There are many reasons to try mental health therapy through a virtual video platform instead of going into a clinic. It’s more convenient, you can go to therapy in the safety of your own home, and you’re protected from COVID-19 concerns. You don’t need technical skills to choose virtual therapy. Most offices use programs that are very simple to download and connect with a few clicks.
If you’re researching therapy and think you might be interested in mental health therapy telehealth services, here are a few things to know to help you decide:
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1. Telehealth occurs over HIPAA-compliant software.
Even though the web video platform might look like Zoom or other common video conferencing software, it’s encrypted on the backend to keep your conversation confidential. Look for a clinic that uses this type of software and be wary of a clinic that provides mental health therapy telehealth services through Google or another common platform. Your information may not be safe, and your insurance company might require HIPAA compliance in order to cover your service.
2. The COVID-19 pandemic spurred a number of insurance companies to honor mental health therapy telehealth services.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, most insurance companies did not offer telehealth in their insurance packages. Now, many insurance companies cover telehealth as long as you’re using a therapist registered in the state in which you reside. Check with your insurance company to find out your exact requirements for coverage.
3. You will be provided the exact same services as in-person treatment.
Mental health therapy telehealth services provide the same treatment as in clinics. It’s important that just like in-person therapy, you go into treatment with a goal in mind and come prepared to discuss your mental health struggles. Your therapists will use the same modalities that they would use in the office, like cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy.
4. You will need a computer or phone and an internet connection in a physically private space.
To engage in telehealth therapy, you will need access to the internet and a computer or phone that is new enough to download and use the required software. Most therapists will also insist that you link to your sessions in a private place where others cannot hear your conversation. Many therapists will not provide services if you’re in a public space like a café or library, due to confidentiality concerns.
Mental health therapy telehealth services can greatly improve your mental health.
Psychotherapy is an extremely effective method to help treat a variety of mental health conditions. As you look for a therapist, consider whether they fit your needs and individual treatment goals, and then see if they offer mental health therapy telehealth services. Check with your insurance to see if you have coverage for any in-state therapist and then check with the therapist’s office to see if they can treat you.
Particularly if you suffer from anxiety or have trouble leaving the house for other reasons, mental health therapy telehealth services can help you receive the same treatment as everyone else while helping move past those barriers to treatment.
