COVID-19 has changed many things as we once knew it, to say the least! Many of the places that used to be normal to attend have now moved to a virtual platform. Everything from work, meetings, conferences, schools, and many others!
The mental health field has also moved many of its’ services to virtual. Many mental health professionals have made the decision to continue to see their clients in a telehealth / virtual setting exclusively. Others are offering clients to choose in-person sessions or virtual depending on their preferences. Even others are offering select services in an online-only format or a hybrid mix of face to face and virtual. The options are seemingly endless.
The holiday season is here! In a year that has brought with it a seemingly endless string of stressors – including everything from a global pandemic, quarantine, loss of some of the things that were ‘normal’ … as well as unemployment, challenges with virtual school, social injustice, a very hostile presidential election, and now the stress of the holidays.
If you are experiencing an unusual amount of stress, symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, or are struggling with family issues, don’t discount therapy because of the pandemic!
Have you been considering seeing a therapist but concerned about safety and COVID-19? Teletherapy might just be for you!
Here are just some of the many potential benefits of Telehealth!
- That first appointment
One of the major barriers that keep many people from going to therapy is physically showing up to therapy. That initial appointment, walking into the office, meeting your therapist can be nerve-wracking and enough to cause someone who needs and wants therapy to avoid it.
With teletherapy, you are in your own home or a comfortable place of your choosing surrounded by familiar things. There’s no awkward office visit!
- Teletherapy is accessible
Sometimes transportation, work schedules, child care, and other physical or emotional situations are barriers to a person being able or willing to attend therapy.
- Teletherapy is flexible
Have you ever tried to make an appointment with a doctor or therapist but find they only offer appointments during daytime office hours? Time constraints and work commitments make it easy to put off making that appointment with a counselor.
Teletherapy eliminates travel time and the need to carve out a couple of hours to get to and from your appointment and attend it. Many find they can make a teletherapy appointment during their work day – on their lunch break or just before or after work. Other providers offer extended teletherapy hours because it is also more convenient for them not having to go to their office for appointments!
- Health
COVID and other health concerns such as cold and flu are no longer a concern with teletherapy. There is no sharing a waiting room with potentially sick individuals. Instead, you are able to have a fully interactive session with a skilled therapist from the safety of your home or office, while they are in the safety of theirs.
- Secure and confidential
Health professionals use teletherapy platforms that are secure and HIPPAA compliant. No need to worry about thin walls, inadvertently running into people you know in the waiting room or other confidentiality concerns. Your teletherapy session will be secure and your privacy is protected.
- Teletherapy is effective
The idea of virtual counseling or other medical appointments is quite a change for many. It can feel different and awkward, especially when you are used to attending appointments face-to-face in the office. You might even wonder does teletherapy really work the same as in-person therapy?
The short and simple answer is – YES! Numerous studies over the last several years have shown teletherapy to be just as effective as traditional face to face therapy. In fact, one of the most important factors in the success of any therapy format is the client’s relationship with their therapist. That relationship can be cultivated and maintained in the same way in a virtual format.
For adolescents especially, teletherapy has been shown to be even more effective than in-person therapy for many young people.
While teletherapy certainly isn’t the answer for everyone, it can be an effective way to receive the help you need and keeping your health and safety top priority.
In this difficult year with added stress due to COVID-19, rising levels of uncertainty about what this winter will bring. Not to mention the added stress the holiday season brings, talking to a therapist through teletherapy is an excellent way to find the help you need!
Let’s connect! Call us or email to connect with a skilled licensed therapist who is well versed in providing teletherapy. Help is available and closer than you think!
940-222-8552 or [email protected]
Teen Social Anxiety
