By Marie Miguel
Telehealth is not a new concept, but it is one gaining in popularity. More and more people are turning to telehealth services for counseling and therapy, among other medical issues. For those living in rural areas especially it is extremely convenient and easy to use.
However, many people have concerns about using telehealth for counseling and therapy. These concerns can often keep people from making use of the online counseling services. When other avenues for therapy are difficult, these concerns can actually keep people from seeking the help they desperately need. Let’s look at some of the concerns people have about telehealth and why you should try it anyway.
Unable to Build a Relationship
Many people think that if they use online counseling services they will be unable to build a relationship with their therapist or counselor. People worry that they will not be able to really connect with someone if they are not in the same room. However, it is possible to form that connection and get real help through either video conferencing or online chat. It may seem strange at first, but with practice you will come to feel as natural as being in the same room.
Another reason people worry that they won’t be able to build a relationship is that they think that they won’t be able to get the same therapist every time they use the telehealth service. However, it is possible to schedule sessions and go online when a particular therapist is available. This allows you to use the same counselor for all of your needs and build that relationship over time.
Building a relationship with your therapist is important because without that connection they may not be able to understand what you are going through and what you are trying to convey to them. However, building a relationship with your therapist can be accomplished through any medium with practice.
Difficulty Communicating
Some people communicate best through speaking, and some people communicate best through writing. Telehealth is a good option for both types of people, because video conferencing and chat are both available. You can choose the medium that works best for you.
However, there is also a concern that some people have a hard time communicating with someone that they don’t know. This can be even more difficult when the conversations are happening over chat or video conferencing rather than in person, because you are nervous about the technology involved as well as the meeting itself. In addition, since you are not in person the therapist is not able to help you along by reading body language and your emotional state.
Yet you should not allow these concerns to stop you from using telehealth services for online therapy. The therapists that use telehealth are well aware of these difficulties and have methods to help you acclimate yourself to the process.
Privacy
Some people are concerned about privacy concerns with using the internet for something like therapy. However, all telehealth services are just as bound by HIPAA as any other mental health professional. The services have excellent security, and all sessions are completely confidential. There are regulations and policies for HIPAA compliant esignatures which assure not only privacy is met but that the data being shared electronically doesn't violate privacy.
About the Author
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
