Telehealth Therapy: The New Normal for Mental Health Care

Since 2020, telehealth therapy has emerged as a transformative force in the healthcare industry, and has increased accessibility to medical services and mental health therapy. This innovative approach, fueled by advancements in technology and a shifting healthcare landscape, offers a myriad of benefits for both patients and providers. Though telehealth therapy existed prior to COVID-19, the pandemic caused it to emerge as the "new normal" when providing behavioral or mental health therapy for trauma, grief and loss.

Mental health services delivered via telehealth platforms have become increasingly popular, providing individuals with convenient access to therapy sessions from any location with an internet connection. Teletherapy has proven to be effective for treating various mental health conditions, including therapy for depression, therapy for anxiety, and trauma therapy. Telehealth's ability to leverage video conferencing, secure messaging, mobile apps, and other digital tools to fill the gap in connecting individuals to a Black therapist or Person of Color Therapist, regardless of geographic location. For example, telehealth allows an individual who is unable to find a Black therapist in Pittsburgh or Person of Color therapist in Harrisburg, to receive mental health therapy from a Black therapist in Philadelphia. This virtual therapy or online therapy approach allows individuals to receive care in real-time from the comfort of their homes, which reduces the need for in-person therapy visits and minimizes travel-related stress and expenses.

The Benefits of Telehealth Are:

1. Improved Accessibility: Telehealth therapy offers unparalleled accessibility, breaking down barriers to mental health care. Individuals in remote areas, those with mobility issues, challenges finding child care help, or those unable to leave their homes for various reasons can now access therapy with ease. Telehealth eliminates geographical barriers, making healthcare services more accessible to individuals in rural or underserved areas. Patients no longer need to travel long distances to see specialists or access specialized care.

2. Convenience: Gone are the days of rushing to appointments or dealing with commute-related stress. Telehealth therapy allows clients to schedule sessions at their convenience, fitting therapy into their busy lives without added logistical hassles. This flexibility reduces wait times and enables timely access to care, leading to better mental health outcomes.

3. Comfort: Being in one's own space during therapy sessions can foster a sense of comfort and security, facilitating openness and honesty in discussions. As a client, having the power to choose the most relaxing or comfortable setting whether it's a living room, bedroom, or even outdoors can improve the therapeutic process and therapy outcome.

4. Flexibility: Telehealth therapy offers flexibility not only in scheduling but also in the choice of therapists. Clients are no longer limited by geographical boundaries and can seek out therapists who best meet their needs and preferences, regardless of location.

5. Enhanced Patient Engagement: Telehealth therapy encourages active patient engagement and self-management of health conditions through remote monitoring, digital tools, and virtual support networks. This proactive approach empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle choices.

Helpful Tips To Find A Telehealth Therapist:

Finding a telehealth therapist is similar to finding an in-person therapist, but with the added convenience of being able to access a wider pool of mental health therapist beyond your city limits. When searching for a telehealth therapist, consider the following: 

1. Research: Start by researching reputable telehealth therapy platforms or online directories that specialize in connecting individuals with licensed therapists who offer telehealth. Websites like Psychology Today and Therapy For Black Girls allow you to search for therapists based on your preferences and needs. Think about what you are looking for in a Therapist, such as their specialization (e.g., anxiety therapy, depression therapy, trauma therapy, therapy for new moms or therapy for new parent etc), treatment approach such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, EMDR therapy, and any specific preferences you may have regarding gender, language, or cultural background. 

2. Reviews: Take the time to read reviews and testimonials from previous clients to get a sense of the therapist's effectiveness, communication style, and overall satisfaction with the services provided. 

3. Therapist Credentials: Verify that the therapist is licensed to practice in your state or country and holds appropriate credentials and certifications. Most telehealth therapy platforms require therapists to undergo rigorous screening and background checks to ensure they meet professional standards. 

4. Consultation Calls: Many therapists offer free initial consultation calls to discuss your concerns, treatment goals, and compatibility. Use this opportunity to ask questions about their approach to therapy, experience with telehealth, and any other concerns you may have. 

5. Verify Insurance Coverage: If you plan to use insurance to cover the cost of therapy, confirm whether the therapist accepts your insurance plan and whether telehealth services are covered under your policy. Some therapists offer sliding scale fees for therapy or flexible payment options for individuals without insurance coverage. 

6. Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, trust your instincts when choosing a telehealth therapist. It's important to feel comfortable and supported during therapy sessions, so if you don't feel a connection with a particular therapist, do not hesitate to explore other options until you find the right fit for you. By following these steps and taking the time to find a qualified and compatible telehealth therapist, you can embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing from the comfort of your own home.

Contact Melanated Women's Health LLC today to schedule a free 15 minutes consultation call, to find out which of our available Telehealth Therapists would be a good fit for your telehealth therapy needs.