The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in numerous ways. 
Social distancing, a concept that was new to most, has now become a way of life for many. However, as challenging as the lockdown has been, we, as a nation, have learned so much about ourselves. We’ve learned to be resilient and to change.
A silver lining that has surfaced as a result of the crisis has been that mental health professionals have had to embrace treatment approaches that, even though they were available, were not frequently used. Online therapy or Telehealth is one of them. It has been around for many years but is now being utilized much more frequently as a result of social distancing efforts.
Some people have wondered how life will change when things go back to “normal”. And what will the new “normal” look like? It is likely that people will go back to attending sporting events and being in crowds. But it is very unlikely that Telehealth will be left behind.
During this pandemic, we have found there to be so many advantages of Telehealth. We can and will not go back to how therapy used to be. Below you will find reasons why online therapy will become part of the new norm post-Covid-19.
Improved Access
Living in a rural location, having a busy schedule, having transportation issues, or having disabilities are just some ways that limit access of mental health services to many people. With online therapy, all you need is the internet to access your,r mental health provider. Your sessions will be just as rich and just as meaningful as they were in person. Through the use of technology, couples, family, and play therapy are possible and often more enjoyable.
Increased level of Privacy and Security
Many people still have a stigma around mental health. They might refuse to be seen for the face-to-face sessions if they believe they will be seen and judged. Though this may sound ridiculous to some, this is a reality for many. With Telehealth, you can meet with a therapist privately, in the comfort of your own home. In addition, those who suffer from panic attacks or social anxiety, do not have to sit in a waiting room with others who might trigger an anxiety attack. With this increased level of privacy and security, people can get the treatment they need to work on these very same problems.
Increased Convenience
With all the demands placed on us in the world, finding the time to break away from the norm and work on your mental health is much easier when you don’t have to transport to a location.
Access for Disabled Populations
The disabled population often has a difficult time leaving their homes and finding transportation. Online therapy allows those patients with the opportunity to get the help they need without having to organize transportation.
With all that said, it’s obvious that telehealth is not going away. In fact, it is becoming more and more popular. If you haven’t already, give it a try. You might be surprised how enjoyable it is.
SOURCES:
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/millennial-media/201901/14-benefits-teletherapy-clients
- https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-telepsychiatry
- https://psychcentral.com/blog/is-now-a-good-time-to-try-telehealth-or-online-therapy