The modern technological landscape exists to make our lives easier. With so many new technologies coming along every day, you might not realize that some things, such as Medical Care and therapy, can be done online. The latter of these, teletherapy, is growing rapidly. If you find yourself in need of a therapy session or mental health care, it can be quite helpful for anyone. Determining your primary reasons for starting the therapy is only the first step in a long beneficial journey using this amazing technology. In this article, we’ll explore how to determine if online therapy is right for you and how it can help you in the future.
Teletherapy At A Glance
So, what is teletherapy, exactly? It’s simply a way to perform therapy using technology and communication services. This might be over the phone, via text message, or through a service like skype. It works the same way as any traditional therapy appointment. Patients get matched with a therapist in their state. They make an appointment. Then, they speak with the therapist and communicate treatment methods. Although the therapy isn’t happening in a physical space, it’s still an effective service that makes getting therapy accessible and convenient for all.
How Appointments Work
Teletherapy appointments are pretty straightforward. After finding a reputable online therapy provider, you get matched up with a provider who is licensed in your state. Then you set an appointment. You decide how the appointment is going to be done. If it’s a video conference, you’ll need to make sure you have a solid connection and a quiet room. If it’s a text message conversation you’ll just need to ensure you can send it messages. As you go through the appointment, it unfolds similarly to an office visit. The therapist will speak with you about your concerns, assess your needs, and essentially have a conversation with you to help guide you through your issue. Afterward, they might follow up with you via email or text. Follow-up appointments can be set up the same way. After the appointment, the therapist might send you a summary of the points you discussed as well as a treatment plan. It’s an effective and safe way to keep everything together while making it convenient for you to seek help.
Techniques
Online therapists use several techniques to help their patients. Cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotherapy are two of the most frequently employed techniques. All psychotherapy is regularly used in in-person therapy, it turns out that cognitive behavioral therapy is more effective online. In cognitive behavioral therapy, therapists work with patients to explore methods of dealing with the challenges they face everyday. It’s effective in treating many different conditions, including depression and anxiety. It’s a way to help patients figure out how they feel about things and help them on the road to recovery. There are other methods teletherapists employee as well, but this is the most prevalent and effective.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage for teletherapy varies, but it’s still an affordable way to get mental health care. Some insurance companies will cover most of the cost of a teletherapy session. Others might require you to submit a super bill or other proof of seeking care. Some services are subscription-based and have a flat fee. Typically, online therapy is covered under the same provisions and costs as traditional in-person therapy. Ultimately, it’s a great, affordable option for people who don’t live in big cities and are unable to travel to see a therapist in person.
Prescriptions
Did you know that online therapists can also prescribe certain medications and antidepressants? There are some restrictions that require in-person consultations, but overall, your therapist can help treat you without you ever leaving the house. If you think you need antidepressants, a therapist can help determine what the right course of action should be. Most telemedicine providers have an online pharmacy that makes it more convenient to receive your medication. If you’re being treated for a condition and use telemedicine or teletherapy, all you need to do is have your consultation, have your doctor send over the prescription to your pharmacy of choice, and go pick it up. Although it’s a relatively new idea, online prescriptions and teletherapy work hand in hand with one another to help patients receive fantastic care and access to the prescriptions they need to get better.