Telehealth
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth, also known by other names like telemedicine, refers to the delivery of healthcare and related services such as medical care, mental health care, and patient education via digital communication technologies including live video conferencing, telephone calls, mobile apps, and more. Telepsychology, telemental health, and telebehavioral health are terms that describe a subset of telehealth focused on the delivery of mental health care services via the aforementioned communication strategies. Most mental health providers offering telehealth services utilize live videoconferencing whenever possible, as it is the best approximation to in-person care.
Does Online Therapy Work?
In short, Yes! Psychologists and other mental health providers have been offering both assessment and therapy via telehealth for decades. Research on the efficacy of telehealth began in the 1960’s. There is mounting evidence that interventions delivered remotely via telehealth are similarly effective to those delivered in person, and some data show that clients are more likely to complete a course of therapy when it is delivered electronically. That being said, there are certain conditions and factors which may make telehealth impractical, inappropriate, or ineffective.
What Does EnCompass Treat via Online Therapy?
Anxiety Disorders (e.g., social phobia, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder)
Depressive Disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder)
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Health Conditions (e.g., insomnia, obesity & weight management, diabetes mellitus, chronic pain)
Substance Use Disorders (e.g., smoking cessation, problematic alcohol use)
And more!
What are the Benefits of Telehealth?
One of the primary reasons providers began offering telehealth services decades ago was to increase access to evaluation and treatment for people living in remote areas or with circumstances that made it difficult or impossible to access in-person medical or mental health care. Now, in the midst of a pandemic, more providers and clients are opting to receive mental health services via online videoconferencing, because it is safer and easier. Some clients find it easier to log in to a therapy session from the comfort of their own home, and without facing a commute. This is especially helpful when conditions like depression and anxiety interfere with motivation, energy, and willingness to attend in-person appointments.
What are the Drawbacks of Telehealth?
Telehealth is not without drawbacks. Some symptoms and conditions, especially more serious mental health problems like psychotic disorders or suicidal ideation, are more difficult to treat via telehealth. Some psychological testing cannot be done remotely, and the data regarding how well we can trust the results of other testing completed via videoconferencing are limited. Privacy is also an important consideration. If a person does not have access to a safe, quiet, and private space in which to complete their telehealth visit, in-person services may be indicated. Further, there are inherent risks in security associated with using technology to communicate which cannot be entirely mitigated. Limitations in access to adequate technology or in one’s ability to correctly use technology can also make telehealth more challenging. Finally, some people prefer meeting face-to-face instead of over videoconferencing or other digital communications. Certainly, many believe something is lost when we’re only able to see each other over a screen.
Is Telehealth Right for Me?
Telehealth can be used to assess and treat many conditions. It is not typically the best option for people with severe symptoms; technology limitations; lack of a private space at home; or a strong preference for in-person sessions. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of in-person vs online psychological assessment and treatment to decide what option is best for you. If you’re still not sure or want to learn more, reach out to EnCompass Psychological Services to discuss this further. At present, we are providing exclusively telehealth services (online assessment, therapy, and consulting) in Minnesota and Wisconsin, with few exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
For more information about telehealth for mental health and medical care, check out the following resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/telehealth.html