By Maria Lebron, December 2021
The Covid pandemic transformed not only the workplace, but healthcare. In a very short amount of time, psychotherapists had to adjust their practice and conduct sessions virtually in order to continue to meet with their clients.
Telehealth therapy also grew in demand as people began experiencing negative mental effects from the isolation and loneliness caused by the quarantine.
Although many therapists thought virtual sessions would be a temporary adjustment until they would be able to go back to face-to-face sessions, it seems that just like remote work became a new way of working for some, telehealth therapy is an option that will outlast the end of the pandemic. Therapists and clients have grown very comfortable connecting virtually.
Telehealth therapy does have some limitations, but many therapists and clients find meeting virtually does not adversely impact the quality of care and the efficacy and benefits one derives from psychotherapy.
There is strong evidence that the clinical outcomes of providing psychotherapy via telehealth therapy is as good as meeting in person. Some of the advantages of telehealth are:
Benefits
The benefits of telehealth therapy include:
Therapists are required to use HIPAA compliant, secure video platforms which clients can access from a computer, iPad, or smartphone;
Many private insurance companies allow coverage of telehealth services;
Telehealth eliminates travel time to and from sessions;
4. Telehealth may cut down on the need for childcare;
5. Telehealth may help with consistency since sessions can be scheduled at a more convenient time and travel time is eliminated;
6. Telehealth can enable access to more providers since there isn’t a limitation to an office location;
7. Telehealth can make it easier to schedule last minute sessions or reschedule appointments;
8. People may find it more comfortable to be in their homes;
9. Telehealth reduces any social anxiety people may have about traveling or meeting face-to-face;
10. Telehealth is very convenient for people who are homebound due to an illness, disability, or medical condition.
Telehealth therapy has some disadvantages and isn’t recommended for all populations. Some of the disadvantages of telehealth are:
Disadvantages/Restrictions
Telehealth can be difficult to conduct with children or young adults;
2. Telehealth may not be appropriate or advisable for people experiencing severe depression or suicidal ideation;
3. The therapist must be licensed in the state in which the client is located in when meeting virtually;
4. The client may have privacy limitations which prevent them from attending virtual sessions;
5. The therapist and client may not have full access to body language or facial expressions the same way as face-to-face meetings;
6. There may be some problems with unreliable technology or a weak internet signal which may cause interruptions in the session.
Virtual sessions are safe, effective, and comparable in outcomes to in-person services and allow for more flexibility in a busier and changing world.
