Online Therapy: The rise of telemental health care
During the pandemic we’ve witnessed exciting changes in the delivery of mental health. One of these developments is the rise of telemental health as an alternative method in terms of accessing and delivering mental health care.
Benefits of online therapy
Accessing psychological counselling in a traditional setting (face to face) may be more difficult for some than others. Potentially, the following clients may be more suited to online therapy:
Those who feel a sense of stigma surrounding their intention to seeking help
Cultural barriers
A lack of mental health care in a specific physical location, which also then touches on inconvenient scheduling of in-person appointments and allowances for travel time
Potentially, depending on the service, affordability.
The future of online therapy
An increase in clients opting for online therapy is predicted because of changes offered by some health insurance companies.
Clinicians at The Soke have found that those clients who have opted for online therapy from the privacy of their homes made a personal choice to ensure their comfort, with the notion that the setting will make it easier to open up during the session.
Conversely, it is worth noting that clients who have subsequently visited in person here at The Soke were always pleasantly surprised to experience the non-clinical environment of The Soke, choosing to arrange sessions in-person instead. In addition, we also offer clients the opportunity to have online therapy here at The Soke in our private rooms which are all fitted with the technology to connect with our clinicians who tend to work online.
The Soke’s clinicians have also been able to deliver online therapy in other languages to those who had a preferred language requirement.
Online therapy will help to keep up with the growing demand for mental health assessments and treatments.
The golden rules of online therapy for clients
Privacy: ensure that you are in a private space, where you cannot be disturbed or overheard.
Technology: choose a platform that you are know well to avoid any difficulties on the day, including connectivity.
Safety: on occasions when an emotional breakthrough is reached towards the end of the session, it is advisable that you can either reach out to a trusted friend or journal your immediate thoughts to process the session. Take that time exclusively for yourself to balance your feelings before moving on to another activity.
Please contact us if you wish to find out more about online therapy from one of our client services team.