The internet is amazing. Wifi access almost everywhere? If you have
a phone and access to wifi, you can use your phone as a hand
computer. I remember dial-up internet, cell phones in boxes that
looked like small briefcases, and not knowing if you missed a call –
and not responding immediately to texts. (Some of us had pagers –
google it.)
We have access to amazing information on the internet, being able to
view many areas of the world sitting at our phones or computers,
accessing library e-books, ordering delivery (including groceries), and
accessing medical and behavioral care (which refers to mental health
services).
With the ongoing developments in technology, various types of
healthcare professionals are able to offer appointments right from
your computer. Benefits include decreased exposure if you are
immuno-compromised, increased scheduling options, helping to
identify obstacles to participating in face-to-face therapy, travel
obstacles, not having to worry about childcare, less cancellations due
to chronic illness and pain, inclement weather conditions, anonymity,
therapy from home will provide the most therapeutic benefit,
convenience, travel, and moving. If any of these items sound
familiar, teletherapy may be an appropriate fit for you. And if it’s
not, traditional face-to-face therapy will continue to be an option.
What should I know before setting up a teletherapy appointment?
There are a few questions you may want to consider before
scheduling an appointment. This means some research on your part.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Is the provider licensed? What is their license number?
- In what states is the provider able to provide services?
- How will my information be protected? Is the teletherapy site or app secure?
- How will my Personal Health Information (PHI) possibly be shared?
- Is the site encrypted and HIPAA compliant?
- What are the fees for services? Will my insurance cover costs, or will I be able to pay out of pocket?
- What about internet connectivity issues?
Online therapy, or teletherapy or telehealth, is another option to
traditional therapy models. It can be utilized through a variety of
internet ready devices, such as laptops, Android and iOS phones, and
electronic tablets. Online therapy is a safe, secure method of
beginning or continuing your counseling goals.
If I start with teletherapy, or change from face-face therapy, can I change my mind?
Yes!!! You are in charge of your therapy goals and your journey. And
it is important to feel comfortable speaking up in a safe,
non-judgemental environment about your needs and the therapeutic
approach to work best towards helping you meet those goals and
put the pieces together again.
If you are interested in more information, you can contact me directly at staci@stacipoecounseling.com, on Facebook at @stacipoecounselingservices, or phone/text at (872) 205-0960.
Resources:
https://evisit.com/resources/what-is-telemedicine/
https://pinerest.org/choosing-online-therapy-blog/#1486137960421-f9760be6-b535
https://pinerest.org/choosing-online-therapy-blog/#1486137707981-a98816a5-0366
Andersson, G., & Cuijpers, P. (2009). Internet-based and other computerized psychological treatments for adult depression: A
meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy , 38(4), 196-205. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20183695
Barak, Azy, et al. (2008). A comprehensive review and a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of internet-based psychotherapeutic interventions. Journal of Technology in Human Services , 26.2-4: 109-160. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15228830802094429#.VI8vaCvF_hs
Nagel, D. (2011). The future of online therapy. Psychotherapy Networker Symposium, Washington, D.C. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/e561872012-001
Neimark, G. Patients and text messaging: A boundary issue. (2009). The American Journal of Psychiatry. 166(11), 1298-1299. http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2009.09071012
Wantland, D. J., Portillo, C. J., Holzemer, W. L., Slaughter, R., & McGhee, E. M. (2004). The effectiveness of Web-based vs. non-Web-based interventions: a meta-analysis of behavioral change outcomes. Journal of Medical Internet Research , 6(4). http://www.jmir.org/2004/4/e40/
Images courtesy of: https://pixabay.com/images/
Author: Staci Poe, CRC, LCPC
Website Design: JoAnne Geigner
