Almost a year ago I branched out into telehealth also known as online counseling. I am trained in telehealth, but fear stopped me from pursuing this in my practice.
One afternoon, I was sitting (I remember exactly where I was) doing paperwork and thought “how can you expect your clients to embrace online counseling if you won’t try it?” Yep, counselors have fears too sometimes 😉. Sometimes it’s hard for us to practice what we preach. Yeah, I know silly right? Hey, we are all human.
Anyways back to the fear of online counseling, I decided right then to jump in with both feet and as fear is (irrational thoughts) it was fine. Now I love it and here’s why I encourage any client to try it.
Video I created about telehealth
Telehealth is convenient
I am one of those Amazon Prime people who I’m sure the delivery guy hates my address. As a busy counselor & mom, I love the convenience of Prime. They help my busy life by bringing me things without having to stop at the store.
Now enter telehealth technology, where you don’t have to go to an office to see a doctor or counselor. It’s great for people who don’t have transportation, can’t go to see their therapist because the kids are sick or can’t fit therapy into their busy day to get to the office due to their work schedule. It helps you find a counselor that is right for you and even if the counselor is not in your town.
It’s excellent because it’s totally less stress. I’m in Clearwater, Florida so traffic is always a bear this time of year. No offense, snowbirds but you make it more crowded on the roads. It’s difficult to get anywhere timely. Driving to an appointment can be very stressful and this option takes the stress away. Online counseling makes it easier and quicker to see a therapist or counselor.
Telehealth platforms are user friendly
Hey, I don’t claim to be super techy (ask my kids 😉 they know) but I can honestly say the telehealth platform I use Doxy. Doxy is HIPPA compliant (which means secure & confidential) and soooo super easy to use.
You as the client clicks a link the provider sends you by email. You will enter your first name and click check in. On my end as the provider, I see you in my waiting room. I click your name & start the session connects.
Telehealth can be used anywhere
Typically, I meet my clients in my office or my home office. My home office for evening sessions. I use headphones which block out the potential of conversations being overheard that way the session is kept secured.
It is recommended my clients sit in a quiet space in their home. Finding a space where they will not be disturbed for the hour is ideal.
Therapy is about being comfortable and safe. You are talking about some important topics to you that are causing you feelings of depression and anxiety. Therefore, I recommend you find a quiet place where you can be more focused and not disturbed or distracted.
To wrap up this post which I could go on about the benefits of telehealth. If you haven’t tried it, I would encourage you to strongly consider it. It really is convenient, user friendly and you honestly can be anywhere.
This type of platform helps open more availability for providers to help others. Sessions can occur outside of the 9 am to 5 pm office spots. Telehealth has helped me be able to help more clients after hours and on the weekends which is wonderful.
If you have any questions about telehealth please feel free to comment below and I will gladly answer them for you. You can also email me your questions at cdathey9@gmail.com If you are ready to give online counseling a try click this link to schedule a session
To learn more about me, check out my LinkedIn profile
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