Teletherapy has emerged as a transformative and accessible option for clients navigating the complex journey of recovery from addiction and mental health disorders. As individuals transition through various levels of care, from partial hospitalization to intensive outpatient and traditional outpatient treatment, maintaining momentum and support is crucial.
Teletherapy offers a seamless continuation of care, enabling clients to receive therapy in the comfort of their own homes or any private space with internet access. This innovative service not only bridges the gap between different stages of treatment but also provides flexibility and confidentiality, ensuring that clients can engage in therapeutic sessions without the constraints of geographical limitations or the stigma that sometimes accompanies in-person visits to mental health facilities.
By integrating teletherapy into aftercare plans, we are committed to supporting our clients every step of the way, offering them the tools and guidance needed to navigate their recovery journey successfully.
Teletherapy is a form of online or virtual counseling and therapy that is conducted over the Internet. This innovative telehealth service allows you to receive mental health support through video calls, phone conversations, or messaging platforms. As a result, it removes the need for in-person meetings in a therapist’s office. With the rise of digital technology, teletherapy has become an increasingly popular option for those seeking help with emotional, psychological, or behavioral issues.
No one should have to wait to heal, which is why our specialists are available 24/7 to help guide you through the admissions process every step of the way.
Telehealth can be split into two categories: synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous care is real-time communication between a client and a medical provider. On the other hand, asynchronous care refers to elements of treatment that happen over time.
Examples of synchronous (immediate response) teletherapy services include:
Examples of asynchronous (delayed response) teletherapy services include:
As you can see, even passive care that utilizes technology falls under the umbrella of telehealth. Everything from uploading information into a healthcare portal and digital scheduling to video meetings is considered part of telemedicine. Unsurprisingly, teletherapy skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to expand and develop since.
Teletherapy sessions are held virtually and implement the same evidence-based treatment practices as an in-person mental health therapy session. To participate in teletherapy, you only need access to the internet and a device from which to communicate. Those with a private space in their home already have a good setup for sessions. However, you can use any quiet space where you have service. This opens doors for people to fit meetings into their busy schedules, such as in their office during their lunch break.
In general, teletherapy works similarly to traditional therapy where the client and therapist engage in conversations about the client’s challenges and work towards finding solutions. However, instead of meeting in person, these sessions take place via video conferencing, phone calls, text messages, and voice notes.
Some people worry that online therapy is less safe or effective, but this isn’t true. Teletherapy is held to the same rules and regulations as in-person therapy. For this reason, virtual therapists must follow the same security measures and safety protocols regarding confidentiality, privacy, and prescription management with their clients.
Also, virtual therapists have training on how to conduct therapy sessions over a digital space. They work to engage their clients during sessions, as well as in asynchronous communication. They know the importance of providing the same feelings of social activity and emotional connection clients would feel with their therapist in person.
Teletherapy offers a more convenient way to receive treatment, as it eliminates the need to travel and saves time overall. As such, the process is made simpler and should lift stress about therapy appointments. But there are a few things you can do to feel more prepared, especially if it’s your first virtual therapy session.
Ahead of time, find a quiet place with strong internet to ensure you’ll have good service during your meeting. Most people join sessions from a private space so they feel safe to speak honestly. Try to limit distractions that you wouldn’t have around you in a treatment office. Also, it’s a good idea to consider what you want to discuss in your session to best utilize your time.
Virtual therapists use the same techniques as any therapist who meets clients for in-person counseling. Emphasis is placed on talking through feelings, unpacking the reasons behind their actions, healing from trauma, and exploring desires. Clients work with their therapists to set goals and plan for the future, as well. And many treatment options that are utilized in a face-to-face setting work just as well virtually. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) are all examples that can be executed virtually.
Therapists are more likely to have increased access to clients’ home lives in a virtual session. As a result, therapists’ ability to better understand their clients grows. For instance, video sessions allow a client to “walk” their therapist around their home. Therapists can meet family members and share a sense of their client’s personal life in ways they normally wouldn’t in person.
Teletherapy is as popular as it is because of its many advantages. A key element of telehealth is convenience. Virtual therapy eliminates the need for travel time and expenses, which is a huge benefit. In turn, it’s more accessible for those who can’t attend counseling because they’re unable to travel for health or financial reasons. As long as a person has internet and a device to call from, they can have a productive therapy session from home.
Teletherapy has also been shown to sometimes be more engaging to children than in-person sessions. One example of individuals benefitting from the accessible and engaging nature of telehealth is teletherapy for foster children. Foster families may feel overwhelmed about transporting their foster kids to numerous appointments. Fortunately, foster children and families reported highly positive experiences with virtual counseling.
Teletherapy can also help clinicians foster more in-depth therapist-client relationships. Therapy is a two-way street, where both the therapist and client benefit from engagement and growth. Virtual therapists report that online therapy lets them connect deeper with clients outside of their professional persona.
Finding a telehealth therapist can be daunting considering you can access a broader range of healthcare providers outside of your immediate location. Unsurprisingly, finding the right therapist who you can be vulnerable with is important. Fortunately, this isn’t something you need to do on your own. Working with a treatment center can make finding a teletherapy provider much easier. Your case manager will help you ascertain what you’re looking for and what qualities matter in your therapist. Then, they’ll help place you with an online counselor. Treatment center staff have knowledge and connections that can help you find the right therapist much quicker.
You likely have more questions about virtual therapy that haven’t been addressed yet. Here are the most frequently asked questions about teletherapy. If you have any additional questions, please contact us.
Yes, teletherapy is proven to have effective results, just like in-person therapy. Studies show especially positive results around trauma therapy, including PTSD. Research has discovered that even those with serious mental health conditions found teletherapy beneficial. This was shown through high attendance rates and similar numbers switching to online therapy as people without severe mental concerns.
Evidence supports teletherapy as an effective form of treatment for people from all walks of life, and is sometimes a preferred format to receive treatment. Of course, some elements of in-person therapy may need to be modified for an online format. Often, this format proves to be easier on the therapist or client. As such, teletherapy is now a widespread, accessible form of treatment that promotes overall health and wellness.
Entering therapy, whether in-person or virtual, is a choice you make. As such, there is no set timeline for how long you need to attend. As long as you feel you’re receiving support and benefitting from your sessions, therapy is beneficial.
Sometimes people enter therapy upon recommendation from a healthcare expert. In these cases, they should speak to their contact about how long to stay in therapy. A better way to view therapy timelines is to consider the goals and growth you hope to accomplish. If you’re participating in behavioral teletherapy for substance abuse, your case manager will work with you to create a service plan. Sometimes treatment follows a set length, like a 12-week program. Reach out to your care provider for more details about your own timeframe.
One of the most important aspects of therapy is ensuring a good fit between the client and therapist. Therefore, you can look around for virtual therapists to find one you connect with. It’s a common practice for clients to book a few test sessions with different therapists to decide who to move forward with. In essence, you want your therapy sessions to foster openness, honesty, and healing, which is why a natural bond matters.
Telehealth is at the level of growth where almost anything you can receive in-person care for, you can receive virtual care for! Of course, certain medical procedures like surgeries are limited to in-person work, but much of healthcare can be conducted digitally. Therapy for addiction and substance abuse is an example of this. Evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) are just as effective virtually. Future planning and goal setting are elements of teletherapy just as they are in in-person sessions.
Teletherapy helps people cope with triggers, heal from trauma, and holistically improve their wellness. If you’re struggling with mental health, behavioral management, or addiction, teletherapy is a great path for you. Contact us today so we can help you understand how to move forward.
The term teletherapy comes from the combination of telephone and therapy. With that being said, there are many other names used to refer to this form of digital healthcare, including telehealth, telemedicine, and remote healthcare, digital therapy, and online therapy.
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, teletherapy has emerged as a vital tool in the treatment of addiction and mental health disorders. As more individuals seek remote support for their recovery journeys, understanding insurance coverage for teletherapy services becomes increasingly important.
Insurance coverage for teletherapy services varies widely depending on the insurance provider and the specific health plan. However, a growing number of insurance companies recognize the importance of accessible mental health care and have expanded their coverage to include teletherapy services. This means that clients can often receive therapy for addiction and mental health disorders through video calls, phone conversations, or other digital communication platforms at a reduced cost or even fully covered.
It’s essential to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage details. Many insurers require that teletherapy sessions be conducted by licensed professionals who are part of their network to qualify for coverage. Additionally, some plans may limit the number of covered sessions per year or impose other restrictions.
We understand that navigating insurance can be confusing and overwhelming, which is why we are committed to helping our clients make the most informed decisions about their treatment options. If you would like to find out if your insurance plan covers the cost of teletherapy, fill out our secure insurance verification form. Once we receive your policy information, our admissions team will reach out to your insurance provider to verify coverage and provide you with a detailed breakdown of any out-of-pocket expenses.
We accept most major health insurance providers on both a national and local level. We currently work with the following insurance plans:
We believe that everyone should have access to quality mental health care, regardless of their financial situation. If your insurance plan does not cover teletherapy, or you don’t have health insurance, there may still be other ways to make it more affordable. Our team will work with each client to explore alternative payment options such as sliding scale fees, flexible payment plans, and other forms of financial assistance for those who qualify.
“I highly recommend this facility for anyone needing treatment. The staff isn’t just nice and genuine there but instead one big family. Whether it’s the owner, housing manager, or a bht you get the best down to earth genuine care. The material they teach in group is very helpful also.”
Aliya Health Group understands the importance of accessible, quality care for those struggling with substance use and co-occurring disorders. That is why we strive to provide teletherapy services to everyone, no matter where they live. As such, our treatment facilities offer virtual therapy sessions to individuals across the United States. All of our addiction treatment center locations provide teletherapy services during our outpatient programs in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, and Washington.
We want to make the process of starting teletherapy as seamless and stress-free as possible. That’s why our team is available to answer any questions you may have about insurance or payment options. Simply reach out to us through our secure contact form or give us a call and we will be more than happy to assist you.
We’re here to help you gain access to the best teletherapy options for substance abuse and mental health disorders.
Give us a call today at 888-973-2078.
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Aliya Health Group is a comprehensive network of addiction and mental health treatment centers, with locations spanning nationwide.
We are driven by our commitment to empower individuals, families, and the community by providing education, tools, and support, to help them lead healthy, fulfilling lives in recovery.
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