Although virtual therapy has been around for some time now, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and mandated shutdowns, it gained popularity and accessibility in 2020. Virtual therapy is a type of telemedicine. It includes any treatment that a person seeks through an electronic device.
Virtual therapy is a good option for couples, or family therapy sessions when one or more participants is traveling, schedules and/or geographical distance don’t allow for everyone to be in the same place at the same time.
Different types of Virtual Therapy Include
Video Conferencing Seeing a therapist or practitioner via video conferencing software is the closest thing to receiving therapy or care in person. Video conferencing allows both therapist and patient to be face to face in real-time without being in the same location. Mobile AppMany networks are making secure downloadable apps available to access therapy through. Apps allow clients to easily access their therapist and records at the touch of a screen. PhoneTeletherapy has been an option for many clients, long before mandates and shutdowns made them imperative in some cases. Teletherapy is done over the telephone where the therapist and patient can speak directly to one another. EmailTherapy via email helps detail specific instructions, references, and reiterating what was worked on during therapy.Benefits of Virtual Therapy
Although many things make in-person therapy great, there are many benefits to seeing a therapist virtually.
Flexibility in schedulingScheduling in-person appointments often restrict availability to 9-5 hours. If patients are tied to their job during those hours, they can have the option of taking the appointment at work or during a lunch break. ConvenienceThe convenience of virtual appointments tends to reduce cancellations. Being able to go to an appointment via video chat allows patients and providers freedom to go to appointments regardless of vacations or unexpected trips. CommutingSaving time and money by not having to commute is a huge benefit to virtual therapy. Patients without reliable transportation can still receive quality therapy without having to worry about how to get there. Those who do drive save gas money and time sitting in traffic trying to get to therapy. ExpenseVirtual therapy tends to be less expensive than traditional therapy. Therapists who work from home don’t have the overhead of an office building and staff. ComfortVirtual therapy can ease the fear of running into others at a therapist’s office. Some marriage and family therapy cases benefit from multiple parties not having to be in the same room at the same time, allowing for a virtual buffer if you will. Another benefit is being able to go to therapy in the comfort of your own home; potentially making patients feel more at ease in a familiar setting, potentially enhancing vulnerability and disclosure. SafetyNow is a great time for virtual therapy. Based on current circumstances, virtual therapy could be the perfect solution during the coronavirus, or any pandemic. There are many benefits to doing this type of therapy:- Virtual therapy eliminates the risk of passing infection from therapist to client since it is done without physical contact. Clients complete activities or exercises with the real-time input of a therapist and safely utilize materials and equipment from their environment, instead of shared materials from a clinic.
- Virtual therapy also offers safe social interaction, which can lead to improved mental health and cognition after being secluded for extended periods. This is especially helpful for those that are at a higher risk and need to limit potential exposure.
- Virtual therapy has also proven to be helpful for COVID-19 recovery. Healthcare providers have found that clients hospitalized from COVID-19 are likely to need physical and cognitive rehabilitation to aid in their recovery.
Disadvantages of Virtual Therapy
Although there aren’t many, there are still some potential disadvantages to virtual therapy. Some of these may include:
Technological GlitchesTechnological glitches such as inconsistencies in internet connection, strength, or problems with the video chat platform can cause disruptions and frustration during an appointment. Understandably, frozen screens, echoing, low-resolution video feeds, and dropped calls are not conducive to the therapeutic experience. Internet strength, weather, and other variables all play a role in disruptions, and this is undeniably a con on both sides. Licensing Some states may require that a person using distance therapy be located in the same state in which the therapist is licensed. Depending on the regulations where you live, this could limit your options as either the provider or the person seeking services. ReputationIn some cases, it may be difficult to tell whether an online therapy service is credible, reputable, or safe to use. This is where it is important to do some research and insist on evidence of proper credentials and HIPAA compliance.How to Prepare for Virtual Therapy
Before an online therapy session, the therapist and client should connect to ensure that the device being used is set up, and go over details. This will include discussing what space and materials are available for therapy so the therapist can plan accordingly.
Like in-person therapy sessions, you should expect to have to do some preparation for your appointments. Therapists might send some activities and exercises, video clips, and other resources to review before or after your sessions. Since the sessions are virtual, therapists will also ensure that the meeting is taking place through a HIPAA-compliant video platform to protect your privacy.
However, unlike some in-person sessions, parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend as well. By participating, they can assist with functionality such as keeping the camera focused on the client during exercises. Additionally, they learn activities and exercises to help with carryover into daily routines.
