We are living in a time of confusion and uncertainty. During this time, it can be easy for people to feel vulnerable, stressed, and afraid. That’s why it’s more important than ever to make sure that you’re taking care of your mental health.
However, with measures like social distancing in place, you might wonder how you can seek a mental health practitioner. Most therapists and psychiatrists have put their in-person practice on hold to comply with social distancing requirements.
Fortunately, this has led to an increase in the amount of telehealth services. In this article, we’ll explain a bit about telehealth and why it’s absolutely essential for your mental health and well-being during this time of crisis.
What Is Telehealth?
Telehealth is a form of healthcare that can be obtained from a distance. Using telecommunications devices, such as telephones and computers, doctors and therapists can deliver medical and psychiatric health care to people without them having to leave the comfort of their own homes.
Telehealth has been around for quite a long time, but it’s exploded in recent years. Thanks to the advent of smartphones and more advanced internet capabilities, people are now able to use telehealth and connect with psychologists and doctors anywhere, at any time.
This opens up a lot of options for people who are physically unable to see a therapist or are embarrassed about the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment. In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, telehealth is an absolutely invaluable resource that could lead to saving lives.
7 Reasons Why Telehealth Is Essential
These are a few reasons that telehealth should be considered essential to your health and well-being.
1. Telehealth Connects You in a Time of Need
We’re living in one of the most frightening and unpredictable times in the last century. As you may imagine, this might lead to the worsening of people’s mental health.
Remember, talking to a therapist doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re doing badly. Therapists can help keep you in a healthy and positive mindset and prevent you from becoming mentally unwell. Given the current global situation, it definitely can’t hurt to talk to a counselor or therapist.
2. Telehealth Is Affordable
Most telehealth services are more affordable than seeing a therapist in their office. If they aren’t cheaper, then they will at least cost a similar amount. Very few telehealth services charge you more than you could expect to pay at a therapist’s office.
3. Telehealth Overcomes Social Distancing
One of the biggest barriers that most people are facing in regard to seeking help is social distancing. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors are shutting down their offices in wake of social distancing measures. However, many of these professionals are opening up online or phone-based services, and many telehealth services are available.
4. Many Telehealth Companies Accept Insurance
COVID-19 or not, it’s important to know that many telehealth companies accept insurance. Therapists are notorious for being unable to accept healthcare insurance, especially in the United States. You’ll be pleased to find that many e-counseling and telehealth services accept insurance from a variety of companies.
5. Telehealth Can Maintain Your Relationships
If you’re self-isolating with a partner, spouse, or your family members, relationships might grow tense. Fortunately, there are many family counselors and coaches that can help guide you through these difficult times with telehealth services.
6. Telehealth Helps Improve Your Outlook
It’s pretty easy to fall into the fear trap. If you’re watching the news on a daily basis or following groups that keep you updated on the crisis, it’s a lot easier to become afraid, paranoid, or concerned about what’s going on.
With telehealth, you can get a therapist or counselor to help you develop a more sustainable and optimistic outlook.
7. Telehealth Can Be Used Anywhere, Anytime
While chances are that you won’t be leaving your house too often, it’s still good to know that you can use telehealth anywhere and anytime. If you hook up a telehealth app to your smartphone, you’ll be able to engage with counselors and therapists while you’re on-the-go if you encounter a crisis situation or if you just need someone to talk to.
Conclusion
Telehealth is an innovative practice and one of the most important tools to be aware of during this trying time. Telehealth can help keep you and your family safe, sane, and optimistic during the COVID-19 crisis.
For me, telehealth saves a lot of time and money. Rather than having to take time off from work to see a doctor during office hours, you can meet with the doctor quickly online. You can avoid sitting in the doctor’s office or ER and worry about getting sick, which has been particularly helpful recently (although telehealth wait times have been longer than usual because of recent demand). If you have an emergency at night, you may have limited options – such as an urgent-care center or the emergency room, which tend to cost a lot more than doctor’s office visits. Using telehealth can save you money and time and get your care faster.
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