Convenience and Comfort: Key Benefits of Teletherapy

The benefits of teletherapy

According to a 2023 consumer study, nearly two-thirds (62.8%) of telehealth visits in the fourth quarter of 2022 were for mental health appointments, which represents a sizable increase from the 41.8% level during the first quarter of 2020. Over half of people (57%) say they prefer virtual visits to in-office appointments for mental health care.

Teletherapy offers more convenience and flexibility than in person visits. Clients often say that they feel more relaxed speaking to their therapist in the comfort of their own home and without the hassle of traffic. Teletherapy also offers for flexibility with scheduling. Busy professionals who work in an office can schedule their therapy appointment on their lunch hour or step away from the office to have a session from the privacy of their parked car. Remote workers can schedule therapy when they have a break from meetings in their day.

Teletherapy has been shown to be just as effective as in-person therapy in large clinical trials. There may be some concerns that are better served in person or you may have a preference to have therapy outside of your home. It’s important to discuss the appropriateness of teletherapy with your provider.

How to prepare for your Telehealth appointment

Make sure you have a good internet connection and that it is fast enough for video calls. If necessary, use a set of headphones with a built-in microphone to ensure that you will be able to hear and be heard clearly during your session. Minimize any other tabs and silence notifications so you aren’t distracted from your therapy call.

You should also make sure that the room in which you plan to have your session is quiet and private. If there are any distractions or potential interruptions, try to eliminate them or move to another room. Finally, dress comfortably and appropriately so that you feel relaxed and ready for your session.

If you're using a mobile device, make sure that the battery is fully charged and that you have enough data or Wi-Fi to complete your video call.

What to expect during your therapy session

The therapist will likely ask you some questions about yourself at the beginning of each session. This is known as the "initial assessment." During the assessment, they may ask you some general questions about your mood or health concerns. You should be prepared to discuss any circumstances that are troubling you at the moment and how long these feelings have been affecting you.

The therapist will also likely want to know more about your personal life, including information on where you live, who lives with you, your work situation, and your relationships. All of this information helps the therapist to develop a treatment plan that is tailored specifically for you.

You should also be prepared to talk about your goals for therapy. What do you hope to gain from working with a therapist? Are there any specific issues or concerns you would like to address? Having these conversations upfront will help to ensure that you get the most out of your sessions.

If you have any questions or concerns about teletherapy, be sure to ask your therapist. They will likely be happy to address any of your questions and put your mind at ease.

Be patient if there are any technical issues -- providers will do their best to fix problems quickly!