What is Teletherapy?
Online therapy, also called teletherapy, electronic teletherapy, or telemedicine, is counseling and therapy via web-based technology. Clients can use a device such as a computer, cellular phone, or tablet to connect virtually to speak with a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC).
While teletherapy can be used for a variety of mental health conditions, it’s important to realize that most of the existing research supports teletherapy for such conditions like anxiety and depression using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which is an evidence-based talk therapy commonly used for anxiety and depression.
Convenience/Flexibility
Teletherapy offers accessibility and flexibility. Counseling services are easily available to clients in the comfort and privacy of their home or office. Clients gain time when they don’t have to drive to an office, they can be in the comfort of their own space.
With a teletherapy appointment, clients still attend a session even when they might have a “bug” or contagious illness, without the worry of putting the health of others at risk. Clients with compromised immune systems will benefit because it is one less time to get exposed. People with disabilities may benefit because they do not have to wonder about travel, ADA accessibility, and other issues related to their disability.
Teletherapy increases confidentiality by reducing the chance of meeting people you may know at the therapy office.
Communication between the client and the therapist is often made easier with teletherapy.
With the option of teletherapy it gives access to people who live in rural areas the option of working with a professional who specializes in a counseling modality that they might not otherwise have access to.
Access
Some communities have limited access to counselors, and teletherapy offers people in rural areas the option to work with a professional.
Some people have unique situations and challenges that need specialized assistance that they can’t find locally. Fortunately, teletherapy can help those people find someone who specializes in treating these unique issues.
Effectiveness of Teletherapy
There is scientific evidence that teletherapy is as effective as in-person therapy.
Does Archway Counseling and Consulting provide Teletherapeutic Services?
Yes, I provide individual teletherapy counseling for residents of Colorado. While there are some risks of electronic psychotherapy, I believe the benefits outweigh the risks. In fact, in 2020, I broke my lease with my brick-and-mortar office building and decided to only provide teletherapy. This decision has helped so many people since they don’t have to spend time traveling to their counseling appointments, and scientific research continues to find more and more evidence that electronic psychotherapy is just as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy.
There are risks of attending a teletherapy session, but with proper planning clients can reduce those risks. One of the ways that I have countered these risks is that I have had specific training to learn to safely and securely conduct electronic psychotherapy. I have completed an Advanced Clinical Telepractice Course, and I adhere to the American Counseling Association’s Ethical Code as it relates to Teletherapy. In addition, I use doxy.me as the teletherapy platform with complies with HIPAA, GDPR, PHIPA/PIPEDA, & HITECH requirements.
I also counter the risks of online teletherapy by asking each client to verify at the beginning of each session that they are at a physical address in Colorado and that they are sober.
For most people, I believe the benefits of teletherapy outweigh the risks of teletherapy. In my experience in the past few years, I have found that my clients continue to have meaningful and productive therapeutic interactions using teletherapy. While not everyone will benefit from online counseling, many people have benefitted. You will want to consider your personal situation and the benefits and risks of teletherapy.
How Do I Schedule a Teletherapy Session?
Scheduling a teletherapy session is easy, you can request a free consultation or to make an appointment by calling 303-642-6636 or emailing at [email protected] I look forward to speaking with you!
