COVID-19 has made for uncertain times and left many people feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and sad. Commonly, people have sought therapy to deal with such feelings. But these are not common times. Although the need for mental health services may be more critical than ever, many may be reluctant to seek treatment at this time. Social distancing requirements are an obstacle to meeting face-to-face for psychotherapy sessions. Telehealth services are an option, but these practices are unfamiliar to many, and therefore some may be reluctant to use them. In this article, I will provide information about telehealth services which I hope will help some feel more comfortable using them.
Although the current pandemic has accelerated the practice of providing therapy at a distance via the telephone or a video link, often referred to as telepsychology or teletherapy, this method has been employed for decades. Individuals who were geographically isolated, medically ill, physically disabled, or who lacked transportation or access to childcare were among those who most benefited from this practice. However, it was not until the outbreak of COVID-19 and the stay-at-home order that accompanied it, that this practice became a standard for delivering mental health services. Private insurance companies, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, have supported this trend by issuing more flexible rulings on coverage (Greenbaum, Z., Monitor on Psychology, July – August, 2020).
Telepsychology services increase access to healthcare, but doubts about its effectiveness may exist. Because these practices have been used for quite some time, there is a body of research that demonstrates its effectiveness. Reviews have found that therapy, delivered by video and telephone, are effective in treating a variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, (Varker, T., et al., Psychological Services, Vol. 16, No 4, 2019), substance abuse, eating disorders (Slone, N.C., et al., Psychological Services, Vol. 9, No. 3, 2012), and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in veterans (Turgoose, D., el al., Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, Vol. 24, No. 9, 2018). In addition to considering veterans, researchers also found that telepsychology practices are effective in other populations, including children and adolescents (Slone, N.C., et al., Psychological Services, Vol. 9, No. 3, 2012). Investigations (Brenes et al., 2010; Mozer et al., 2008, www.apaservices.org/legal/technology/telephone-psychotheraoy) have also revealed the effectiveness of telephone therapy in older adults. This finding is especially important given the increased vulnerability of older adults to COVID-19 and their decreased familiarity and access to videoconferencing.
Additionally, high patient satisfaction rates (Jenkins-Guarnieri, M.A. et al., Telemedicine and e-Health, Vol. 21, No 8, 2015), higher retention rates in telephone therapy over face-to-face therapy, and equivalent outcomes for both approaches. (Mohr, D. JAMA, Vol. 307, No. 21, 2012) have also been reported. A therapeutic connection between therapist and clients has also been established in remote treatment (Stiles-Shields, et al., Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Vol. 82, No. 2, 2014).
Yes, these are uncertain times that call for flexibility and the ability to adapt. Receiving psychotherapy via telephone or videoconferencing is one modification at everyone’s disposal. Although it may be unfamiliar, at first, it may be worth giving it a try. Not only has it been shown to be effective, it can offer much needed help in managing ordinary life stresses in these extraordinary times.