Redefining Therapy: Telehealth

By Maryann Garcia, LCMHCA

You may have an image in your mind of what counseling should look like. Perhaps that image consists of a cozy dimly lit office with a comfy couch and a therapist wearing glasses and a cardigan. While that may not be an inaccurate image, it definitely is not the only form of therapy available that can support your healing and growth. The use of Telehealth has become more commonplace than ever before, especially since the pandemic, and its effectiveness has been shown to be on par with in-person therapy.

Nonetheless, you may continue to struggle with the idea of engaging in Telehealth due to questions about what it might look or feel like to participate in.

Will I be able to connect with my therapist?

You may contend that non-verbal cues, physical presence, and the sense of shared space during face-to-face sessions contribute significantly to effective therapy. However, advances in technology provide therapists and clients the opportunity to overcome physical distance through audio/visual sessions that allow for comparable connections to be made. Therapists are able to accurately assess verbal and non-verbal communication effectively as they identify areas of concern and provide valuable feedback.

Will my privacy be protected?

All sessions are conducted over HIPAA compliant platforms that provide end-to-end encryption to safeguard client privacy. Telehealth links are shared with clients prior to sessions held, and access to sessions is controlled by your therapist. As with any counseling relationship, all content shared in session is confidential with a few exceptions that are discussed prior to commencing therapy.

Will therapy provided be as effective as in-person therapy?

Not only does the research to date demonstrate that telehealth provided in audio/visual format is comparably effective to in-person therapy, it also indicates that clients are more likely to adhere to treatment due to a reduction in barriers to attend sessions. It is worth noting that research highlighting the effectiveness of telehealth in mental health settings emphasizes the use of both audio and visual components during treatment, which excludes variations using text messages and phone only modalities.

Should you have additional questions or concerns related to telehealth and its use in mental health counseling, please reach out to me through email at mgarcia@pottercounseling.com.