What is Telemental Health and How Can It Help You?
The COVID-19 crisis has introduced us all to new terminology. One new term you might have heard lately is “telemental health.” What is telemental health and is it as effective as meeting with a counselor? Read on to find out!
In this article, we will discuss the following:
What is telemental health?
What are the benefits of telemental health?
What should you expect during telemental health sessions?
How can AICC connect you with a therapist who offers telemental health options?
What is Telemental Health?
Telemental health is a way to interact with a counselor through the internet or over the phone. It is an important option for these when healthcare officials are recommending we stay home.
Beyond the COVID-19 crisis, telemental health is a viable way to seek counseling for those working unconventional hours, living abroad, or confined to their homes.
Telemental health is not new. In fact, a study published in 2013 in Telemedicine Journal and e-Health notes that the practice has existed for more than 60 years and has increased access to mental health care for many. Clients and providers often report high levels of satisfaction with telemental health services.
Online Therapy Benefits
Advantages of telemental health care can include (but are not limited to!):
reduced delays in care;
a reduction of around the stigma of seeking mental health services;
a reduced need for time off work or childcare for clients who are accessing services far away;
fewer transportation barriers;
and better continuity in care, including more follow-up care.
Telemental Health Services are Effective
Authors of a 2018 study published in Psychological Services “concluded that use of telephone-delivered psychological intervention for clients with mental health conditions demonstrates clear, consistent evidence of a beneficial effect.”
Telephone and video teleconferencing options showed clearly beneficial results based on an analysis of the results of multiple studies on each kind of therapy session.
Telemental health benefits extend both to clients and practitioners, allowing therapists to connect with clients in their typical setting. Virtual visits can be appropriate for clients of any age.
According to Dr. David C. Mohr, PhD, professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, “Technology gives us entirely new ways to interact with people in the environments where they live.” Online therapy benefits us by creating new opportunities for connection.
What to Expect From Virtual Sessions
A range of services is available through telemental health.
Additionally, thanks to a new bill passed by Congress on March 6th called the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act 2020, therapists have greater flexibility to treat medicare beneficiaries using telemental health options.
According to The American Psychiatric Society, this can include “psychiatric evaluations, therapy (individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy), patient education and medication management.”
As we all become more familiar with digital communication technologies, talking to a therapist through a screen becomes more comfortable and can offer the same level of connection a client might feel meeting in a therapist’s office.
Patients should also know that telemental health sessions are HIPAA compliant and confidential.
Nothing you say during your session will be recorded or reported to anyone else (unless, of course, your therapist believes you are in danger of hurting yourself or others).
Telemental health options provide flexibility to clients while offering the same safe, confidential, one-on-one space of the therapy room.
Payment Options for Telemental Health
Payment options for telemental health can be the same or similar to payment options in person. Medicare, Medicaid, and third-party reimbursement may be available.
Your insurance might also cover these costs. Check with your provider and your insurance carrier to learn more.
AICC Can Connect You with a Therapist who Offers Telemental Health Options
If you are considering telemental health as an option, you might be wondering where you can find telemental health professionals.
Atlanta Innovative Counseling Center is a large practice group with therapists providing a wide range of services, including telemental health services.
To begin working with us, please check out our website.
Know that our hours, appointment times, and telemental health options vary depending on the provider. You can contact the individual provider to learn more about their hours, appointment availability, insurances accepted, and fees.
Please also feel welcome to leave a general message on our main voicemail box at 770-293-1950. Our front desk can also help you to find the right therapist to suit your needs.
