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Telehealth CounselingIs telehealth right for me?" The numbers that indicate a mental health crisis are staggering: Just in the U.S, nearly 1 in 5 U.S adults are in need of counseling but only half receive some type of therapy. Lack of access to counseling, as well as the stigma of counseling that many people struggle with, have acted as barriers from people receiving the help they need.
The recent pandemic as simply referred to now as covid, has changed the landscape of how people do life. According to forbes.com "based on a survey by Sage Growth Partner (SGP) and Black Book Market Research, 25% had used telehealth prior to the current COVID-19 pandemic. 59% reported they are more likely to use telehealth services now than previously, and 33% would even leave their current physician for a provider who offered telehealth access. Telehealth is not new to mental health professionals. In fact, even before the pandemic, many people preferred telehealth services as opposed to in-person. Research shows that telehealth is just as effective to in person sessions. This backs up evidence that indicates the the relationship between the therapist and client is one of the most important factors for effectual change. With how technology has progressed in the past decade, telehealth provides an effective medium for people to receive the help they are needing. I have found based on conversations with clients, that many prefer telemental health counseling as opposed to in-person. Some clients have mentioned the following advantages as they saw it: "It cut out the travel time from having to drive to the counseling center and back home, especially during rush hour times." "I found it very convenient, being able to go to counseling at the comfort of my home." "For someone who values confidentiality and privacy, I preferred not going in person to a counseling center." "I felt more comfortable in my home and behind the screen, then I would have in person." How does telemental health counseling work?" The process of telehealth is very simple. It goes without saying that you would need a computer, tablet or cellphone that has a camera, speaker and microphone (unless you just prefer phone counseling).
Counseling at Cornerstone uses a secure platform that is HIPPA compliant. Think of skype or zoom but specifically for counselors and clients, that has extra security/protection features that those other platforms may not. Once you schedule an appointment, you are sent a link to the "virtual" counseling room. At your appointment time, you will simply click on the link and then be invited by the counselor to start your session. There is an ongoing debate of how telemental health counseling is the future. While we're not here to settle that debate, we are interested in helping you. If you think telehealth is a great option for you, schedule a free 15 minute consult to see if you think we'd be a good fit, and to answer any questions you might have. |
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