Researchers have demonstrated that Teletherapy is as effective as in-person therapy. Many people wonder about the advantages and disadvantages of Teletherapy. This is a great question because weighing pros and cons can help us decide whether Teletherapy is a good option for us.
Let’s review the advantages:
- Access: Teletherapy brings therapy services close to those who need them. Many people who need to see a therapist live in remote or rural areas without access to mental health centers. For others, the problem is lack of reliable transportation to make it to the appointments. Also, there are people with medical conditions that limit their ability to attend appointments in person. Teletherapy lifts these barriers out of the way and allows access to therapy services to those who need them.
- High satisfaction: Users of Teletherapy often reports high levels of satisfaction with services, particularly due to finding it convenient and accessible.
- Time and convenience: Teletherapy saves travel time to a professional’s office because it can be done from any private location with access to Wi-Fi or Internet, from a cell phone or a computer.
- More privacy: Often, people who live in small communities worry about “being seen” by acquaintances and/or family members at the therapist’s waiting room. There is no such a problem with Teletherapy!
- Better public health: In pandemic times, the possibility of staying home safe and access quality Teletherapy services from home helps minimize the spread of Covid-19.
Let’s look at the disadvantages:
- Body language: Through the screen of a cell phone or a computer we only see a part of the other person, usually the upper body. Trained therapists pay attention to their clients’ body language, such as whether the person is tense, restless, if they are nervously bouncing a leg or fidgeting. These subtle changes may not be noticed completely through the screen.
- Insurance: It is important to find out if your medical insurance covers Teletherapy. Due to Covid-19, most medical insurances started to accept Teletherapy. However, it is important to make sure beforehand.
- Licensing: Not all states allow professional from other states to practice Teletherapy across state lines if they are not also licensed in those states. It is important to find out if the professional is authorized to practice in the state where you live.
- Severity of the case: There are cases of higher severity that need a team approach that offers in-person intensive services. Teletherapy is not appropriate as the only service in such instances.
- Familiarity with technology: Teletherapy requires some technology skills or at least a certain comfort level handling email, downloading applications and filling out online forms. Not everyone feels comfortable with technology.
Now that you have read some of the advantages and disadvantages of Teletherapy, what do you think? If you decide to give it a try, we are here for you and happy to guide you along the way to make your Teletherapy experience successful!