Mental health counseling and therapy can be a lifeline for people who are struggling with stress, depression or anxiety. Unfortunately, waiting lists for face-to-face therapy sessions are often long. In addition, many people who need mental health therapy find it difficult to attend in-person sessions. In the last couple of years, there have been some significant advances in how we treat mental health, and teletherapy is perhaps one of the most interesting developments.
Teletherapy makes mental health counseling more accessible to people who struggle to travel. It helps improve access to therapy for those in rural areas and shortens waiting lists for everyone. But how exactly does teletherapy work, and is it as effective as traditional counseling?
Mental Health and Teletherapy: Access Immediate Support
Teletherapy isn’t a new idea. However, it didn’t become mainstream until COVID-19 lockdowns made face-to-face appointments difficult. Now, most aspects of life have returned to normal, but teletherapy remains popular. According to a recent poll conducted by YouGov, 63% of American adults who’ve tried teletherapy found it to be an effective form of treatment.
One of the most appealing aspects of teletherapy is its immediacy. Some health care organizations still require patients to make an appointment well in advance. However, many providers let people log on and request an appointment on the same day or just start talking to someone immediately.
For individuals living with depression or anxiety, the combination of choosing when you want to be seen and knowing that you can settle down in your own living room to make the call is a big deal. It removes many of the barriers that would normally make seeing a therapist an intimidating endeavor.
Crisis Hotlines and Emergency Services
Mental health emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time. Fortunately, crisis hotlines and emergency services provide support to those in urgent need. For example, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline service offers emotional support for people experiencing a mental health crisis and can help those close to them.
Our Mental Health Hotline is also open 24 hours a day. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, panic attacks or PTSD, give us a call. We’re here to listen, help you navigate the different treatment options and put you in touch with free support in your local area.
Scheduling an Appointment for Teletherapy
Today, many organizations are offering mental health teletherapy services. Apps such as Betterhealth and Talkspace offer online therapy. There are also in-house services provided by local hospitals and clinics. Most providers will offer a website or mobile app you can use to book your teletherapy appointments. Waiting times can vary between services but are typically far shorter than those for face-to-face sessions.
You’ll be shown a list of times when the therapist is available and can compare those times against your own calendar. Depending on the therapist, your session might involve a telephone call, videoconferencing call or communication via the platform’s own app. If your therapist offers a test call feature, take advantage of it so you have peace of mind that you won’t have any technical issues on the day.
Some teletherapy organizations offer ongoing access to a therapist you can message anytime. With these, you’ll answer some questions about your current physical and mental health. Next, you’ll be matched with a therapist you can communicate with via a messaging app. This removes the pressure of having to make yourself available to talk at a specific time on a specific day.
While You Wait: Self-Help and Self Care for Your Well-Being
Booking a teletherapy session is a big step forward when it comes to self-care. If your session is a few days or even a week away, you might feel as if that waiting time is an eternity. Try these self-help tips to make that waiting period a little easier:
- Download a mindfulness and meditation app and use it to help yourself feel calmer.
- Try some gentle exercise. Even going for a short walk can boost your mood.
- Treat yourself to a bubble bath, read a good book or do something else you enjoy to take your mind off your troubles.
- Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Tiredness can amplify stress and other negative emotions.
If you’re struggling to cope with the challenges life is throwing at you, know you aren’t alone. Help is just a phone call away. Give us a call to be put in touch with a therapist in your area and start on the road to a happier, healthier you, one day at a time.