Teletherapy is a new breakthrough in mental health care that has made it easier for people to receive mental health treatment from the comforts of their homes. But there is still some confusion when it comes to exactly what teletherapy is. Here are five facts and five myths about teletherapy.
Fact #1: Accessible For More Patients
Qualityonline therapy can be accessed from any location. That means that you won’t have to drive to a location to make your appointments; they can be done at home or even if you’re at work, no matter where you are.
Fact #2: More Comfortable Environment
Some patients might feel uncomfortable being in a “sterile” office environment that they’re not familiar with. Instead, if they can conduct their appointments when they’re at home, where they feel most at ease, then they’re less likely to experience stress and anxiety.
Fact #3: Confidentiality
Your home becomes your therapy room, providing you with a level of discretion that you’re more comfortable with. It can be a great option for those who don’t want others to know that they’re going to therapy.
Face #4: Convenient For Many
It’s extremely convenient to be able to attend therapy from anywhere at any time. It eliminates the time and effort required in commuting to and from appointments, as well as taking time out of their professional lives to attend therapy.
Fact #5: Wider Community Reach
Therapy is no longer limited to those within a specific geographical area. Access to a wider range of patients means that mental health care can be provided to a larger number of people, especially to those who are living in remote areas.
Myth #1: Not As Effective As In-Person
Many people are skeptical of teletherapy because they believe that it’s not as effective as being in person. However, this is not the case. In fact, studies have shown that they provide greater patient benefits than in-person therapy.
Myth #2: It’s Too Impersonal
Another misunderstanding is that a patient will be connected to a call center and speak to an unhelpful bot. But in teletherapy, they are speaking to a real person, whether it’s through videos, phone calls, or text messages.
Myth #3: Teletherapy Isn’t Covered By Insurance
During the pandemic, U.S. Health and Human Services mandated that any health care provider who was eligible to bill Medicare could also bill for telehealth services, regardless of where the patient was located. As a bonus, teletherapy costs less than traditional therapy.
Myth #4: Therapists Hate Using It
That is actually not the case. Although there are personal preferences, therapists find it easier to talk to patients while they’re in their living environment, as there is a lot more contextual information when talking about the patient’s mental state and other issues.
Myth #5: Teletherapy Is Only For Those In Crisis
Although crisis hotlines serve a specific purpose in helping those in an emergency, that is not the primary function of teletherapy. It isn’t limited to 9 to 5 on weekdays; patients can contact their therapists at any time during the day.
If you think that teletherapy might be right for you, consider contacting a local service provider to see if you’re eligible.
