Telehealth is something that is becoming more and more prevalent as more options are becoming available to people who are seeking medical care. This no longer only includes medical care for your physical needs, telehealth is also becoming more prevalent, providing patients with the mental health care they need as well. 

Telehealth has opened the door to new possibilities for patients who are seeking therapy but don’t want to go the traditional route of in-person therapy. There are many benefits to choosing teletherapy depending on your mental health needs, geographical location, and living situation. 

Keep reading to find out how teletherapy works and how it compares to in-person therapy. 

How Teletherapy Works 

Teletherapy works very similarly to in person therapy as the session will be conducted by a mental health professional during your designated appointment. The main difference is that your session will be conducted digitally, allowing you to have your session from the comfort of your own home. You do not have to worry about confidentiality or privacy, as therapists are required to use secured platforms that are compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. 

How your session goes is completely dependent on why you are having the session and if you have any specific goals in mind. You and your therapist will talk and you may even be able to work on specific exercises or treatment strategies. Telehealth sessions can also include more than one patient for things like couple sessions or family therapy. 

For teletherapy sessions, you will usually have your camera on so that you can see your therapist, and they can see you. However, your therapist will most likely be willing to work with you if you are not comfortable with this when you first start to have sessions with them. 

Who is a Good Fit For Teletherapy? 

With the rise of digital therapy becoming more popular, many people are wondering if this is the right fit for their therapy needs. One of the main benefits of teletherapy is that it is a convenient and flexible option that just about anyone can use. 

Mental health care is incredibly important, and everyone should consider therapy, even if it is just a few general sessions a month. Teletherapy makes this much easier for people, allowing you to test out therapy for yourself, no matter your situation or what your mental health goals are. 

Teletherapy is an especially good fit for patients who may struggle to find a therapist locally or have difficulties traveling to physical appointments. 

Benefits of Teletherapy 

Finding the right kind of therapy is incredibly important, especially if you have specific mental health needs or goals in mind. Because of this, you will need to do your research before jumping into a therapy option so that you understand what it has to offer. Here are some of the main benefits of using telehealth for your therapy sessions instead of going the traditional route of in-person therapy. 

More Accessible 

It goes without saying that remote therapy is much more accessible than having to go to a physical therapy office. Many people may not have local access to a therapist, or they may not be able to find the right fit for their needs where they live. Digital therapy allows you to connect with therapists all over the world so that you can find someone who is suitable for your situation. This benefit removes one of the main barriers people have in terms of therapy, which is finding a therapist whom they feel comfortable with and who can provide what they need. 

Teletherapy also removes the need to leave your home or make time in your day to go to your therapist’s office. This is perfect for people who do not have reliable transportation, struggle to leave their houses or live in areas where there is significant traffic. 

Less Intimidating 

Something that holds many people back from pursuing therapy is that they are intimidated by the thought of seeing a therapist in person. Seeing a therapist for the first time can be a very scary experience, as many people feel vulnerable and exposed. Because of this, it is very common for new patients to either cancel their appointments or only see the therapist once and never reschedule. 

Many people may also be intimidated by the thought of having to go to a therapist’s office and sit in the waiting room before their appointment. Depending on where you live, you may run the risk of seeing someone you know. 

Flexible and Convenient 

An issue that can make getting therapy difficult is having to make time for it when you are going to in person sessions. Teletherapy removes these barriers, providing a more flexible and convenient option that anyone can take advantage of. You can have your sessions anywhere, even scheduling them during your work day if you can find a place where you have privacy. 

It is also much easier to get therapy appointments digitally since there are more therapists available, and they have greater flexibility in their schedules. This is very different from in-person therapists, who are usually overbooked and may not have any openings for weeks or months at a time. 

Disability-Friendly 

For patients who have specific physical limitations or needs, teletherapy can be a great solution. You do not have to arrange for transportation or get anyone’s help so that you can arrive at your session. Most people have their teletherapy appointments from the comfort of their own homes, even attending their sessions in bed. 

This makes teletherapy perfect for those who have disabilities or mental health conditions that are disabling.