Have you been thinking about finding a therapist but are worried about health and safety precautions? Do schedule pressures and the burden of life’s responsibilities make it difficult for you to find time for therapy and mental health care? Maybe you’re in the processes of moving and are worried about finding a therapist in your new location.
In times of pandemic, when efforts to social distance can hinder access to health care, remote therapy can provide an invaluable resource. Doctors, patients and providers are embracing tele-health and discovering new benefits that it offers.
Our therapists, counselors and life coaches at Thriveworks Counseling in West Springfield are here for you and are committed to helping you acquire the help and care that you need. If you think online counseling may be the best choice for you, you can easily schedule an appointment online or call to speak with one of our schedulers. We look forward to beginning a journey toward a healthier and happier well-being with you!
How Does Remote Therapy Work?
The difference between tele-health, or online counseling, and in person counseling is your location and whether you use a device speak with your therapist or not. Everything that happens within your therapy is consistent with traditional, face-to-face counseling.
Once your session begins your therapist will get to know you, your individual mental health concerns, setbacks, and goals, just as they would in a traditional session. They will work with you to develop and plan and treatment to help you achieve health and success!
Some of the ways that patients and therapists access remote sessions include:
- Audio and Video Conferencing
- Email Communication
- Mobile and Desktop Video Call
- Online Chat Communication
- Telephone Call
- Text Messaging
For most adults this works in the same way as in person therapy. Sometimes children need a little extra help with attention and focus during a remote session. Child Phycologists and Counselors in the West Springfield offices have many techniques to help children to adapt and thrive in this new, remote environment.
What Are the Benefits of Remote Therapy?
Telehealth has become more popular in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, but it has had useful benefits for much longer and will continue to help patients in the future. The cons of remote therapy often revolve around a need to get out of the house in order to find privacy. For some people, an in-person connection is absolutely necessary. For others, therapy from your home provides flexibility and convenience that an office can’t offer. Maybe the anonymous aspect of therapy over the phone is more comfortable for you.
Reasons for seeking online therapy are as remote as the clients who themselves. Some of these benefits have included:
- Comfort: Pajamas are acceptable attire for an online appointment, and you can even opt for a voice only session if video is uncomfortable for you.
- Convenience: Online appointments can be attended from anywhere. You can have access to therapist in a wider geographic are when travel is not a factor and time spent in transportation is minimal to none.
- Flexibility: Remote therapy can be the solution if you are balancing therapy with childcare or if you rely on others to help you get to appointments.
- Safety: There is no need to miss an appointment because social distancing recommendations. Even if you are feeling under-the-weather, it is safe to attend a remote appointment. Although we take extreme care in keeping our offices clean and sanitary and our therapist follow all health and safety guidelines, sometimes the best option is to stay at home.
Online therapy and tele-health also allow for more flexibility to maintain your scheduled appointments when you’re traveling or out of town. Patients may receive therapy from anywhere in Massachusetts as well as outside of the state in temporary situations like vacation and business travel and school.
What Kinds of Mental Health Issues Can Be Treated with Remote Therapy?
Most mental health issues that are treated with talk therapy can be treated remotely. Many patients seek tele-health session to help with the following:
This list encompasses only a few of the topics that are addressed in online counseling. Remote therapy can be individual or group therapy which includes sessions with multiple people in separate locations. This can be particularly beneficial for families who live and multiple households and for couples who are separated by distance or otherwise.
Is Online Counseling Confidential?
Our sessions are HIPA compliant and set up to maintain the most confidential environment in which you can feel comfortable sharing with your therapist. Our counselors will never record a session and your personal information is treated the same as with an in-person session and in accordance with state regulations.
Our counselors in West Springfield understand the importance of your mental health. We also understand the many concerns and questions you may have regarding remote therapy. We are committed to maintaining the same level of privacy and confidentiality in all of our session, whether remote or in person.
How Can I Begin Therapy with a Remote, Online Counselor?
You can look for a therapist online and book your preferred appointment time and date through our online portal. Or, if you prefer, you can call us to schedule a session over the phone. No matter whether you make the appointment online or call, we have availability for you.
There are no waitlists. We have therapist with diverse backgrounds and specialties who don’t want financial strains to keep you from receiving mental health care. Financial assistance is available when needed and we work with multiple insurance companies that, in response to Covid-19, are now covering all forms of remote therapy.
Our life coaches, therapist and counselors want to start a conversation with you. Reach out and begin to achieve the health and happiness that you are working toward!
