10 Benefits of Telehealth Therapy You Need to Know Today
Digital technology is revolutionizing the traditional healthcare visit model. For years, the concept of virtual visits has been in existence, but its utilization has surged amid the pandemic, providing compelling evidence that telehealth is not a temporary solution but a permanent fixture in our healthcare systems. The data is increasingly showing us the lasting value and convenience of telehealth, suggesting it’s here to stay.
This modern healthcare method is particularly well-suited to primary care and psychotherapy treatment, offering flexibility and accessibility previously unattainable. As long as individuals have access to an internet connection or a smartphone, they can receive medical advice, consultations, and therapy sessions without traveling, reducing barriers to care. This not only saves time but also ensures that healthcare services are more readily available to those in remote or underserved areas, highlighting the democratizing potential of digital health solutions.
Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend. –Theophrastus
There are a few notable benefits of therapy through telehealth, especially germ-free appointments during the COVID-19 outbreak. Telehealth allows for greater flexibility both for therapist and patient, and many providers have reported more consistent attendance from their clients. Besides these and mass availability, telehealth has several other benefits in therapy.
10 Benefits of Telehealth Therapy
Alongside improved accessibility and timeliness on behalf of the clients, telehealth in therapy is proving to be an efficient and effective use of everyone’s time.
1. Client comfort
With the advent of technology, the ability to attend therapy sessions from virtually anywhere has become a game-changer. The convenience of joining your sessions from the comfort of your couch has become a highly popular option for many. This unique setup offers unparalleled convenience and ensures that you, as the client, have immediate access to essentials such as food, water, and a restroom during your session.
Though it might seem trivial at first glance, this level of comfort during therapy sessions significantly contributes to the overall therapeutic experience. It’s a factor of great value both to the client and the therapist. Being in a familiar and safe environment can facilitate a more open and honest communication, which is crucial for effective therapy. This heightened level of comfort can often lead to a more profound and meaningful dialogue between client and therapist, potentially accelerating the recovery process.
Moreover, a screen during teletherapy sessions acts as a psychological barrier or shield, providing additional comfort and security for many clients. This perceived barrier can make it easier for individuals to share personal and sometimes painful experiences, thoughts, and feelings. The digital interface, while seemingly impersonal, can paradoxically encourage a deeper level of personal disclosure, which has been proven effective in the teletherapy context.
The benefits of teletherapy extend far beyond mere convenience. Its comfort level plays a significant role in promoting open communication, fostering a safe space for healing, and potentially leading to a quicker recovery. As we navigate the complexities of mental health in a digital age, the value of these seemingly small comforts becomes ever more apparent, highlighting the importance of adaptability and innovation in therapeutic practices.
2. Privacy
Privacy is a notable advantage of telehealth therapy, as it provides discretion and comfort that are not always available in traditional therapy settings. Telehealth offers a significant layer of anonymity by eliminating the need to navigate public transportation, make your way across town, or risk being spotted exiting a therapist’s office. This method of attending therapy sessions means you can maintain your privacy, keep your appointments confidential, and avoid the curious eyes of co-workers, family members, and friends. It offers a safe space for prioritizing your mental health without the added stress of maintaining appearances or managing logistical challenges.
3. No disruptions
No matter where you find yourself when you choose to participate in telehealth therapy, it’s likely that you’ll be in the comfort and privacy of your own home. This setting significantly reduces the likelihood of interruptions in traditional in-person sessions. You won’t have to worry about partners inadvertently walking into the room, sick children who need your attention and might be sleeping in bed with you, or loud neighbors disrupting the tranquility of your session. This ensures a more focused and uninterrupted therapeutic experience, allowing you to engage with your therapist and the healing process fully.
Brainspotting is conducted especially well via telehealth. It requires a quiet, comfortable environment for the client to focus on their internal experience, and the lack of disruptions in a telehealth session can provide an ideal setting for this therapy modality.
Not having to commute to and from therapy sessions can save you time and energy. This means you can use that extra time to relax, practice self-care or engage in other activities that support your well-being. With telehealth therapy, there’s no need to worry about traffic or finding parking spaces, allowing you to utilize your scheduled session time fully.
4. Time flexibility
Telehealth therapy offers unparalleled flexibility compared to traditional in-person appointments, primarily due to eliminating the need to account for travel time. This convenience allows for easier integration of therapy sessions into busy schedules, ensuring mental health care doesn’t take a backseat to other responsibilities.
Additionally, therapists can enhance the therapeutic process by sending links or files that act as homework, fostering continuous personal growth outside sessions. This digital approach not only streamlines the sharing of resources but also supports a more interactive and engaging therapy experience. Moreover, the freedom to attend therapy online empowers individuals to schedule their sessions around their lives, not the other way around. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those with unpredictable work hours, caregiving responsibilities, or mobility issues, making mental health support more accessible and tailored to each person’s unique circumstances.
5. Affordability
The convenience of participating in therapy sessions from the comfort of your own home cannot be overstated. Not only does this eliminate the need to account for travel time, but it also saves you from incurring any out-of-pocket transportation expenses. This financial saving can then be redirected towards funding more therapy sessions, potentially allowing for more frequent or prolonged support.
Additionally, the accessibility of these sessions is further enhanced by the capability to log on from your computer or smartphone without requiring any specialized or additional equipment. This ease of access ensures that support is readily available at your fingertips, anytime and anywhere, making mental health care more accessible and adaptable to your personal schedule and needs.
I believe we are making strides in making therapy more affordable in general; however, within marginalized populations, therapy still needs to become more inclusive. If you’re on the fence about being able to afford therapy, please feel free to reach out to me. I offer sliding-scale rates because I believe that all people deserve access to quality mental health care.
6. More natural observation
We all instinctively put up a sort of mask or shield when we step out of the sanctuary of our homes. It’s a deeply ingrained tendency, a protective mechanism that helps us navigate the complexities of social interactions and public personas. When a therapist engages with you in the confines of their office, they’re interacting with a version of you that’s been carefully curated for the outside world. This version of you is acutely aware of social norms and expectations, such as not putting your feet on the table and instead sitting with your feet firmly on the floor, as opposed to sprawling out on the couch as you might do in the comfort of your own home.
The shift to more therapists seeing their clients in the clients’ own homes, whether through home visits or more commonly via virtual sessions, has opened up a new window into the authentic lives of those they’re trying to help. In these more personal and secure environments, therapists can gain a richer, more nuanced understanding of their clients’ true selves. They can observe firsthand how clients interact with their surroundings when they’re in a space where they feel most comfortable and secure. This intimate glimpse into the everyday lives of clients allows therapists to develop a deeper comprehension of how clients truly feel and react during sessions, paving the way for more tailored, effective therapeutic interventions.
7. Reduced anxiety
Along with the unparalleled comfort of their own home, clients can significantly optimize their time by avoiding the often tedious wait in a clinic’s waiting room. With teletherapy appointments, the process is streamlined and efficient: you log in to the provider’s system at your designated appointment time and are promptly on your way to receiving the help you need. This convenience is especially beneficial for some clients who struggle with anxiety, as they report that the telehealth format contributes to a notable increase in their attendance rates. Indeed, research studies have consistently shown that video telehealth is not just a viable alternative but an effective method for managing conditions like anxiety and depression.
In the familiar and comfortable setting of one’s own space, a client dealing with anxiety is more likely to focus their mental energy on engaging with their session, pondering over the discussions, and reflecting on the therapeutic advice provided. This is in stark contrast to the experience of attending a session in person, where the same individual might expend considerable mental energy fretting over the presence or actions of others in the waiting room or even the mere act of being in a public space. Additionally, teletherapy eliminates the stress of driving to and from appointments, which is a significant advantage for those who experience driving anxiety. This not only makes therapy more accessible but also ensures that clients are in a better state of mind to benefit from their sessions without the added stressors associated with traditional face-to-face appointments.
8. No stigma
While it’s encouraging to see mental health gradually gaining acceptance in the public eye, the fear of stigma associated with seeking therapy persists. Many individuals hesitate to seek help, worrying about the potential judgment from others. It’s important to remember that there’s absolutely no obligation to disclose to your employer or anyone else that you’re attending therapy sessions.
Moreover, the advent of online therapy has revolutionized the way we approach mental health care. Unlike traditional in-person sessions, you won’t have to worry about running into someone you know at the therapist’s office, thereby enhancing your privacy. This virtual format significantly reduces the barriers to seeking help, allowing the details of your therapy sessions to remain confidential between you and your therapist. For many, online therapy offers a much-needed solace, providing a discreet and accessible way to address mental health concerns without the fear of being stigmatized.
9. Continuity of care
Continuity of care, essentially the principle that regular attendance at therapy sessions leads to better outcomes, is a critical factor in the effectiveness of mental health treatment. The journey to improving mental health hinges on the consistency and regularity of care received. When individuals attempt to fit their therapy sessions around a busy schedule filled with work commitments, commuting, and other personal activities, it’s common for their attendance to become sporadic and infrequent. This inconsistency can significantly hinder progress.
The advent of telehealth has introduced flexibility previously unavailable in traditional therapy settings. With the option to attend sessions from virtually anywhere, individuals no longer have to navigate the logistical challenges of getting to an office. This convenience facilitates more regular attendance, ensuring a steadier course of treatment. As a result, telehealth has the potential to enhance continuity of care, leading to faster improvements in mental health outcomes and higher overall satisfaction with the treatment process. In essence, integrating telehealth into mental health services is a game-changer, offering a more accessible and adaptable approach to therapy that can accommodate the complexities of modern life.
10. Resilience
Telehealth therapy offers clients a unique opportunity to become more familiar with their therapist from the comfort of their own space. While the advantages of face-to-face interactions between therapists and clients are well-documented, embracing the digital medium for therapy sessions presents its own set of benefits. This innovative approach allows the therapeutic relationship to flourish in a flexible environment, accommodating the needs and preferences of clients.
Through consistent participation in sessions, whether conducted online or in person, clients can significantly enhance their resilience and foster a deeper sense of trust within the therapeutic relationship. This blend of traditional and modern methods can lead to a more comprehensive and effective mental health support system.
Conclusion
The benefits of telehealth therapy are numerous and continue to expand each day. If you’re searching for a convenient alternative to traditional in-office visits, or if you’re in need of a therapist but face challenges finding one in your vicinity, telehealth therapy presents a viable solution.
For a growing number of individuals, teletherapy is swiftly becoming the go-to method for accessing mental health services. This innovative approach allows you to receive top-notch healthcare from the comfort of your own home, without the common hurdles associated with traditional therapy sessions, such as commuting or scheduling difficulties.
Embracing telehealth means you can enjoy the flexibility of scheduling sessions that fit into your lifestyle, along with the privacy and comfort of participating in therapy from a safe and familiar environment. Whether you’re located in California, where I offer telehealth services, or anywhere else in the world where coaching is needed, I’m here to help you navigate the process.
Reach out to me today to discover how telehealth can transform your approach to mental well-being. Let’s explore how this modern solution can be tailored to meet your specific needs, ensuring you receive the support and guidance necessary for a healthier, more fulfilled life.
