Benefits & Challenges of Remote Therapy

Telehealth therapy, also known as virtual therapy or remote therapy, has increased significantly since Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.  As a therapist, I have clients who love telehealth and others who it’s just not their cup of tea. If you are considering attending sessions remotely, here are some key things to consider: 

Benefits

• Accessibility
  Virtual therapy has made attending sessions more accessible. It also allows you access to more providers as you are not limited to your immediate area. Virtual services means less cancellations and more consistency which is an important factor in therapeutic progress.

• Flexibility
  Telehealth services offer more flexibility with your schedule due to not having to commute to an office, fight traffic, and struggle to find parking. All you need for a virtual session to take place is a private space and secure internet connection.

• Comfort
  Some people find telehealth sessions easier and conducive to their privacy, because they don’t have to worry about someone they know seeing them enter a therapist’s office. Believe it or not, this is something I have heard from a client before. Another element is being able to attend therapy sessions from the comfort of your home which can make it easier to open up.

• Cost
  This one ties into flexibility. With cutting out the transportation costs, gas and mileage, and childcare, telehealth can end up saving you quite a bit of money over time.

Challenges

• Technology
  Yes, we live in a digital age with robots and AI. However, technical issues happen: a platform decides to update itself as a season begins or an unstable internet connection can cause videos to freeze. Another factor to consider is not everyone is tech savvy or has access to what is needed for telehealth sessions to take place, such as access to private internet or a necessary device.

• Privacy
  Although some people find telehealth offers a different element of privacy than in-person sessions, you still need to be aware breaches can happen. Electronic communications such as texts and emails are convenient, but they cannot guarantee privacy.

• Distractions
  Sometimes the comforts of home can be too comforting to focus on therapeutic needs. If you decide to attend telehealth sessions, make sure to limit distractions as best as you can. Let your housemates or loved ones know you will be on an important call for an hour, silence notifications on your laptop or tablet, and make sure the television is off. These are just some suggestions that can help maintain your focus during a session. 

• Therapeutic Relationship
  One of the most common criticisms clients have had about telehealth sessions is it dilutes the interaction for them, therefore preferring to meet in-person. Also, telehealth services are not suitable if you are experiencing severe mental health symptoms or crisis.

• Licensing Restrictions and Insurance
  Every state has different laws regarding mental health, including when it comes to telehealth services. Some may restrict services to only their state, while others will allow therapists to see clients over state lines. If you choose to work with a telehealth therapist and are planning upcoming trips, it’s a good idea to inform them ahead of time so you two can plan accordingly.

While telehealth therapy has a wide range of benefits such as cost and flexibility, it also comes with its limitations. Part of the journey in attending therapy is knowing which delivery method is right for you in order to maximize the benefits available to you.

Remember: it’s an investment in yourself.

Schedule Sessions with Sage Grove
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or grief and looking for a compassionate, experienced therapist? I specialize in an integrative approach pulling from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help others overcome their challenges. I offer online services in New Jersey with flexible hours, including weekends. As a licensed-professional counselor (LPC), I provided a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

If you are ready to take the first step in your healing journey, schedule a session with me today.