The idea of telemental health and teletherapy are relatively new to many people. To some, it is scary to think about talking to a mental health provider about intimate subjects through video or phone. However, it may surprise you to hear that telemental health is not new to the fields of social work, professional counseling, or psychology. For example, the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) is a long-time provider of telehealth services. The VA began using telehealth well before the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2003 [1].
Telehealth is defined by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as “…the use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health, and health administration”. Telemental health includes: telepsychiatry, telepsychology, and teletherapy, and consists of communication and information systems that allow providers the means to work with clients and patients. Psychiatric and behavioral health services can be provided through telephone, video conferencing [2], and sometimes text messaging.
A primary benefit of telemental health is that it enables providers to offer behavioral health care to populations who do not have access to services in their geographical area [3]. Individuals who live in remote or rural areas often have limited access to services. Whether services are unavailable in their area of residence or because they have to travel long distances to service sites, telemental health allows clinicians to meet with clients.
Another benefit to telemental health is that they are cost-effective solutions to providing health care to individuals who may not otherwise have access. Notably, sometimes an individual’s insurance plan may offer a lowered co-pay for telemental health versus in-person services. Many clinical interventions and assessments delivered remotely are effective in treating a variety of conditions. Information and communication technologies are effective and efficient ways to provide behavioral health services to individuals who may not otherwise have access to services. Telemental health offers a solution to the costs associated with traveling to a provider’s office [4]. Costs associated with travel, childcare, and taking time off of work are issues which telemental health can help alleviate.
A third benefit to telemental health is that it offers a solution to those who have difficulty leaving their homes because of psychological conditions, such as anxiety and phobias [5]. Individuals with these conditions may find it more comfortable to engage in treatment from their homes or another place that they feel is safe. Telemental health can reduce the fear of stigma associated with being seen going into a facility that provides mental health services. Telehealth can reduce or eliminate a perception of stigma and fear, which can support those who would not ordinarily seek treatment.
A fourth benefit is that telemental health technology, such as mobile applications and web based resources, can improve treatment [6]. Between sessions, individuals can access resources that help to keep them focused on treatment. These technologies can be used to help clients with referrals, follow-up, or support. It offers flexibility in receiving different types of therapeutic services as frequently as needed [7].
In summary, telemental health offers convenience, confidentiality, comfort, and cost effectiveness. Individuals who receive telemental health have reported higher satisfaction with services, greater adherence to treatment protocols, and better mental health outcomes comparable to face-to-face traditional therapy [8]. Telemental health services are effective in addressing a variety of behavioral health issues. Telemental health offers a potential for a wide array of treatment modes (e.g., video conferencing for sessions and mobile applications between sessions) [9]. Clients who face barriers, such as physical limitations, anxiety, or fear of stigma, can now have more diverse treatment options and increase mental health care access.
Both telemental health and in-person mental health services are helpful, and here at Zandier Counseling, we provide both! We look forward to working with you soon!
1 Heyworth, Shah, and Galpin, 2024; Veteran Affairs, 2020
2 Langarizadeh, et al., 2017
3 Howard, et al., 2018; Langarizadeh, et al., 2017; Turvey, 2018
4 Howard, et al., 2018; Langarizadeh, et al., 2017
5 Lerman, et al., 2018
6 Barnett & Kolmes, 2016
7 Lerman, et al., 2018
8 Howard, et al., 2018
9 Lerman, et al., 2018; Petersen, Salazar, & Kertz, 2019