Is Teletherapy Right For You?
Author: Alysha Perlman
Too busy to get into the office to see your therapist? Concerned to go into any office given all the recent talk of Coronavirus? Here’s an alternative that may be right for you: Teletherapy is therapy delivered online via secure video application or over the phone. Though teletherapy has been around for over 20 years, it’s gained traction in the last few years. While this is partly due to advancements in technology, it speaks to a greater cultural shift promoting greater access to care and less stigma regarding mental health. While teletherapy can be just as effective as traditional, in-person therapy, it’s important to consider whether it’s right for you.
The Advantages:
Greater Flexibility
We get it, life gets busy! Sometimes keeping your weekly appointment can feel like an additional stressor. Telehealth can take that off the table by allowing you to speak with your therapist from the comfort of your own home or wherever your schedule might take you. If you travel frequently for work (or pleasure!), teletherapy can help to mitigate scheduling concerns.
Limits Exposure to Illness
Whether it’s the Common Cold or Coronavirus, illness can cause last minute cancellations or unnecessary exposure for others. Telehealth can be a safer alternative for you and your therapist. If you’re trying to prioritize your physical health by limiting exposure in public spaces, you don’t need to sacrifice your mental health.
Increases Accessibility
Teletherapy provides much-needed services to those who may struggle to access traditional forms of therapy. This can be true for people dealing with chronic health concerns, phobias, panic attacks, and/or OCD. For example, for those struggling with agoraphobia, an extreme fear of entering a crowded/hard-to-manage space, teletherapy can be a game changer. By receiving therapy from their own home, they’ll learn the cognitive and behavioral skills to manage the necessary risks in life. This will empower them to conquer the obstacles that previously prevented them from accessing care.
Decreases Overwhelm
If the idea of starting therapy for the first time feels overwhelming, you’re not alone! According to Zencare, an online search engine that helps match clients with therapists, accessing a therapist via teletherapy can ease some of those first session jitters. Not having to go into an office may help decrease feelings of overwhelm and increase the likelihood that you’ll stick with it.
The Disadvantages:
Harder to Build Rapport
Just like online dating, it can be hard to initially connect with someone over a screen. The client/therapist relationship takes time to build and may take more time via teletherapy.
May Not Be Covered by Insurance
Most insurance plans are coming around to supporting teletherapy as they do in-office treatment (especially in our current Coronavirus crisis.) However, some companies are still catching up. If you use In-network or out-of-network insurance to help cover the cost, make sure to call member services to ensure they cover teletherapy. At a Good Place, we file out-of-network insurance for many of our clients. We find that it is generally covered. To learn more, click here.
Potential Technology Challenges
You know that feeling when your cell service cuts out right at the key moment of a story? Yeah, so do we! As a therapist, we’re just as frustrated by screens freezing, spotty service, and low battery warnings. While these tech issues are hard to control, it helps to test the platform you and your therapist have agreed to use, find a spot with WiFi or cell service, and charge your battery. Ask your therapist for directions and information regarding their preferred virtual platform. Make sure to create an account (if needed) prior to your first session. And, always make sure you have an alternate method to contact your therapist (i.e. email or phone) if you can’t connect for any reason.
May be Difficult to Stay Focused or Find Quiet Space
Therapy should always take place in a safe, comfortable, and quiet environment, where you can speak freely to your therapist without the fear of being overheard or interrupted. I recommend closing your internet browser tabs, disabling notifications, and freeing yourself from as many work and personal distractions as you can. We design our therapy offices to minimize external distractions. If you’re at home, make sure to do the same. After all, the focus should be on you!
The Takeaway:
For both clients and clinicians, teletherapy can be exciting and challenging. At A Good Place, many of our therapists provide teletherapy sessions and maintain flexibility to accommodate clients’ busy schedules. We use doxy.me, a HIPAA-secure video service which your therapist can tell you more about. If you are interested in teletherapy, or want to know more about it, reach out here.
If you decide teletherapy is not for you, that’s okay too! Be sure to communicate what works and what doesn’t for you. As therapists, we want to make sure the process is tailored meet to your needs. Whether you prefer in-person or virtual therapy, the AGP team is here to support you!
For current clients interested in teletherapy:
If you’d like to explore the option of Telehealth sessions using a HIPAA secure online portal, call your insurance company and ask ask whether they will cover Outpatient mental health in an office setting using our Telehealth platform, called Doxy. Please note, We are not affiliated with any select provider platforms such as LiveHealthOnline, Teladoc, etc. Your insurance provider may ask for the following information:
Tax ID #815204468
NPI #1033645270
If you’re currently a client and would like to explore Telehealth, please contact your therapist directly or our reception team at 212-227-4343 or reception@agoodplacetherapy.com.
