ONLINE THERAPY
WHAT IS TELETHERAPY?
​
Teletherapy (or online therapy) is a relatively new and popular way to engage in mental health services. It involves the provision of psychotherapeutic services where the client and provider are in different locations and are using electronic means (i.e., telecommunication technologies) such as telephone and real-time interactive videoconferencing. These technologies may be used to enhance traditional in-person services (e.g., psychoeducational materials available online after an in-person therapy session), or they can be used as stand-alone services (e.g., therapy session conducted on the phone or online).
​
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM TELETHERAPY?
​
Teletherapy is beneficial for people who are motivated to make changes in their lives with the help of a professional therapist but are hindered by various logistical challenges. Teletherapy can be an invaluable resource for people who for personal, physical, psychological or cultural reasons may not be able to obtain in-person therapy services, those who are taken by their work, professional travel or family lives, those who live in a region where there are limited in-person mental health services available, those who are confined to stay at home, and certainly those who simply prefer the environment created by videoconferencing technology to the one offered by meeting in person.
​
BENEFITS OF TELETHERAPY
​
The key benefit of Teletherapy is an improved access to mental health services for assessment and treatment. Teletherapy is flexible. It is easier to find time to meet and reschedule an appointment. Clients miss fewer appointments, which means more traction gained on attaining the goals clients want to achieve in their lives. Teletherapy is convenient. It allows clients to maintain control over their environment. Clients can schedule an appointment and conduct a session from wherever they are. There is no commute involved, which saves money, time and is environmentally friendly.
​
WHEN IS TELETHERAPY NOT RECOMMENDED?
​
There are a few reasons why Teletherapy may not be a good option for treatment. Some insurance companies will not cover Teletherapy. Also, some states do not allow provision of therapy across state lines. Teletherapy is not appropriate in cases where the presenting concern is is a serious psychiatric illness. And online therapist cannot respond to crisis situations.
​
RESEARCH ON EFFICACY OF TELETHERAPY
​
The results of multiple studies testing various online psychotherapeutic interventions for a variety of mental health concerns show that the effectiveness of Teletherapy is in the same range as in-person therapeutic interventions. Research also shows that the trend toward Teletherapy has the potential to reduce hospitalizations, increase access to mental health care and save lives.
​
WHY I OFFER TELETHERAPY
​
In offering online therapy, my goal is to eliminate disparities in access to quality, evidence-based mental health treatment.
​
​
If you are considering Teletherapy, please click below to schedule a free phone consultation with me to determine suitability of this treatment option for your specific needs.