When the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of individuals were cut off from access to mental health care. Millions were also cut off from access to competent addiction treatment. Slowly but surely, the world went virtual, but many people were and continue to be skeptical of telemental health treatment.
Like anything else, telemental health and virtual treatment services have their pros and cons. For many, the flexibility and convenience allow them to go about their daily lives while seeking treatment. However, others require the intensity of an in-person residential treatment program. Both options are equally viable.
Addiction treatment is most effective when tailored to you, so if that includes virtual services, virtual services can work for you. Nevertheless, it is prudent to understand the pros and cons of seeking mental health treatment online.
In a nutshell, telemental health is exactly as it sounds — mental health treatment offered via telehealth. Telehealth services have become widely used throughout the past few years due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some organizations or programs have been offering virtual services since long before the pandemic. When the world shut down, treatment centers had to find a way to help their current clients and attract more potential clients. The evolution of telemental health services allows millions to seek treatment from the comfort of their own homes and on their own schedules.
Of course, there will always be those skeptical of virtual health services. That is completely normal. Some of us require an in-person experience to fully reap the benefits of our mental health care. Despite skepticism, many people have successfully completed treatment and maintained their mental health and well-being long-term through the use of telehealth services.
Telemental health services offer you a convenient and cost-effective way to seek therapy, treatment, and other medical services with the flexibility to do so from wherever you are. However, like anything, there are potential cons.
The first potential con of telehealth is that not every medical service can be done virtually. However, that may be more true regarding physical health and medical services. Blood work, scans, and other services require in-person interaction. Luckily, many telemental health services can be offered remotely. However, physical examinations are sometimes needed to rule out some diagnoses. Aside from that, there are, of course, other cons to expect. Some cons include the following:
Mental health professionals can infer many things by observing the body language of their clients. When treating you virtually, professionals can't see your full body, making it challenging to monitor nonverbal communication. Body language can also improve communication. Without it, the connection process may take longer.
You may be easily distracted during a telehealth call. Whether you may be at work, taking care of children, or commuting during an appointment, distractions are real. These situations can make it challenging for you to maintain focus during a session.
Technology is not always reliable. Poor internet connection, not having a quiet space to set up, or lacking the proper device or equipment can hinder your treatment.
Some may argue that virtual services offer less intimacy and connection. Across the board, most would agree that virtual connection cannot fully mimic in-person interactions. Being with someone in-person, something telehealth lacks, creates a bond that can make treatment more successful.
As mentioned, some mental conditions or substance use disorders (SUDs) are so severe they require in-person treatment. If this is your case, you may be able to consider telehealth as a continuing care plan. However, initial in-person treatment may be necessary before doing so.
Despite these potential cons, there are also many pros and benefits of telemental health treatment.
Telemental health is an effective tool for people trying to maintain their sobriety. However, individuals searching for an addiction treatment program for the first time may need to consider a residential treatment program.
Nevertheless, some of the potential benefits of telehealth services include the following:
Everyday life can be chaotic to the point where squeezing in time to take care of your mental health feels impossible. Telehealth services offer the flexibility to seek treatment from the comfort of your own home and on your schedule. That saves you from having to find childcare, take time off work to commute, or find transportation to and from a facility.
More availability and fewer geographical restrictions make telehealth excellent if you live in a rural area, have a packed schedule, or don't have reliable access to transportation. Considering telemental health options allows you to seek qualified help from individuals without worrying about whether they are within a commutable distance. That increases your access significantly.
Telemental health treatment also reduces the stigma and intimidation of in-person therapy. Seeking mental health treatment, especially for the first time, can be anxiety-inducing. Virtual services reduce those anxieties and help shield you from stigmas. This can make you more comfortable with your treatment.
Access to mental health services and addiction treatment should be universal. Telemental health services help make them a little more accessible to all. Talk to a professional for more information regarding telemental health and addiction treatment today.
Aside from seeking mental health treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, telemental health services have many benefits. However, like anything, there are cons to seeking treatment or therapy online. Factors like internet connection, lack of observable non-verbal communication, or other distractions may hinder your experience. However, telemental health services prevent you from needing to find childcare, take extra time off work, or deal with transportation to and from a facility or office. Nevertheless, initial addiction treatment may require in-person residential treatment, especially if it is your first time seeking rehabilitation services. Discuss your concerns about telemental health service with a doctor. To seek addiction treatment, call NorthStar Transitions at (303) 558-6400 for more information today.
