Telemental health is also known as teletherapy or telepsychiatry. It is the remote provision of mental health treatment services through phone calls, video conferences, or messaging. Clients can get treatment from the comfort of their homes if they have a smart device and an internet connection. Here are some factors that may enable a patient to access telemental health services:
Access to Technology
Telemental treatment is accessible to a variety of people as long as they have a stable internet connection. The therapist and client should have a smartphone, computer, or tablet as well. Therapists may consider using encrypted platforms that provide private communication.
Confidentiality
Teletherapy treatment should only happen if confidentiality can be maintained while sharing information. Here are some measures to enhance confidentiality during telemental health treatment:
- Private device: The client should use a device that may not compromise confidentiality. Using a personal laptop rather than an office computer may be safer.
- Safe information exchange: The gadgets or applications should be safe for sharing confidential information. Avoid automated backup settings that may record and store what transpires in therapy.
- Conducive venue: The client should be able to attend therapy from a private and safe place without distractions or chances of eavesdroppers.
Legal Accreditations
Companies and therapists providing mental health treatment are expected to adhere to the legal requirements of the areas of their operations. Different jurisdictions may have specific legal requirements and licensing for teletherapy services. The regulations may enhance or limit the client’s access to remote services.
Consent and Circumstances
Telemental services work well with patients uncomfortable with in-person counseling. While it is possible for a client to access online mental health services, some circumstances may hamper the service access. Aged patients may have difficulty sharing information via computers or smartphones. Child counseling integrates physical activities such as play therapy and drawing therapy. Some clients may find teletherapy detached, which may limit their openness and honesty, which are key elements in therapy. In such situations, the therapist and client must discuss and agree on the available options.
Type of Disorder
While it may be possible and convenient to provide telemental health services to clients, some conditions are better treated through in-person care. Severe cases, such as a severe mental breakdown, may require physical intervention and assessment. Evaluate the extent of a person’s mental health struggles before committing to telehealth or in-person counseling.
Insurance Coverage Policy
Clients must check with their insurance services provider to determine if telemental health services are covered in the plan. Though insurance companies may cover virtual mental help services, the terms may vary from company to company. Verify what is covered in your insurance plan before starting therapy.
Conditions That May Be Treated With Teletherapy
Patients with the following mental disorders may get effective telemental health treatment:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Patients with ADHD may get a virtual treatment that uses behavioral interventions, assessment, and medication management. Depending on the therapist or counselor, telehealth can be just as effective as in-person counseling.
Depression
A therapist can remotely provide effective counseling to alleviate the symptoms of a client with depression. The treatment may use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and other treatments. In severe cases, treatment may include medication management.
Anxiety Disorders
Online counseling services can effectively help patients struggling with anxiety disorders. Mental conditions such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various types of phobias may be treated using cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and exposure therapy.
Substance Use Disorders
A patient with substance abuse disorder may access teletherapy treatment to treat or manage their condition effectively. Online therapy may use CBT, motivational interviews, and virtual group counseling, among other interventions.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa can be treated effectively through telemental health services. The counselor can remotely assess, support, and provide psychotherapy interventions such as enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders (CBT-E).
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
A teletherapy counselor may use exposure and response prevention (ERP) intervention to treat clients with obsessive compulsive disorders. Therapists can virtually guide and support clients using various treatment methods.
Sleep Disorders
Remote mental health treatment may help alleviate sleep disorders such as hypersomnia and insomnia. The therapy may include adopting a healthy lifestyle to improve the client’s sleeping patterns or using various meditative techniques to achieve a restful state.
Book Your Telemental Health Services Today
You can seek help using remote services if you need mental health treatment. Online counseling services are convenient for anyone with access to a laptop or smartphone and reliable internet. They must also be comfortable with virtual treatment. Remote services are professional and effective and can work as well as traditional in-person counseling. Book your telemental health services today and embark on a journey to achieve better healing and growth.
