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Mental health is a serious concern in the United States, with tens of millions of people affected by anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues. Finding resources and teletherapy services to take care of your mental health is of paramount importance for your future and for those who care about you.
Despite the benefits of therapy, many people opt to tackle their mental health conditions alone due to stigma and potential discrimination. Finding an online therapist provides the convenience and privacy that allow you to get the help and guidance you deserve. Eliminate the drive to the therapist’s office and take advantage of remote mental health support through your computer, phone or tablet.
Teletherapy can be an important part of mental health treatment. Keep reading to learn some virtual counseling tips to promote mental wellness.
What Is Teletherapy?
Teletherapy services can provide the same guidance you’d receive during an in-person therapy session, with the added convenience of being able to meet with your therapist from any location that has a stable internet connection. You can share your thoughts, feelings, wants and needs with your therapist through video chats, voice calls, texts and emails.
Remote mental health support is a suitable treatment for conditions such as:
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Addiction
- Anxiety disorders
- Interpersonal relationship conflicts
It’s best to consider other options if you require in-person treatment from a licensed health care professional.
Key Considerations When Searching for a Teletherapist
Knowing what to consider when finding an online teletherapist will help ensure you get the results you deserve on your mental health journey. Here’s a deeper dive into what to look for in making your teletherapist selection.
Therapeutic Connection
The therapeutic connection is one of the essential factors that helps your therapist guide you on your healing journey. Attending an in-person therapy session before beginning virtual sessions allows for increased interpersonal connection with the therapist, and the therapist can get a more accurate read on your emotions and mental state.
A therapist you connect will help you get the best results from your therapy sessions and can help you understand and work through your mental health challenges.
Accessibility
Accessibility is among the most noteworthy benefits you gain from starting teletherapy services. An online therapist can meet with you over the phone or computer, eliminating the time, cost and effort of travel.
You can receive remote mental health support from the comfort of your home. The only challenge is finding a suitable date and time for your next appointment.
Types of Treatment
Another thing to think about when considering teletherapy services is the types of treatment the mental health professional provides. Some kinds of therapy aren’t as effective when conducted over a voice or video call.
For example, with animal-assisted therapy and music therapy, it’s challenging to see progress with teletherapy as compared to in-person therapy. Consider the therapy you need and determine if you’ll get the mental health support you’re seeking through remote counseling appointments.
Tips for Evaluating Teletherapy Services
Determining if online therapy suits you is an excellent start on your mental health journey, but you must also know what to look for to find the best services to meet your particular needs. Finding a reputable therapist with experience helping individuals who face mental health challenges similar to yours is the most effective path to seeing results and progress. Let’s look at some tips to use when evaluating your options.
Ask for Recommendations
One of the best ways to find reputable teletherapy services is by asking friends and family for recommendations. You’ll save time in learning about your options if you have a close connection with someone who’s recently had remote mental health support.
Ask Your Primary Care Physician
Another excellent resource you can use when seeking teletherapy services is your primary care physician. Your doctor has the network and connections to help you find a therapist with the appropriate experience and background.
Expect your physician to provide a list of therapists you can contact. Research these options to find the best fit for accessibility, price and experience.
Read Online Reviews
Online reviews provide firsthand insight into what you can expect from working with the online therapist you’re considering. You can combine these reviews with referrals from people you trust to find the mental health support you need to get back on track and resume a healthy, active lifestyle.
Making the Most of Remote Mental Health Support
The idea of using remote mental health support might feel awkward or foreign leading up to your first appointment. You should review the best virtual counseling tips to help you get the most from each session. Preparing in advance ensures you have a comfortable space and the necessary privacy to discuss your challenges with the therapist.
It’s best to find a comfortable spot before the first session. Your therapy sessions aim to let you express yourself without censoring thoughts or feelings. A familiar place is essential so you feel safe communicating your fears, doubts and experiences to the online therapist.
Find a quiet space in your home that’s free of distractions and outside noise. You want to locate the perfect environment where you can open up to your therapist and work through your mental health issues.
You can also optimize your virtual counseling session by preparing your designated space before the appointment. Ensure you have everything you’ll need within reach to help you focus on sharing your emotions and working through trauma with the health care professional.
Communication is essential to maximize your time with the therapist. Don’t be afraid to ask friends or family for privacy during your remote mental health support session.
Mental Health and Wellness Is Attainable
If you or a loved one is battling mental health issues, it’s often difficult to spot a light at the end of the tunnel. Teletherapy services provide a path toward healing and mental wellness.
Talking with an online therapist provides convenience and a health care professional who understands your challenges. If you’re concerned about your mental wellness, contact us at FHE to learn about finding an online therapist today.
