Telehealth has been revolutionizing many fields of healthcare like monitoring, preventive healthcare and now mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1 in 5 adults in the US live with a mental illness and about 1 in 25 adults live with serious conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder,and severe depression.
The reason that this rate is so high is because Mental health services are not readily available everywhere. Traditional in-person therapy is rare, expensive, and difficult to schedule and book appointments.
That is where telehealth comes in, many telehealthcare providers are now employing professional therapists to help provide mental health counseling and therapy virtually. This has resulted in many benefits which will be discussed in this blog.
Increased Access to Mental Health Services
One of the most important advantages of telehealth is that it helps provide mental health services in remote areas where in-person therapy is not an option. It eliminates the need to travel long distances for regular therapy sessions.
With just a smartphone, laptop or tablet and a stable internet connection, mental health services can be given to a patient anywhere in the world. This can help people who live in underprivileged areas or belong to low income groups which makes it difficult to afford the traveling expenses.
Convenience and Flexibility
Telehealth makes it very easy and convenient to book an appointment at whatever time suits you the best. It also makes it easy to be on time for your session since there is no time wasted in traveling and getting stuck in traffic.
You do not have to disrupt your normal schedule too much to squeeze in a telehealth appointment, unlike an in person appointment for which you might have to call a day off from work, pick up the kids early or cancel out on any other personal plans.
The session can be attended from any room in your house with a secure internet connection, which is convenient for most people and also helps them ease into therapy more easily.
Reduced Stigma Around Seeking Help
Seeking help for mental health issues still has a huge stigma attached to it, since people still consider it “not real” or “shameful”. Telehealth reduces this barrier by prioritizing privacy and treatment. By allowing patients to engage in therapy from the privacy of their own homes, telehealth makes it easier for individuals to seek care without the fear of being judged or recognized. This can ensure that the people can receive the help they need.
Also many people may feel more comfortable with virtual therapy since there is no physical presence so the feeling of being judged is reduced, and patients are more comfortable opening about their struggles.
Continuity of Care
Most mental issues do not have a cure, but instead have treatment and therapy. Therapy just like any treatments has a course to follow it is not administered as a one time solution. Depending on the severity of the mental illness multiple therapy sessions can be necessary, and regular commutes and days off from work can be difficult.
Even for regular checkups it can be difficult and a nuisance to clear your schedule. Besides this serious cases of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia also require regular appointments to be made. Telehealth makes continuity of care easy to administer for patients and doctors.
This can help with things like discussing doses of antidepressants and other medicines with ease and convenience. A person receiving help from a telehealth provider like an online telemedicine & health company in Florida is more likely to book a follow up appointment due to the convenience.
Enhanced Patient Engagement
The fact that telehealth means no travel, it can lead to patients being less anxious as they would have less time to overthink about the session or whatever is going to be discussed. The convenience means telehealth patients will attend regular appointments which would make them more comfortable with their health care provider and a lot quicker compared to traditional therapy.
Moreover, the virtual presence of the therapist seems less invading and intimidating which allows the patient who is in an environment where they feel comfortable and secure to open up more freely. This increased engagement leads to better outcomes, as patients are more likely to follow through with their treatment when it’s easy and convenient to do so.
Cost-Effective Care
Telehealth is also a lot more affordable when compared to traditional in person therapies because virtual sessions have less costs attached to them. There are no traveling expenses for the patients and the session fees are also cheaper.
This is because telehealthcare providers have fewer overhead costs. The therapies can be concluded from home offices of the therapists, which eliminates rent and utilities costs. The lower costs results in lower fees add to that no wastage of fuel or time it becomes a very effective way to get therapy.
Conclusion
Mental health is a serious concern which cannot be overlooked. The availability of in person therapists leads many people to be deprived of the help they need. The stigma surrounding these mental health issues and getting help only makes it more difficult to get help. The final nail in the coffin comes from the inconvenience in-person visits come with.
Telehealth is the answer to all of these problems. It has become the beacon to provide medical attention and help to anyone with the utmost convenience. It provides easy access, a comfortable atmosphere, complete privacy, which is actually leading to more people seeking help they need. It is leading to longer commitments to therapies and regular visits and check ins while also eliminating the stigma and fear around asking for help.
Telehealth is the affordable and highly effective answer we need to counter the density of mental health issues at hand. By breaking down barriers to care, offering flexibility and privacy, and integrating with other digital health tools, telehealth is providing much-needed support for those facing mental health challenges. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, consider exploring the benefits of telehealth.