Telehealth (or teletherapy) refers to the practice of seeing any doctor, nurse, or mental health care professional via phone or videoconferencing. While many people are just finding out about telehealth due to current social distancing, telehealth has actually been around for decades. Telehealth sessions are usually conducted with a person’s computer or smartphone. Telehealth eliminates many barriers, (such as commute, session availability, childcare and illness), that are common with in person sessions.
According to the American Psychological Association, research indicates that teletherapy is just as effective as face-to-face therapy. Specifically, telehealth has been shown to be as effective as in person care for a variety of conditions including PTSD, General Anxiety Disorder, Insomnia and Eating Disorders. Studies also show that the quality of the relationship between client and therapist is equivalent between telehealth and in person sessions.
It may take some time to adjust to the new format of telehealth, especially if you have been seeing a therapist in-person for awhile. Setting realistic expectations and being open to new experiences will be helpful in making the transition to telehealth if you choose to give it a try.