TeleMental Health is the process of engaging in mental health therapeutic treatment through an online, secure video platform. TeleMental Health involves a licensed mental health clinician connecting with and providing therapeutic services to clients in need of mental health support and help through a HIPAA-Compliant online video/audio platform. TeleMental Health is not a new concept, but has been evolving and refining as technology progresses and is now a nearly-comparable experience for certain in-person mental health therapies.
How does Tele-Mental Health Therapy help?
Tele-Mental Health Therapy operates similarly to individual therapy, with the main difference being the platform in which therapy takes place: a computer, phone, or tablet. For most in-person therapists, Tele-Mental Health Therapy is used as a “Plan B” solution for when meeting in person is not an option. Therapists are able to provide mostly all the same types of therapies through a Tele-Mental Health platform as they would in their offices. Tele-Mental Health Therapy can be used as a platform for mental health treatment, maintenance, and check-ins.
What does Tele-Mental Health Therapy help with?
Tele-Mental Health Therapy can help with nearly all of the same struggles and challenges that are addressed in in-person individual therapy. A Licensed Mental Health Therapist will be able to help discern if Tele-Mental Health therapy would be successful for you and your individual needs.
Some challenges that Tele-Mental Health Therapy can help with include, but are not limited to:
Anger
Anxiety
Coping Strategies
Depression
Emotional Regulation
Grief and Loss
Relationships
Self Esteem
Stress Management
Substance Use
Transitions
& More
What does Tele-Mental Health Therapy look like?
The practice and platforms of TeleMental health are constantly updating as advancements in technology are made, but the bare bones of TeleMental Health involves speaking with a live Licensed Mental Health Therapist through audio and ideally video. Most Hipaa-compliant platforms facilitate video conferencing, but some go further and provide interactive elements such as a collaborative whiteboard or handout sharing. Mental Health Therapists are trained to operate in a quiet and confidential setting, void of interruptions or people within ear-shot. Tele Therapists encourage their clients to set up a laptop or table with video access in a quiet and private setting in their homes. Clients are typically given a link to open which will give them access to the confidential video conference. Most platforms do not require clients to create a log in or profile, but some may ask for a client to input their name and basic identifying information for therapists to know who is entering the video. Sessions typically last for the standard 50 minutes but may be adjusted based on the specific needs and capabilities of the client. In order for TeleMental Health to work, both parties need reliable internet access. In cases where reliable internet is not accessible, speaking on the phone may be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
Why choose Individual therapy?
Many people do prefer in-person therapy, but TeleMental Health opens the doors to certain populations that are unable to access in-person therapy due to mental or physical challenges. Likewise, certain environmental or safety circumstances may limit or prohibit in-person therapy as an option, thus making TeleMental Health a great resource to have available.
Davidson Family Therapy Is Proud To Offer Tele-Mental Health Therapy to the Lake Norman area!
For more information or to schedule an appointment click here.
