Counseling & Coronavirus We Have Options with Telehealth
Counseling & Coronavirus We Have Options with Telehealth
For everyone who is concerned about the coronavirus, it is very important to be aware but also to continue to take care of yourself. There are many ways to take precaution and stay on track! This post is to share with you how to take full advantage of using telehealth to stay on track with your mental health goals when contagious health concerns are present, for example the Coronavirus or flu. When unable to make traditional in person counseling appointments, telehealth is a great alternative, some people prefer it for the convenience. We are here to help reduce the fear and anxiety that can be present when seeking out help for mental health.
What is Telehealth?
First, it is best to explain what telehealth is. Telehealth is a form of communication in which clients can communicate with a therapist or doctor using digital communication technologies, such as mobile devices, tablets or personal computers that you can use from your own home or office. This way, you can access your health care services in a remote location instead of having to travel or make additional scheduling plans during times of stress. Remote location simply means that you are not going into a clinic, hospital, or counseling office for your appointment.
How Does Telehealth Help?
Telehealth in the counseling world provides our clients a way to continue or begin their counseling sessions with greater convenience. For instance, if they are too busy to take travel time, need to arrange child care OR if they are not feeling well, or worried about getting out into public places when there is a fear for spread illness, such as the Coronavirus. Because this virus is so new it has caused uncertainty and for some people increased anxiety or panic. Telehealth offers our clients resources to re-evaluate typical schedules and create an alternative plan to make the situation better. With Compass Counseling Telehealth, our clients can use their own judgement to have their appointments in person or take precautionary steps if that is what is best for them and attend their counseling appointments via telehealth.
Special Notes about Telehealth for Coronavirus
As the coronavirus has been spreading globally, health services have been asking about the possibility of reducing infection risk by conducting some services through telehealth. There are important parts of using telehealth to consider.
The Senate has gone ahead to provide emergency funds to reduce the effects of coronavirus, therefore increasing communication via telehealth. Since the U.S has been under the state of emergency, telehealth is being recommended more in some cases than going to an actual in-office regular appointments if possible.
For those who are uneasy about leaving their home with the coronavirus outbreak, telehealth services can make seeking counseling easier for you. You can schedule an appointment with a therapist from the comfort of your home. Telehealth may also reduce your fear by temporarily limiting your exposure of having to be near others who may be carrying symptoms.
Begin e-counseling or telehealth counseling in Kentucky with a licensed therapist online for depression, anxiety or relationship issues. Great alternative when there is Coronavirus or Flu Compass Counseling offers online psychotherapy in Kentucky.
What You Should Know About Telehealth Before Using it
It is important to understand that although telehealth appointments are not in the office, it is still a clinical therapy appointment. You will need to make an appointment, complete our simple online intake paperwork, have our team check your benefits, arrive on time and have a private space for your appointment. We highly recommend using earbuds with a microphone if possible. Additionally, you will need to have reliable, high-speed internet to attend your secure live video session.
Challenges with Using Telehealth
There are some potential challenges when it comes to using telehealth for counseling. The number one reasons for these overall challenges is that typically you are learning something new and that is not always easy the first time. Another obstacle for telehealth counseling is that it is not an appropriate way to receive counseling if you are experiencing an emergency, we would classify this as needing immediate medication, being under the influence of drugs/alcohol, or experiencing symptoms of wanting to hurt yourself or anyone else. Clients who are experiencing an emergency are not appropriate in our setting for telehealth until they have been treated for the crisis symptoms by a crisis stabilization unit or emergency room.
If you have a therapist that you see in person, you have had an opportunity to establish a relationship where they know a lot about you, and you feel comfortable with them. This allows you to feel confident about working on your mental health goals. If you are beginning therapy online, it can take a few sessions, as with in person, to build that relationship, (we call this rapport) with your therapist. Although this is not always the case it can present a challenge in the beginning with telehealth.
One other potential challenge that you should pay attention to with telehealth, is your health insurance, if you would like to use it. Telehealth is a cost-effective way of sustaining care, but it is not always a covered benefit by insurance. In Kentucky, as of July 1, 2019 the law mandates coverage by Commercial and Kentucky Medicaid insurance policies to cover telehealth the same as in person counseling. We typically advise our clients to double check this with their insurance to make sure there is no restriction.
Is Telehealth the Right Way to Deal with Coronavirus for Mental Health?
Telehealth is a valuable communication tool for clients who are not able to get out of the house, but it is not perfect. Telehealth has raised awareness and access to mental health care. Efforts to increase consumer awareness about telehealth as a safe option for care also could prove essential. Right now, telehealth is an excellent way to continue to help people improve their mental health while being aware of our communities and the precautions that have been suggested in our current pandemic state due to the Coronavirus.
Forms of Telehealth
To help you stay on track with mental health in amidst of the coronavirus outbreak (or any health related concern), Telehealth can be used. If you have looked into using telehealth you may have noticed the different methods that can be used such as a live video, mobile health, remote patient monitoring, or store-and-forward. In our office we use live video sessions in our secure app. We have found that for our practice it is the best form of communication to help you stay on track with your overall symptoms and to stay on track with your mental health.
Telehealth is Your Decision
Your own health is important to you. If you feel that using telehealth is the best option for you, then talk to your therapist or give us a call. Telehealth is a benefit in our state and accessible to most people. It is a safe way to start or continue therapy.