Are you considering online, remote therapy? The internet has opened up new avenues for mental health treatment, but there are some pros and cons you should consider before you decide if e-therapy, also known as teletherapy, is right for you.
A Good Option for Remote Areas
Online or remote therapy offers access to mental health information to people in rural or remote areas. Those who live in such areas simply might not have access to any other form of mental health treatment because there are limited or no mental health practices in their geographic area. E-therapy gives these individuals access to treatment that they might not have otherwise.
Accessibility for Those With Physical Limitations
Online therapy provides accessibility to individuals who are disabled or housebound. Mobility can be a big issue when it comes to accessing mental health care.
Individuals who are unable to leave their home for various reasons, such as physical or mental illness, may find online therapy a useful alternative to traditional psychotherapy settings.
Convenience and Affordability
Online therapy is usually fairly affordable and convenient. Since you will be attending therapy sessions online in the comfort of your own home, or while traveling, you can often schedule your therapy sessions for times that are the most convenient for you.
Today, many states require insurance providers to cover online therapy just as they would traditional therapy sessions. Contact your insurance company to learn more about how e-therapy treatments will be covered by your policy. Online therapists often offer affordable treatment options for those who are not covered by health insurance.
Disadvantages of Remote Therapy
While online, remote therapy can potentially be very helpful for people in certain situations, at this point in time it does not come without some risks or disadvantages over traditional therapy options.
Some Insurance Companies Will Not Cover E-Therapy
Insurance coverage for e-therapy can depend upon the state where you live and the insurance that you have. Some insurance policies do not cover online therapy. Paying for psychotherapy services out-of-pocket can add up quickly.
Some States Do Not Allow Out-of-State Providers
Many states do not allow out-of-state psychotherapists to provide services. In such cases, your provider would need to be licensed in both their home state as well as your home state. This means, if you live in Texas, your therapist needs to be licensed in Texas.
In an article for the APA’s Monitor on Psychology, Deborah Baker, a legal expert for the American Psychological Association, explained that some states allow psychologists to provide out-of-state mental health services for a limited amount of time. This usually consists of only 10 to 30 days per year.
Concerns About Confidentiality, Privacy, and Unreliable Technology
Keeping your personal information private is a major concern in psychotherapy, but online treatment adds a layer of complexity. Confidentiality is just as important in online therapy as it is in more traditional forms of treatment delivery. Since information is being transmitted online, the situation makes privacy leaks and hacks more of a concern. Technology problems can also make it difficult to access treatment when you really need it. At Austin Trauma Therapy Center, we use secure-HIPAA compliant software to ensure your privacy and confidentiality.
Online Therapists Cannot Respond to Crisis Situations
Since online therapists are distant from the client, it is difficult to respond quickly and effectively when a crisis happens.
If a client is experiencing suicidal thoughts or has suffered a personal tragedy, it can be difficult or even impossible for the therapist to provide direct assistance.
Remote Therapy Is Not Appropriate for Those With Serious Psychiatric Illnesses
E-therapy can be useful for a variety of situations, but not when it comes to more serious psychiatric illnesses that require close and direct treatment. It is also not appropriate for people with complicated or detailed problems. The scope of therapy tends to be limited, so it is rarely effective in more complex situations.
Remote Therapy Sometimes Lacks Important Information
In many cases, online therapists cannot see facial expressions, vocal signals, or body language. These signals can often be quite telling and give the therapist a clearer picture of your feelings, thoughts, moods, and behaviors. Some delivery methods such as voice-over-Internet technology and video chats can provide a clearer picture of the situation, but they often lack the intimacy and intricacy that real-world interactions possess.
Contact Austin Trauma Therapy Center today for a free 15 minute phone consultation to see if you qualify for online/ telehealth therapy.
