IS TELETHERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU?
HAVE YOU BEEN THINKING ABOUT GOING TO THERAPY BUT HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO FIT IT INTO YOUR SCHEDULE? ARE YOU IN A SITUATION WHERE IT IS DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO GO OUT OF YOUR HOME TO RECEIVE SERVICES? DO YOU FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE AND SAFE TALKING WITH A THERAPIST FROM YOUR COUCH? IF YOUR ANSWER TO THESE QUESTIONS WAS YES, YOU MIGHT QUALIFY FOR TELEMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.
The following information will help you decide if receiving therapy services online is the best option for you:
❖ You will need access to certain technological services and tools/devices to engage in telemental health-based services with your provider. For instance, reliable WiFi/Internet connection, a device that can be connected to the internet such as a laptop, cell phone or tablet.
❖ Telemental health has both benefits and risks, which you and your provider will be monitoring as you proceed with your work. Some of the benefits of telemental health are (but not limited to): receiving mental health services without traveling to the therapist's office thus saving time and gas money. Being able to fit therapy in your schedule.
The unique characteristics of telemental health media may also help some people make improved progress on health goals that may not have been otherwise achievable without telemental health.
Some of the risks of telemental health services can be (but not limited to): technical failures, possible risks to your privacy, limited ability from your therapist to directly intervene in crises or emergencies.
❖ It is possible that receiving services by telemental health will turn out to be inappropriate for you, and that you and your provider may have to cease work by telemental health. For instance: a client constantly needing emergency services due to suicidality
❖ You can stop work by telemental health at any time without prejudice. At any point in your therapy process you can decide that in person services might be more appropriate for you.
❖ You will need to participate in creating an appropriate space for your telemental health sessions. It is important that you can have your therapy sessions in a safe space that is free of interruptions.
❖ You will need to participate in making a plan for managing technology failures, mental health crises, and medical emergencies. Your therapist will provide a personalized crisis plan and a list of local resources you can use in case of an emergency. It is your responsibility to use these resources. Sometimes technology fails and that is why you and your therapist will come up with a plan to overcome these situations.
❖ Your provider follows security best practices and legal standards in order to protect your health care information, but you will also need to participate in maintaining your own security and privacy