Telehealth is the modern-day house call. Many of us transitioned attending virtual gatherings with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. But telehealth services for mental health, also known as telemental health services, have been around years before 2020.
Telehealth – the provision of professional healthcare services, such as therapy or medication management, via video services – allows you to connect with your mental health provider in real-time without the need to be in the same physical location. Telemental health can offer a much-needed opportunity to address your mental health concerns in a way that fits into your life.
Research has shown services provided via telehealth to be equal in effectiveness to in-person services. The training, skill, and credentials of your provider have not changed, nor has the level of confidentiality your provider ensures. However, therapy via telehealth is not just FaceTime with your mental health provider.
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR APPOINTMENT
There are a few things you can do to ensure that you get the most out of your appointment with your therapist. Most importantly, remember that telemental health sessions are different from video chats with friends. Your therapy session is an appointment that you scheduled with a professional. You are investing in your wellness!
Prepare Physically
From a physical standpoint, you can prepare for your appointment by getting out of bed and getting dressed as you would for visiting the office. Not only can this help you feel more positive about your day, it also creates a mindset that you’re doing something important.
Location, location, location.
This is another important consideration in being physically prepared for a successful telehealth appointment. Your provider is responsible for providing services from a private area and ensuring your confidentiality on their end. You are responsible for doing same on your end. This means not connecting to your session while driving in a car or in the check-out line at the store.
You want to find a private place where you can speak freely. If privacy is a concern for you, speak with your provider to determine a plan that will allow you to get the most out of your sessions. Also, be aware that many mental health professionals are licensed to provide services in specific states, so discuss this with your provider prior to scheduling an appointment while you will be traveling.
Prepare Mentally
Your therapy session is your time to discuss your concerns and work toward your goals for taking care of your mental health and overall wellness. Use that time wisely! This could mean looking over any notes you might have from the time between sessions, or considering where you want to focus for the session.
Telehealth allows you to meet with your provider from any private location with a strong internet connection, which means there may be times when you don’t have much transition between a virtual work meeting and a therapy session. Allow yourself to mentally transition, even if you’re not changing physical locations. You can take a few deep breaths, stretch a bit, or grab the non-alcoholic beverage of your choice before beginning your session so you can get the most out of your time.
Prepare Technologically
How can you be sure that you are prepared for your session from a technology standpoint? Be certain that you know how to access your session prior to your appointment time. This may include a program or app to download or a link to utilize that is provided by your therapist. If you have questions about accessing your appointment, ask your therapist. Part of our job is to ensure you feel comfortable accessing services.
Your video and audio clarity will be influenced by your internet connection, so while you can utilize cell data or wi-fi to connect for your appointment, you are going to get the strongest signal by using a wired connection. Ensuring that no additional browser windows are open and that no one else is streaming over the same connection will also enhance your session’s audio and video clarity.
I encourage my clients to use headphones or ear buds to assist with blocking outside noise and reducing audio feedback. You want to be able to give your undivided attention to your appointment, so avoid checking texts or scrolling on your phone. If connecting from a smart phone, many folks find it beneficial to place their phone on “Do Not Disturb” during their therapy sessions to avoid distractions and technological interference.
So many of us are recognizing the impact of various parts of life on our mental health, and the importance of finding support in our mental health journey. Telehealth offers another option for doing that by allowing you to see licensed mental health providers for therapy and medication management without needing to go into the office. With these tips, you’ll be prepared to experience the benefits of an effective telehealth appointment with your provider.
**********
Michelle F. Moseley is a licensed clinical mental health counselor providing telehealth services in the state of North Carolina. She specializes in providing support for folks who struggle with feeling they are “too much”, yet worry they are not enough. She works from a trauma-informed perspective, and believes that ALL people deserve respect, compassion, and to feel heard. Learn more about Michelle by visiting www.MichelleFMoseley.com or following her on Instagram – @therapy_with_michelle
**A previous version of this post has appeared in the Health and Wellness section of The Sanford Herald.**