Since COVID-19 struck you want convenience. So instead of driving and sitting in a doctor’s office, you can stay home. Sometimes you might have a question and your next in-person appointment is weeks away. Here TRSA weighs in on virtual- therapy vs in-person therapy.
Why Telehealth is Important
Time Saved: think about the time spent commuting, doing paperwork, and being the waiting room. Shorter visits may mean mental health professionals treat more patients.
Behavioral healthcare is ideal for telehealth because many people can step away from work or other tasks and take an hour to meet with a therapist. Sometimes going to a new place can create a disconnect when the office is in an uncomfortable setting for a patient.
Access to Timely Care: many times, people avoid getting therapy because either it's not convenient, too costly or they think the symptoms will get better. We recommend seeking care sooner rather than later, get help before it becomes a crisis, these virtual therapies can help.
Benefits for Older Adults: older adults don’t have to stop their routine. Telehealth can be a way to add supports and people can stay in the comfort of their home.
Benefits of Telehealth in Rural Areas
Telehealth works for access for rural and underserved areas. If you live or work in a rural area, they may be a shortage of behavioral health providers with specialties like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Even with access to treatment they can’ t afford to miss work. The lack of transportation in rural areas may also be a barrier. Gas prices are increasing by the day. Virtual therapy overcomes this obstacle. A benefit is saving on patient time, reduced financial burdens and quick access to care.
Unique challenges to Telehealth
There are hackers who can breach your personal information through an insecure network. Rest assured, TRSA uses only the the most advanced and secure electronic health record to store your medical information and host your secure Telehealth sessions.
Some client reports they don't like seeing counselors remotely. We understand this and are supportive of your decision about how you access healthcare.
Telehealth Benefits and Barriers
Providers can track patients information during your virtual visit. So, a patient experiencing anxiety crisis can consult with their provider in real time. You don’t spend time in a waiting room and we have support staff to ensure you are cared for when you need us.
You receive email or text reminders when it’s time for a session, or if your provider would like to do complete a screening.
You need to have access to a secure location to do your appointments. This can be a room, office or even a closet if that's the only private space you have available in your home. Many clients even log in from work during a break to do their sessions. Often they will use headphones as an additional way to protect their privacy and close their office door.
Another Telehealth risk is a glitch in the video or audio call, which may mean you and the provider will have to switch from one platform (say video) to another (perhaps audio only). The good news is we have several ways to communicate and provide evidenced based care via Telehealth.
Telehealth Planning
As Telehealth providers, we are aware of the legal risks and consequences. Providers who plan to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks. They sure their system updated. A well-trained staff can eliminate a data breach. Knowing state and federal rules and regulations lowers the risk you take. Trust your care to the professionals.
TRS in Arizona Knows the Policies for Telehealth
Trauma Recovery Services offers treatment for anxiety, depression and PTSD. Contact us and weigh the pros and cons of virtual or in person therapy. We treat ages 13 and up in the State of Arizona. Telehealth works and is effective. We accept BCBS, Aetna and Cigna. We also offer low cost/sliding scale fee services. Call today to start your recovery journey, 602-661-0200