Is Telehealth Still Helpful in 2023?
The masks are off, the vaccine cards are gathering dust, and people seem to be getting way closer than 6 feet these days. By all accounts, the pandemic is (fingers crossed) a not too distant memory. So with things going “back to normal” by all accounts and purposes, are resources like telehealth also soon to be a thing of a bygone era? Is there any reason to keep logging on to zoom?
Even prior to 2020, telehealth therapy had emerged as a valuable tool in the field of mental health treatment. This mode of therapy involves the use of technology to provide remote counseling and support to individuals facing various mental health challenges. Telehealth therapy has proven to be clinically effective in addressing a wide range of mental health issues, including conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) treated with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Eating Disorders.
Of course, all of these conditions can be treated in person, as they traditionally have for the last 100 years. However, telehealth has turned out to offer unique, and somewhat unpredicted benefits that extend beyond stopping the spread of the corona virus, including accessibility, safety concerns and lowered costs.
Geographical accessibility is one of the most remarkable advantages of telehealth therapy. In a world where distances can be a significant barrier to mental health care, telehealth breaks down these geographical boundaries. It enables individuals, regardless of their location, to access the expertise of therapists, thus expanding the reach of mental health services to underserved and remote areas. Even as the pandemic fades into memory, the convenience of telehealth in overcoming geographical limitations remains a powerful reason to continue its use.
Disability access is another critical consideration when pondering the ongoing value of telehealth therapy. Even when the world returns to a semblance of normalcy, individuals with disabilities will still face challenges related to mobility and access to healthcare. Telehealth ensures that therapy is available to those who may have difficulties with physical access to traditional therapy settings. It fosters inclusivity, promoting equal access to care for individuals with various physical and cognitive abilities, making it a reliable and equitable choice for therapy services in the long run.
Safety for both therapists and clients is another compelling reason for the enduring appeal of telehealth therapy. In addition to eliminating the risk of infection associated with in-person interactions, clients and therapists can also be sure of no physical danger to either party. While it is rare, when working in certain situations, therapist can often be left vulnerable. A therapist in an office is sometimes all alone, and if a client becomes angry or unstable, the therapist can be left without any protection. On the other side, if a client feels uncomfortable or unsafe with their provider, they can simply end the session and close their computer.
Cost is a key economic reason why telehealth therapy will stay around. Clients no longer have to settle for high priced therapy in their immediate area. They can access low cost clinicians or more therapists with sliding scale services when they can search an entire state. This means that clients can access mental health more often, which has been shown to directly relate to less hospital visits, or emergency services used. In addition, individuals can save on transportation costs like gas, ride shares and parking. Clinicians also benefit by lower overhead costs for things like rental space and physical office furniture.
Telehealth therapy is an invaluable clinical tool for addressing a wide array of mental health issues, including EMDR for PTSD, ADHD, and Eating Disorders. The ability to deliver specialized treatments remotely is a testament to its efficacy in providing accessible, evidence-based care. By overcoming geographical, logistical, safety and economic barriers to treatment, telehealth therapy has become a transformative force in the field of mental health care. It empowers individuals to seek the help they need and fosters a more inclusive and holistic approach to mental health treatment. As technology continues to advance, telehealth therapy's clinical effectiveness is expected to play an increasingly vital role in improving mental health outcomes for diverse populations.
