The pandemic has plunged many lives into a state of limbo and isolation as various governmental rules have been enforced all over the world. With increased isolation and mandatory social distance measures, many of us are craving human interaction more than ever.
During these moments it is important to take stock of what is important in our lives and perhaps many are quick to realize that their mental health has taken an inevitable decline. It is undisputed that the rates of depression and anxiety have increased quite drastically from the onset of this pandemic as people are forced to stay home and isolate from friends and family. The significant decrease in social interactions clearly affect many people in ways that are perhaps unexpected yet completely understandable.
Whilst there are a plethora of articles that discuss the need to ‘stay fit and physically healthy’ during this pandemic, there seems to be a lack of discussion surrounding the need to maintain strong mental health. Perhaps the reason for this is because mental health is a difficult topic. It is so subjective, and it isn’t as clear when someone is going through a rough time mentally since it may not physically be manifested. Nonetheless, despite its obscurity, we do know people are suffering a lot more than we realize and perhaps this is why there’s been such a push towards the provision of online therapy (i.e. telehealth).
Online therapy and counseling have been around for quite some time already. However, its relevance has skyrocketed during this pandemic, as people are able to seek help from the comfort of their own home without risking their physical health by going to a clinic, a mental health agency or a professional with their own private practice. There has been some debate on the utility of online therapy versus traditional face-to-face therapy but for the most part, given the current circumstances, online therapy – or telehealth – has worked wonders for a lot of people.
Why telehealth is important and convenient?
More Access to Relevant Specialists: It is important to bear in mind that psychologists and therapists each have their own specialty and niche to which they operate within. In the event where the therapists in your area do not specialize in what you are looking for, online therapy can prove to be very useful since you are not confined to your geographic location. As such, you are able to search for someone who specializes in exactly what you need help in, unrestricted by any physical boundaries. This ultimately allows one to find the perfect therapist for them.
Reduced Cost: Online therapy eliminates the need to travel physically to the location of your therapist and as such reduces the travel cost associated with time and gas/petrol. Due to the pandemic and financial hardships, several insurance companies waved co-pays for several people who are seeking mental health services.
More Consistent and Intense Therapy: Given the accessibility of online therapy, clients are able to ascertain more consistent therapy as reasons like poor weather or sickness do not impact greatly to their ability to see a therapist – reducing the rate of cancellations. Furthermore, therapy sessions are can be intensified by increasing the frequency of them depending on
the patient’s need as such, patients mental health outcomes are improved as a result of this.
Highly Convenient and Suits Your Schedule: Furthermore, the convenience factor of online therapy makes therapy an attractive option for those who have been too busy with work to look after their mental health. For those who are too busy, it is understandable for them to continuously delay therapy. However, given that telehealth is so highly accessible and is crafted to suit your schedule, people are certainly more inclined to get help where it is clearly necessary.
My Personal experience offering telehealth
Upon transitioning to online therapy, I noticed a decrease in cancellation rate as client satisfaction increased, perhaps due to the myriad of advantages detailed above. Further, I’ve been getting significantly better results with my patients as a result of increased frequency of consultations since it is so much easier for my patients to talk with me over video calls. I have also noticed greater psychological comfort in my patients since a lot of the social stigma pertaining to mental health counseling is reduced. For instance, a lot of my clients enjoy not bumping into people in the lobby and thus, they feel their confidentiality is better protected this way. Either way, an increased sense of comfort is highly ideal for a better experience with seeking mental help.
Citadel Counseling services offers telehealth appointments so that you can take care of your mental health and coaching services. Book a Free Consultation today to learn more.
Carine Emile-Joseph
Founder and CEO of Citadel Counseling Services
Carine is a mental health therapist and mindset/Business coach. She works with women and men from all backgrounds. Her areas of focus include: self-care, boundaries, self-confidence, and business coaching. She is the founder of Citadel Counseling Services.