Our ever-changing digital age often means we turn to our phones or computers to solve simple problems. Where should we go to dinner? Where can I purchase this new book for the cheapest price? How do I get from my home to this venue? A quick type and click allow us to answer most of our daily problems with ease, but until recently we’ve reserved this efficient search and discovery for small issues. Sure, we may look up how to get to our dentist’s office, but we certainly not going to take our own X-rays and send them through text.
For life’s issues that require an expert’s opinion, we’ve resigned to the fact that there isn’t an effective way to use technology to increase the convenience. However, with the rise of telehealth, that’s not necessarily true.
Telehealth is the process of receiving healthcare remotely by means of telecommunications technology. This can mean over the phone, through messaging apps and even through face-to-face streaming like Skype. Telehealth, and more specifically teletherapy, has opened the door for individuals to receive the mental health treatment they need without the stresses of travel, insurance compatibility and time.
Wondering if teletherapy could be the right solution for your mental health treatment? Here’s our advice for taking control of your therapy experience.
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Find the Type of Therapy that Works for You
Taking charge of your mental health through online therapy offers you a plethora of options when it comes to methods of treatment. Most therapists offer cognitive behavioral therapy; however, therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and you may find that mindfulness therapy or psychotherapy works better for your specific needs. With traditional in-person therapy, you may be limited to the professionals that are readily available in your area or the individuals that are covered by your insurance. Through telehealth, you’re able to speak with multiple therapists, and through trial and error, discover what allows you to be the most successful and healthful.
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Don’t Let Money or Time Hinder Your Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as physical health, but oftentimes it is difficult to find a counseling program that works well for you and your insurance. Online therapy offers an affordable alternative to in-person counseling without forcing you to compromise the type of treatment in order to suit your budget.
Another common barrier to effective mental healthcare is lack of time. Nowadays it seems like everyone is busier than ever, and finding a weekly or biweekly block of time to set aside for an in-person appointment can seem impossible. It also forces individuals to keep their thoughts and feelings bottled-up until they’re able to speak with their preferred therapist. Online counseling not only offers increased flexibility, but it also allows you to send your thoughts to your therapist the moment they arise and receive a response as soon as time permits.
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Start and Continue When You Need it Most
For many, making the decision to seek professional help is often a difficult one. When the moment of clarity presents itself, the decision can then be hindered by issues of availability, insurance and time. With teletherapy, there is little-to-no red tape, and you can often speak to a licensed professional very soon after initial sign-up. By removing the traditional barriers of counseling, online therapy allows you to receive the help you need and begin your journey towards better mental health.
Additionally, when you choose to pursue online counseling, you are given the power to decide when and how long. The online space allows you to receive support and advice from anywhere and at any time; there is no limit and no one telling you you’re only able to have so many sessions. By taking control of your mental health treatment, you may find that you take your healing more seriously. No one needs the added pressures of strict deadlines when they’re evolving, growing and getting better.
BetterHelp sponsored this post to help encourage awareness around mental health. For online counseling, BetterHelp is our go-to source. You don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to get the help you need.
