Telecommunications technology has transformed modern life, and now it’s transforming how social workers, counselors, therapists, and clinical psychologists are providing mental health services. Many of my clients choose to participate via smartphone, ipad, or computer from any location of their choosing, allowing more freedom to feel comfortable in their own space as well as eliminating stress from missing work or school. In addition to convivence, telehealth is a secure and HIPPA compliant communication which is covered by insurance, same as an in-office visit.

- Expanding Access: Telehealth puts mental health services within reach of men, women, and children who live remote areas where counselors may be scarce. Videoconferencing eliminates many of the barriers people face when reaching out for therapy. This innovative counseling model eliminates a client’s need for transportation, and any travel-related costs. Telehealth also can make it easier for patients to work appointments into their schedules without having to take time off from work.

- In Texas, patients can wait an average of 90 days on a clinician’s waiting list, and an average of 20 days after an appointment date to see a mental health professional in office due to limitations health providers encounter with commutes, cancellations, and waits. For example, a client in Bastrop no longer has to choose a counselor from a short list of practitioners within a comfortable driving distance or place her name on a waiting list. She may choose to work remotely with a professional in Dallas or Amarillo

- Eases Stigma: In 1999, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher identified the stigma around mental illness as the most persistent barrier to individuals seeking help and noted that this stigma is more pronounced in rural settings.3 For patients concerned about appearing publicly at a practitioner’s office, working with clinical mental health counselors from home via teleconferencing, or by phone, can ease anxieties and promote acceptance of treatment. Professionals, advocacy groups, and others continue their work to dispel this misplaced sense of embarrassment or shame about seeking mental health services, heeding Satcher’s plea to “confront the attitudes, fear, and misunderstanding that remain as barriers before us.”

- Gets Results: Research continues to affirm the efficacy of telehealth services, with studies showing that videoconferencing is as effective as face-to-face treatments. Offering increased provider options and a multitude of convenient technological vehicles, telehealth is a growing and effective alternative for those delivering and receiving mental health services.