{"id":20144,"date":"2023-01-20T11:17:41","date_gmt":"2023-01-20T16:17:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20144"},"modified":"2023-03-03T14:46:46","modified_gmt":"2023-03-03T19:46:46","slug":"how-teletherapy-helps-individuals-in-remote-areas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/how-teletherapy-helps-individuals-in-remote-areas\/","title":{"rendered":"How Teletherapy Helps Individuals in Remote Areas"},"content":{"rendered":"

Technology drives the healthcare industry. From medical devices to patient portals, technology has streamlined and transformed how we approach medical treatment. <\/span>Innovations such as telehealth <\/span><\/a>have provided cutting-edge help to patients in the COVID-19 era.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Telehealth uses two-way telecommunication technologies to provide clinical healthcare through various remote methods. During the pandemic, telehealth allowed many patients who would have been too nervous about going into a doctor’s office to receive care. Telehealth also made it easier for practitioners by preserving scarce supplies of personal protective equipment and reducing COVID-19 exposure to staff. While it can cover a variety of specialties in the healthcare industry, teletherapy has become increasingly more popular.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Teletherapy<\/span><\/a> means therapy services are provided online via video conferencing, phone calls or even text. This therapy is still conducted by a licensed therapist, psychologist, counselor or another mental health professional. Teletherapy is not the same as telepsychiatry, which includes a psychiatric evaluation. <\/span><\/p>\n

We break down how teletherapy is expanding mental healthcare to rural communities below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

How teletherapy works<\/h2>\n

Usually, the patient will fill out an online assessment. Then, they will select a provider and schedule the first appointment. The pricing for these sessions can often depend on the method used and how frequently sessions occur. Sessions might be conducted through video conferencing, phone calls or text. <\/span>Studies show that teletherapy is as effective<\/span><\/a> as in-person therapy in most circumstances.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Benefits of teletherapy in rural areas<\/h2>\n

Increased availability<\/h3>\n

Teletherapy can widely expand access to mental health resources and gives options to patients far away from any mental health providers<\/a>. <\/span>Teletherapy has removed many obstacles preventing patients from trying therapy. While lack of transportation, time, and hectic work schedules were a barrier to entry before, with teletherapy, patients can receive treatment in the comfort of their own home on their timeline. Often, there is a long waitlist for in-person therapy, and finding a practitioner can take time and effort. However, with many practices focusing solely on teletherapy, finding a provider and getting help is much easier.<\/span><\/p>\n

It can be difficult to find a steady internet connection in certain rural areas. This can make even video calling for therapists challenging. However, options for text and email communications can help overcome that challenge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many rural hospitals are understaffed and have a limited amount of healthcare workers, making it extremely difficult for patients to get an appointment for an in-person visit. Telehealth takes this burden off hospitals because patients can get care from doctors outside the hospital network.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Affordability<\/h3>\n

Teletherapy is often more affordable than in-person therapy. Not only do you save money on transportation to and from the office, but you’re also able to <\/span>compare rates of teletherapists online<\/span><\/a> before selecting the one that is right for you. While many factors will go into choosing your therapist, cost is a way you can narrow down who you want to work with.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Convenience<\/h3>\n

Teletherapy is often much more convenient than in-person therapy. The flexible schedule means you can book treatment around your work, social and personal obligations. You don’t have to adjust your work hours or childcare to accommodate your appointments. This increased accessibility means you don’t need to worry about switching providers if you move and can continue your therapy even when on vacation or when traveling for work.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Teletherapy also gives you access to a broader range of providers, <\/span>including out-of-state<\/span><\/a> providers in most instances. Not only does this mean you’re more likely to find a good match, but you’re also more likely to get early morning or late evening appointments due to differing time zones.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Improved standard of living<\/h3>\n

Mental healthcare is essential, and that has become even <\/span>more apparent<\/a> in the COVID-19 er<\/span>a. The pandemic brought worsening anxiety, social isolation and depression. Young people were widely affected by this, with school closures, masks, and social distancing making kids feel disconnected and alone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While the need for therapy is paramount, in many rural areas, in-person options can be hard to come by. Teletherapy opens up opportunities for these communities, bringing critical care to those who need it. No matter where they’re located, they can get the help they need.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

More motivation to get care<\/h3>\n

Unfortunately, there is still a stigma around mental illness, and some may avoid therapy, fearing that someone will see them entering or leaving a therapist’s office. Because teletherapy can happen at home, it offers some privacy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, for many in rural communities, the drive to the therapist’s office could take hours. Teletherapy makes getting help much more convenient, removing commute time for patients. It also allows teens and young adults who cannot drive to still benefit from therapy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Teletherapy also expands who can receive care as well. For instance, it can be difficult for patients to find providers who speak different languages in certain areas. Virtual therapy means that non-English speaking patients can more easily find a provider without worrying about traveling long distances. <\/span><\/p>\n

The bottom line<\/h3>\n

Teletherapy is an excellent resource for patients, especially those in rural areas. It provides ready and convenient access to mental health professionals so everyone can get the help they need.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Need a doctor? Find one<\/a> on Zocdoc.<\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

More people are able to access mental healthcare now that teletherapy has expanded. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":95,"featured_media":20145,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[227],"tags":[103,108,56],"class_list":["post-20144","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-prep","tag-doctors-and-patients","tag-primary-care","reviewer-dr-nassim-assefi"],"yoast_head":"\nHow Teletherapy Helps Individuals in Remote Areas - Guides<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"More people are able to access mental healthcare now that teletherapy has expanded.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/how-teletherapy-helps-individuals-in-remote-areas\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How Teletherapy Helps Individuals in Remote Areas - 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