Teletherapy
Initially, people were skeptical about teletherapy--doing therapy/seeing a counselor via video conferencing. People were used to using "Facetime" with friends and family. Businesses had been using ZOOM as a virtual conferencing tool for years. But people still preferred to see their health care professionals in person. Doctors, specialists, counselors, social workers, and psychologists--also preferred to see people in person.
And then the pandemic hit--and almost overnight--every type of health service that COULD be done remotely--were required to be done to protect the public from the rapid spread of a the virus. WE LEARNED how to do virtual sessions. And we also learned it wasn't that bad--in fact, there were several advantages--that we had NEVER imagined...
1. SAVES TIME: For many people, there was a LOT of time saved by not having to drive to and from a
counselor's office every session. Others also saved time not hunting for a parking space and
dealing with traffic!
2. SAVES MONEY: For many people, they saved money not using gas to drive to and from sessions.
Some people also saved money by not having to pay for parking spaces.
3. CONFIDENTIALITY: Some people really did not like waiting in a therapist waiting room, because they
would be seen and maybe recognized by other people in the waiting area. When you are doing
virtual sessions, no one else sees you--or even your car in a parking lot.
4. MORE PEOPLE CAN BE SERVED:
a. Accessibility: There are many people who were unable to see counselors in person because
the buildings were not handicapped accessible. Often there were no ramps outside or
elevators inside. Restrooms in were not always accessible either. When people use
teletherapy--they can see a counselor from their own home.
b. Transportation: People who do not have cars or who cannot drive often cannot see a
counselor unless it is on a route served by public transportation or if they get a ride from
someone. Being able to see a counselor from their own home increases access to services.
c. Challenges: Some people with high anxiety or severe depression are unable to leave their
home. Teletherapy enables them to receive counseling and support.
d. Childcare: Some people had to arrange and pay for childcare when going to an office for
therapy. With teletherapy, parents and guardians can be with their children during a session
if needed.
So although it seems a little strange at first--many people have found they like--and even prefer doing sessions via teletherapy. Confidential platforms that are HIPPA compliant have been created to maintain privacy for teletherapy sessions. You can meet with your counselor in the privacy of your own home, while on a lunch break at work, without even getting in your car and dealing with traffic! It really is an amazing thing!
Link for Dr. Pamela Trice's virtual office: doxy.me/drpamtrice
And then the pandemic hit--and almost overnight--every type of health service that COULD be done remotely--were required to be done to protect the public from the rapid spread of a the virus. WE LEARNED how to do virtual sessions. And we also learned it wasn't that bad--in fact, there were several advantages--that we had NEVER imagined...
1. SAVES TIME: For many people, there was a LOT of time saved by not having to drive to and from a
counselor's office every session. Others also saved time not hunting for a parking space and
dealing with traffic!
2. SAVES MONEY: For many people, they saved money not using gas to drive to and from sessions.
Some people also saved money by not having to pay for parking spaces.
3. CONFIDENTIALITY: Some people really did not like waiting in a therapist waiting room, because they
would be seen and maybe recognized by other people in the waiting area. When you are doing
virtual sessions, no one else sees you--or even your car in a parking lot.
4. MORE PEOPLE CAN BE SERVED:
a. Accessibility: There are many people who were unable to see counselors in person because
the buildings were not handicapped accessible. Often there were no ramps outside or
elevators inside. Restrooms in were not always accessible either. When people use
teletherapy--they can see a counselor from their own home.
b. Transportation: People who do not have cars or who cannot drive often cannot see a
counselor unless it is on a route served by public transportation or if they get a ride from
someone. Being able to see a counselor from their own home increases access to services.
c. Challenges: Some people with high anxiety or severe depression are unable to leave their
home. Teletherapy enables them to receive counseling and support.
d. Childcare: Some people had to arrange and pay for childcare when going to an office for
therapy. With teletherapy, parents and guardians can be with their children during a session
if needed.
So although it seems a little strange at first--many people have found they like--and even prefer doing sessions via teletherapy. Confidential platforms that are HIPPA compliant have been created to maintain privacy for teletherapy sessions. You can meet with your counselor in the privacy of your own home, while on a lunch break at work, without even getting in your car and dealing with traffic! It really is an amazing thing!
Link for Dr. Pamela Trice's virtual office: doxy.me/drpamtrice