Telehealth in psychology, or the use of technology to provide mental health services from a distance, is becoming an increasingly popular way to seek help for a variety of mental concerns. Conditions including depression and anxiety can be addressed in telehealth, as well as a range of other conditions.
There are many benefits to using telehealth in psychology, including convenience, affordability and accessibility. In this blog we discuss what telehealth is, its main benefits, and how to best use it.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth is a term that describes the use of technology to provide mental health services from a distance. This can include video conferencing, phone calls, email or text messaging.
There are a variety of devices that can be used for telehealth, including computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets. Most telehealth services use video conferencing, which allows you to see and speak to your therapist in real-time. However, some services also offer the option to call or text your therapist.
Telehealth can be used to provide services to people who live in rural areas, who have trouble getting to appointments due to work, childcare responsibilities, or who are unable to find a therapist in their area.
The benefits of telehealth in psychology
Telehealth is an increasingly popular delivery method for psychological services. There are many benefits to using telehealth for psychology sessions, including increased access to care, improved outcomes, and increased convenience.
Improved Access
One of the main benefits of telehealth services is that it increases access to care. In rural areas, for example, patients may have to travel long distances to see a psychologist in person. With telehealth, they can receive the same quality of care without having to leave their home. Since telehealth services imply that brick-and-mortar clinics do not need to be accounted for in expenses, telehealth services may also be more accessible financially. Some telehealth providers are even able to bulk bill telehealth appointments.
Efficacy
Another benefit of telehealth is it’s efficacy of outcomes. Studies have shown that patients who receive care via telehealth are just as likely to show improvements in symptoms as those who see a psychologist in person. Additionally, patients who use telehealth are unlikely to feel uncomfortable if they’re able to access psychology services in the comfort of their own home.
Further, telehealth allows practitioners to utilise technology to provide resources, interactive tools, and share visual ideas and collaboration. Online services that help with testing and assessment like NovoPsych, or with treatment, like PsychologyTools, or with education, like CCI all have interactive online components. These tools can be utilised to their full potential in telehealth and may not be as practical in a face-to-face session in a clinic.
Convenience
Finally, telehealth is convenient for both patients and psychologists. Patients can schedule appointments at times that work for them, and psychologists can see more patients in a day if they are not limited by office space or time lost to travelling.
Telehealth also eliminates the need for patients to take time off from work or school to see a psychologist. Ultimately, this means that more people can get the care they need when they need it.
Tips for using telehealth in psychology successfully
As the COVID-19 pandemic continued, telehealth emerged as an essential tool for many healthcare providers, including those in psychology. However, telehealth can also be challenging initially, particularly for those who are new to the technology. Here are a few tips for using telehealth successfully:
1. Establish clear expectations. Let your psychologist know if you have any questions or concerns about your session or telehealth in general. Informing your psychologist if your preferences in therapy is also useful – feel free to try designing your own therapy here!
2. Use suitable equipment. In order to receive the best possible care, it is important to use high-quality audio and visual equipment. This does not necessarily mean having to invest in webcams and microphones. However, make sure your hardware is running smoothly and that your internet connection is strong and reliable.
3. Make sure your environment is conducive to concentration. In order to maximize the effectiveness of telehealth, it is important to create an environment that is conducive to concentration. This means minimizing distractions, such as noise and movement, and creating a space that is comfortable and free from interruption.
4. Be patient and flexible. Telehealth can be challenging at times. As such, it is important to be patient and flexible when using this type of technology. If something isn’t working quite right, don’t hesitate to ask for help or try something different.
By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success when using telehealth in your practice.
Conclusion
Telehealth is a fantastic opportunity for people to get the psychological help they need without having to leave their homes, or to have to spend more than they need to to access services.
There are plenty of benefits to telehealth in psychology, and with a few tips, you can make sure that your experience with telehealth is successful.
Contact
If you’re interested in trying out telehealth or want to learn more about it, contact us today.