Telehealth
Telehealth may have numerous advantages over in-person services, such as the following:
- Increased access
- Reduced travel time to/fro appointments; increased time for other activities
- Complete forms quickly, stored in compliance with HIPAA
- Comfort
- Meet in the privacy of your home or a location away from others that is convenient for you
- Situated in your favorite chair or couch
- No common area waiting room
- Reduced exposure to others in waiting rooms with "allergies"
Disadvantages to telehealth may include the following:
- Minimum technology requirements (network and equipment processing speed)
- Potential technology disruptions (due to providers, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances)
- Potential intrusion of children (for parents/couples) or other family members or housemates
- Healthcare/Insurance coverage may impose restrictions
Individual Psychotherapy & Couples Counseling
Mental health via telehealth research seems to suggest that services are substantially similar to in-person psychotherapy for individuals.
Due to limited research as of January 2023, couples may or may not receive services that may or may not be considered substantially similar to in-person services.
Due to limited research as of January 2023, couples may or may not receive services that may or may not be considered substantially similar to in-person services.
Making the Best of Telehealth
Consider the following:
- Update operating system, fire wall settings, applications
- Use of VPN provided by well-established provider
- Area free of potential distractions / intrusions
- Earbuds or earphones
- Individuals: Wired or wireless
- Couples: Wireless bluetooth earbuds (to minimize distortion of speakerphone sound and improve microphone reception)
- Individuals: Wired or wireless