapist, teletherapy ensures maximum privacy every time, because you choose your location for the session.
Efficiency
Time is one of our most precious resources. As such, commutes can be frustrating and stressful for clients already prone to anxiety. Unexpected traffic closures often lead clients to race into the office, anxious about being late or missing any part of their therapy time. Online services allows services to take place in a more relaxed manner where the time can be maximized.
Flexibility
Teletherapy allows for maximum flexibility for overworked and overcommitted clients. Having worked with many high-achieving populations, those who need the services most often have the least time available.
The ability to schedule a last-minute check-in can be invaluable.
Safety or illness concerns
Severe winter weather can put a kink in plans, and having clients leave their homes in dangerous weather can be a barrier in winter months when a visit is often most needed.
Illnesses from a common cold to the flu can also create a barrier for both those who are experiencing illness and those trying to avoid getting sick. In both these cases, teletherapy allows the work to continue, regardless of what is happening outside.
Access for remote patients
Reviewing a new client’s file and finding they have an hour or more in travel time to come to our office address has caused us to do a double take more times than we can count.
With a severe shortage of therapists and wait times for new clients sometimes reaching three months before an appointment, teletherapy allows us to provide more time slots and avoid the long travel and long wait-lists.
Access for high school/college students
Tight class schedules, transportation challenges, and a never-ending list of other activities make it tough for students.
Throw in the challenge of an overburdened college counseling center that delays a student’s ability to see a counselor in a timely manner. In addition, many students do not feel comfortable walking into the center and being seen by friends. In both cases, teletherapy makes good sense.
Access for disabled populations
In many scenarios, clients who are bedridden from a chronic illness or have some other medical problem can benefit from online treatment options.
There are times when clients suffering from IBS, Crohn’s, or other diseases may experience shame or embarrassment at their need for leaving session to use facilities. In an online context, some of these concerns can be diminished significantly.
Wheelchair accessibility and time needed to arrange travel can be a significant barrier with some, regardless of our facility being ADA-compliant.
Summary
Our goal at Advanced Behavioral Health is to remove barriers to care and make access more available. Whether you are a busy executive that travels frequently, someone who experiences environment/mobility challenges, or simply someone who desires the convenience of online sessions, teletherapy services may be a great alternate option for you.
If you can type a web address into an Internet browser in your laptop, tablet, or phone, you can use the service.
Please call (509) 245-2800 and set up your free 30-minute consultation to discuss if teletherapy is right for you.