Continuing with teletherapy beyond the pandemic

As vaccinations continue to roll out, there are more discussions about post-pandemic life. For the last year, we have been living a life vastly different from the one pre-pandemic and it has been difficult to think or plan too far ahead as the timeframe to return to “normality” has stretched further from our grasp.

At the beginning of the pandemic, certain emergency measures were implemented for the sake of public safety and well-being, such as most medical appointments taking place virtually, including mental health treatment. For many professionals and clients alike, this delivery of treatment has resumed for the past year, however for some, there has been a gradual transition back to in person sessions.

This past year may have led us longing to return back to normal and to what we have known, but it may also have created opportunities to reflect on our lives and to make changes that may be more in line with our values going forward. 

So, as we slowly re-engage in more activity and social interactions, it is worth considering which relationships and interactions you need or want “in person” and those which you may continue with virtually. If you are considering engaging or continuing in therapy, you may want to take time to reflect on what is important for you in order to help you decide if you want to meet with your therapist in person or to meet with them virtually.

Reasons to consider ongoing Teletherapy

Schedule flexibility:

As more people are adapting to the changes that the pandemic has brought on, they are seizing the opportunity to modify their lifestyle to be more in line with their values and priorities. One of the common values is that people want greater flexibility with their schedule and to plan their time out with the things that matter most to them. Engaging in teletherapy can offer you more flexibility with scheduling appointments throughout the day.

Greater access to therapy:

Some people may have very restrictive schedules due to work, school, parenting, or caregiving responsibilities which allows very little time to leave the office or home and travel to appointments. Engaging in teletherapy allows you the opportunity to have appointments in your own private office or the comfort of your own home at a time that works for you and your busy schedule.

Broader options with therapists:

When engaging in teletherapy, an individual is no longer restricted to finding a therapist within driving distance, but has broader access to therapists that may offer specialized treatment. This means that you can broaden your search for a therapist based on your preferences in order to connect with a therapist you feel more comfortable with, and who will ultimately be a more appropriate fit for you.

Increased confidentiality and anonymity:

For those who wish to have additional privacy when seeking out treatment, teletherapy offers an added element of confidentiality. When engaging in teletherapy, there is the absence of attending an appointment in your local community, the absence of sitting in a waiting room, or running into someone you know in a shared parking lot, etc. This may be especially important for individuals who are a public figure in the community (i.e., public safety, medical professional, educator, elected official, entrepreneur, etc.). Therapists have a legal and ethical responsibility to maintain a client’s confidentiality, however some clients may still have concerns about encountering their therapist in the community, therefore engaging in teletherapy may allow additional confidentiality and comfort.  

Potentially more affordable:

While it remains uncertain what direction insurance companies will take with teletherapy post-pandemic, some insurance companies have been offering lower co-pays for teletherapy appointments vs in person appointments. For those individuals who do not want to rely on their health insurance plan or do not want bill through their health insurance, therapists will frequently offer reduced rates for self-pay clients for teletherapy.

Considering all of these aspects, take the time to reflect on what works best for you and your current needs. As the long-term impact of the pandemic becomes more apparent, the demand for mental health services will continue to grow and teletherapy will remain to be an option for mental health care.  

If you are interested in teletherapy, please feel free to reach out to me for a free 15-minute consultation at Natasha@insighttelehealth.com or call me at 941-329-6417.