Urgent Need For Anxiety Help? Introducing Telehealth
You already have some anxiety and depression, but you typically manage it with healthy behaviors, like exercise, healthy nutrition and socialization. But then the Governor of California orders everyone to stay at home in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At first, the home quarantine seems a little fun. But at some point you can feel the walls closing in on you. You are going stir crazy. You can’t do the things you usually do to manage your anxiety and depression – so what do you do?
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrust mental health and telehealth into the forefront of people’s minds. If you have possible COVID-19 symptoms, you are instructed NOT to go to the doctor’s office – but to call them first. Many of my regular clients have been asking about the feasibility of moving our counseling sessions online. Many Partial Hospitalization Programs and Intensive Outpatient Programs have moved all of their psychotherapy online as well. I’m here to break down the benefits/risks of online counseling, along with the research and the legality of it all.
What Exactly IS Telehealth?
Online counseling is also referred to as telehealth or telepsychology. Military psychologists use this type of service in order to provide treatment to service women and men throughout the world. In certain areas of the country, there is less access to psychological care – thus many psychologists have begun offering psychotherapy via online platforms. Now, even in populated areas, this has become a necessity and short-term solution (long-term solution?) to obtaining continued mental health treatment.
Does Telehealth Work?
There are multiple reviews and meta-analyses since 2008 that report that online counseling is comparable and as effective as in-person care. (Click here for 2008, here for 2013, here for 2017). The American Psychological Association Introduced Guidelines For The Practice Of TelePsychology in 2013. According to this research, clients report high satisfaction with online counseling, satisfaction with clinicians and beneficial outcomes as well.
The Legality Of It All
It is important to know that the standards for providing telehealth are different in each state. As I am licensed to practice clinical psychology in the states of California and Nevada - registered for telehealth in Idaho, I am only allowed to provide treatment to people who are physically located in those states during our sessions. If I wanted to treat someone in another state (while I’m living in California), I would need to be licensed in THAT state as well. There are some time-limited exceptions for the sake of continuity of care – but I won’t bore you with those details. Basically, a good rule of thumb is this: If you live in a particular state, you should obtain telehealth counseling from a psychologist in your state. Ideally, someone in your own city so you can attend in-person sessions if needed – providing you with the ultimate flexibility and best access for the most effective treatment.
Benefits and Risks of telehealth
Now that you know that telehealth is considered just as effective as in-person counseling, you’ll need to know the risks and benefits in order to make the best decision for you.
Benefits:
Just think - NO TRAFFIC to and from your sessions.
You can get therapy in the comfort of your own home, your room, your pajamas!
Your pet can snuggle up to you during your sessions - this can also be a grounding tool your psychologist can use during your treatment.
Due to the online disinhibition effect, people tend to disclose more about themselves and become more vulnerable in less time than in in-person interactions.
Your therapist has a better sense of your home environment, which actually allows them to know you in a different way than in-person sessions.
Your psychologist can help you implement coping skills and strategies in the moment if needed, as many triggers happen in your own home.
If it applies, you can quickly grab photos, your journal, etc. – rather than waiting for the next session.
Online counseling is particularly beneficial for people who have social anxiety.
Risks:
As your psychologist is not in the same room as you, she is not able to physically intervene if necessary to provide grounding and containing.
Your psychologist may not pick up on all of your physical cues (such as a shaking leg, wringing your hands) because they can only see your shoulders and up.
Technical difficulties might get in the way of a smooth session – however you can always pick up the phone and chat old school!
Online counseling is not recommended for people who have attention issues due to distractions that can occur in your home.
Online counseling is also not recommended for people who are experiencing psychosis or paranoid thinking.
If your psychologist is not using bank-encrypted technology, there is a possibility that your session could be hacked – fortunately there are many HIPAA Compliant programs that provide this level of security.
Modalities like EMDR and Biofeedback require specialized accommodations for online counseling.
Some people just prefer in-person sessions - however, I’ve learned that after an initial adjustment period a lot of the awkwardness fades away.
You probably never considered online counseling before now - who would have ever thought we would be asked to stay in our homes except for essential needs? It may be an adjustment-but it is a viable alternative to in-person treatment.
If you find that the benefits for online counseling outweigh the risks, click here for a free 15 video consultation for online EMDR treatment in California.
Online EMDR Therapy and Trauma Counseling in California and Carlsbad, CA.
