Telehealth, or telemental health, has been around for years but saw a sharp uptick in poularity in 2020. Telehealth refers to receiving healthcare services via technology. In my practice, this means utilizing HIPAA-secure video and audio to meet in real-time. Telemental health refers specifically to receiving mental health services via telehealth technology.
So, what are the benefits of telehealth?
You may be used to traveling to an office to meet with a healthcare provider. Once there, you may sit in a room waiting and then be called to another room to actually talk with the provider. This was considered the “normal” way to conduct healthcare appointments for many people prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The call for limited in-person interaction in 2020 quickly turned things toward telehealth, allowing people to continue to meet with their healthcare providers while limiting the potential for exposure to germs.
Since transitioning my therapy practice to all telehealth in April 2020, I have been pleasantly surprised by the many benefits of utilizing telemental health services. Some of these are things that would not have previously crossed my mind.
Overcoming Transportation Issues
All kinds of issues can arise with transportation. There may be limited (or no) access to a vehicle to attend appointments. Unexpected traffic issues can cause folks to miss appointments when they have to travel to them. A person may experience anxiety related to driving and/or parking, which prohibits them from scheduling an appointment.
With telehealth, you can meet from the comfort of home (or another private location). There is no need for access to a vehicle at a particular time. You don’t have to plan for unexpected traffic conditions. You may even be able to schedule with a therapist to address your anxiety without having to overcome the anxiety first!
Support for Those with Chronic Illness
The energy levels of folks who live with chronic illness can ebb and flow from day to day. They may schedule an appointment a week or more out, when they are feeling okay. Then, the day of the appointment arises, and they do not have the energy to prepare for and travel to the appointment. They may be faced with the choice to overwork themselves and attend or to deal with a fee for a late cancellation.
Telehealth makes therapy more accessible for many folks with chronic illnesses. There is no travel involved, meaning the overall time and energy needed for the appointment is less. They can have access to items that help with their illness – a heating pad, low lighting, comfy clothing, their own restroom, etc. – during their appointment. Depending on their condition, the ability to avoid exposure to potential germs and viruses may also be a benefit of attending sessions via telehealth.
Lessening the Impact of Mobility Issues
Mobility issues are another important consideration when ensuring folks can get the services they want and need. Despite best efforts, sometimes therapy offices are located in areas with inaccessible parking, buildings that have only stairs, or places with narrow hallways. These design aspects can hinder someone’s ability to easily access their provider in person.
Because folks are able to meet with a provider from their own space via telehealth, they are able to have access to whatever accomodations they may need. Telehealth also may offer the ability to adjust volume as needed, or even to utilize closed captioning or messaging during sessions.
Pets Can Attend Therapy Too
While some in-person therapy offices may have an animal present in the office, I don’t know of any where you can bring your own pet to your therapy sessions. Pets are a source of comfort for many people. There have been multiple times during a telehealth session with clients where a pet would sense their owner’s emotion and come to be near them as we continued the session. A lot of the work I do focuses on various types of trauma, and having a pet nearby can be truly supportive and comforting for many folks.
With telehealth, you’re able to have pets present for your sessions. You can pet your dog or hold your cat while taking part in your session. You can even spend time playing with your iguana to help you focus during your appointment. This type of interaction with your own pets is just not possible with in-office visits.
Increased Confidentiality
Not going to an office to wait in a waiting room means that you do not risk being seen by others in the waiting room. There are a multitude of reasons someone may want to avoid being seen in a therapy waiting room. For some, they may be trying therapy for the first time and prefer to not have anyone else know at the moment. Some may have a particular vocational position that could be hindered if someone were to see them in the waiting room and make assumptions. Others may be well-known in their area, and prefer to not have the pressure of interaction with others before or after their appointment.
By attending your appointment via telehealth, you are able to avoid any uncomfortable waiting room interactions and maintain a greater sense of confidentiality. You are also able to prepare for your session in whatever way works best for you. You may want to take some deep breaths or jot down some reminders to discuss in session. You can be assured you won’t be interrrupted by anyone, as you might be in a waiting room.
Greater Power to Choose Your Provider
Geographic location plays a large role in choosing a therapist when you have to factor in getting to their office. Is the location of the office within a walkable or drivable distance for you? How much time will you have to factor in for travel? What if the only therapist who specializes in your specific concern is 3 hours away?
Telehealth removes some of these barriers and gives clients greater freedom in choosing their provider. Although licensed mental health providers are only able to provide services in states (in the US) where they are licensed, telehealth allows folks the freedom to choose from a variety of providers licensed in their state. The introduction of PsyPact (for psychologists) and the Counseling Compact for licensed mental health counselors are broadening the ability of providers to practice across state lines.
Even with the state licensing restrictions in place, I am able to provide services to anyone in North Carolina. I happen to be located near the center of the state, but let’s say someone in the Boone area is looking for a therapist who works with religious trauma and/or body image concerns. They find my website and feel that we would be a good fit. With telehealth, as long as they are comfortable with the internet and have access to a strong internet connection, we are able to meet despite being 3-4 hours away from one another geographically.
Telehealth With Me
Are you considering utilizing telehealth to meet with a mental health provider? If you’re located in NC and feel like my approach may make me a good therapist for you, I would love for you to peruse my website and contact me to schedule a free, 15-20 minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit for working together.
Michelle F. Moseley is a licensed clinical mental health counselor providing telehealth services in the state of North Carolina. She specializes in providing support for folks who struggle with feelings of not being enough, which often stem from messages of being “too much.” She works from a trauma-informed perspective, and believes that ALL people deserve respect, compassion, and to feel heard. Learn more about Michelle by visiting www.MichelleFMoseley.com or following her on Instagram – @therapy_with_michelle
