Telehealth: A Convenient Way to Access Mental Health Care from the Comfort of Your Home
Amelia Black, PhD, CGP
Licensed Psychologist
Partner at The Evidence Based Practice of Nevada
What is teletherapy?
Teletherapy is psychotherapy that is done remotely. At The EBP, teletherapy is conducted using audio and video technology via platforms such as WebEx, Zoom, Doxy, etc. Individual, couples, family, and group therapy can all be conducted via teletherapy. Aside from the fact that the therapist and patient(s) are not in the same physical location, teletherapy at The EBP tends to be virtually identical to in-person therapy. Although research about teletherapy is still in its youth, research points to teletherapy having similar effectiveness to in-person therapy.
Who can benefit from teletherapy?
Teletherapy can be of benefit to a wide variety of individuals, families, and couples. Teletherapy with a therapist at The EBP is often a good fit for common treatment goals such as improving relationships, depression, anxiety, grief, emotion regulation, and stress management.
While most concerns are appropriate for teletherapy, there may be specific treatment needs that are more challenging to address in a teletherapy setting. If you are interested in therapy and not sure whether your treatment goals are appropriate for teletherapy but do not have easy access to in-person treatment, our therapists can help you to determine appropriateness for teletherapy in a consultation or intake appointment.
Is teletherapy confidential and private?
Because you are not in the same physical space as your therapist during teletherapy, your therapist has less control over protecting your confidentiality. This means that while your therapist will do everything in their power to protect your confidentiality, such as by being in a private space and using an encrypted platform, it is your responsibility to take actions to protect your confidentiality. You can do this by:
· Connecting to the telehealth platform from a secured internet connection, such as a private, password protected WiFi network and/or Virtual Private Network (VPN).
· Finding a private space where you will not be interrupted or overheard.
· Using headphones and/or a white noise machine.
· Not recording or capturing audio or video of your appointment.
What are the advantages of teletherapy?
Available research suggests that a major advantage of teletherapy is accessibility to care. Teletherapy allows participation in therapy anywhere private space and a stable internet connection are available. Teletherapy is often easier to fit into a busy schedule because it may eliminate having to contend with transportation and travel time.
Some individuals report feeling more comfortable with teletherapy because they can be in a space that is comfortable and familiar while they are “in session.” For some, this can make it easier to be open with the therapist. Some patients at The EBP even state that they prefer teletherapy to in-person therapy because it is convenient and effective!
What are the disadvantages of teletherapy?
While some individuals report feeling more comfortable with teletherapy than in-person therapy, others have the opposite experience. Some individuals find it can take a little longer to feel connected to a new therapist over telehealth. This may be at least in part because it is harder to take in nonverbal cues or make eye contact over video platforms vs. in person.
Successful teletherapy is dependent on cooperative technology, so another major disadvantage of teletherapy is that when internet signals are shaky or unavailable, or other technological difficulties arise, this can disrupt teletherapy.
Some specific interventions or approaches that are available in in-person therapy settings may need to be modified or replaced with those that are more feasible in teletherapy. Your therapist will let you know if treatment modification to accommodate teletherapy is not possible or might not be appropriate for your treatment needs and goals. If this happens, your therapist will work with you to find the most appropriate available treatment, which may involve shifting to in-person treatment with the same or a new therapist.
What can I do to get the most out of teletherapy?
Just like with in-person therapy, successful teletherapy is a team effort, with you and your clincian both working towards agreed upon treatment goals. Therapy is most successful when you practice and apply what you are learning in therapy between sessions, as well as when you are open with your therapist about your experience of therapy.
One major challenge that accompanies teletherapy can be minimizing distractions during the session. Distractions can make it difficult for you and/or your therapist to participate fully in therapy. Initial paperwork that you will sign prior to teletherapy treatment at The EBP provides guidelines for effective participation in teletherapy. Your therapist will work with you to address distractions as they may arise during your sessions. Some tips for minimizing distractions include:
· Unless directed to do otherwise by your therapist, choose a comfortable and private space to sit for the entirety of your session, rather than walking around or moving locations.
· Do not do teletherapy while driving.
· Close all other open programs and windows on your computer during the session.
· Avoid using your phone, texting, or checking email during the session.
· Avoid smoking or other substance use during your session.
· Unless agreed upon with your therapist, avoid eating during your session.
· Do not join teletherapy from a space where others are present, even if you are okay with them knowing what you are doing in therapy. An exception to this may be if you and your therapist decide it would be helpful for you to have a friend or family member join your session.
How do I get started with teletherapy at The EBP?
If you are interested in initiating teletherapy services with us, please contact our Clinical Executive Director, Sarah Restori, at 702-508-9181 to schedule a teletherapy consultation or intake session.