Teletherapy Guide 101: Everything You Need to Know

Teletherapy is a medical technology that has been around for many years. However, this type of therapy has received buzz after the pandemic. Therapists adopted this kind of therapy to ensure they reach as many people as possible without office appointments. Teletherapy is therapy done over the phone or other video-enabled platforms. It is applicable in many types of treatment and has shown to be as effective as one-on-one therapy. So, how much do you know about teletherapy? Would you consider it when you need therapy? The following are vital things you should know about teletherapy before choosing it.

What Exactly is Teletherapy and How Does It Work?

In simple terms, teletherapy is the typical therapy but conducted remotely and not in person. Like other types of therapy, the specialist performs the session through videoconferencing, phone, or a designated telehealth platform. They can also use apps that offer teletherapy that can be accessed on the phone. In most cases, therapists and clients prefer encrypted platforms for confidentiality. 

If you choose teletherapy, your therapist Bend Oregon, will conduct the session as they would do with in-person therapy. It includes getting to know each other, asking questions, and discussing what bothers you. Talking to your therapist over the phone may feel weird at first and limit the amount of information you give. However, you can make the interaction easier by doing the following.

  • Find a spot where you will be comfortable and without distractions so you can focus
  • Choose a location without people for privacy
  • Wear headphones to block background noise
  • Have a handbook for taking notes
  • Try creating a connection with the therapist
  • Ask the therapist to explain how the treatment goes

Therapists can use teletherapy in almost all conditions treated with in-person therapy. It can help treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc. Teletherapy has also improved access for people with limited mobility and vulnerable to infection. Teletherapy has also made it convenient for people living in rural areas to receive therapy. This type of therapy can also be part of treating anxiety, aphasia, autism, learning differences, conditions affecting thinking and speech, etc. 

The Advantages of Teletherapy 

Teletherapy has several advantages. These advantages can differ depending on your situation and needs, but the following are typical.

  • Teletherapy is accessible to people with physical illness, small children, or those who are unable to leave their homes.
  • Teletherapy is convenient since people do not need to travel to therapists’ offices. It offers flexibility as you don’t need to worry about travel costs and waiting time. 
  • Teletherapy through various platforms may be cheaper than paying for hours for an in-person specialist or insurance company. 
  • Teletherapy offers more privacy since you don’t need to sit in the waiting room where everyone can see you. You can do it in the comfort of your home, even in a room alone, offering more privacy.

Choose Teletherapy Today

Teletherapy is a convenient mode of delivering therapy services. It is as effective as in-person therapy as it helps treat various conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc. Even though it can take some time to get used to, teletherapy is convenient if you cannot leave home due to illness or want more privacy.