Maybe you live in a regional town with limited access to mental health facilities. Or maybe you are unable to physically attend sessions. Whatever your circumstance, this is where telehealth can fill that gap. However as in most things in life there are pros and cons to using telehealth. To ensure you sign up for the best system that helps your circumstances, I’ve collated non-exclusive details as follows:

PROS & CONS

The Pros

Convenience, flexibility, comfortability, having easy access to individual support. You can have your session in the comfort of your own home with your therapy pet or relaxation items. You can also access items quickly that you may want to share with the clinician (showing them your achievements, medical documentation).

Screen sharing allows for interactive learning and engagement, so a clinician can assist in showing you how to complete forms or navigate forms and websites. Screen sharing also allows for the client to participate in sharing documents, websites, or items of interests (such as photos, homework, games).

You can take breaks for snacks, unavoidable distractions, asking a loved one for help or support.

You may prefer to arrange sessions via audio or phone only; this can be important to some clients who have concerns for trusting others or issues with self-esteem.

You may have unavoidable disruptions to your session (such as emergency medical appointments) - with a telehealth session you can continue the session via phone while you are attending to another task. Although it’s not recommended to attend a session while your attention is diverted, it can be arranged for those unavoidable and stressful moments where you may need therapeutic support.  

The Cons

Low engagement and motivation for those who need structure, possible problems with access to Internet or phone service (which may cause disruptions to the session). Difficulty accessing a private, distraction-free space for the session. Some people may prefer and enjoy sessions in an outdoor environment; it may feel like a break or escape from the daily routine.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SESSION

• Goals: Identifying clear therapy goals before your first session will help you make the most out of your session time. Have a think about what you want to change to improve your current situation, maybe it’s to decrease negative symptoms (such as depression, anxiety, stress, racing thoughts) or maybe it’s to develop skills (such as coping strategies, relaxation strategies, assertiveness, or communication skills). It’s also important to think about how you have tried to improve these concerns in the past and what barriers are currently keeping you from making these changes. Finally have a think about the type of therapy or therapist you need, for example you may prefer a female or male clinician. And you may prefer visual aids, structured or flexible sessions, and a variety of different strategies or specific strategies.
• Devices: With telehealth or remote sessions ensure you have multiple devices to connect with your clinician. Check your phone, i-pad or laptop is compatible to the telehealth link. Most clinicians will send you a zoom link via email, so be sure to check your email inbox and junk box regularly. Also check the service has a working contact number to contact you on, just in case online communication falls through. It’s also a good idea to have headphones ready and handy for your sessions to improve sound quality and privacy.
• Privacy & comfortability: Be familiar with your environment for the time of the session, think about ways you can improve privacy and comfortability. For example, if you are in your car think about secluded parking areas or packing essential comfort items (water, snacks, therapy diary). Your session time is your time to focus on yourself, ensuring your environment is private and comfortable will allow for a more focused and relax session. If you are concerned about setting up your session, contact your clinician to help trouble shoot problems and ideas.

Our team of highly skilled and well-experienced psychologists is here to help. Call us today to take make an appointment.