Earthrise Counseling

Telehealth Counseling

Researchers looked at more than 60 studies and found that seeing a therapist virtually is just as effective as face-to-face sessions for most people with anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD). Another 40 studies showed online therapy for treating depression to be more effective than not receiving therapy in any form

(UCLA Health, 2021).

Research on telepsychology began in the 1960s and has since demonstrated that remote care through phone or video can be effective in treating a variety of conditions across age groups, and has been particularly beneficial for increasing access to mental healthcare[1][3][5]. In addition, systematic reviews have demonstrated the effectiveness of virtual counseling for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder[14], in addition to substance use, eating disorders, and other problems in children and adolescents[10]. Greenwood et al. (2022) found no significant differences between telehealth counseling and face-to-face care delivery across various outcomes, such as overall improvement, function, working alliance- client, working alliance- therapist, and client satisfaction. This was consistent across various intervals (3, 6, and 12 months)[4].

Similarly, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs found that PTSD interventions delivered via videoconference were as effective as in-person interventions in most cases[12].

Mental healthcare providers have been using remote treatment options such as videoconferencing for therapy, evaluations, and medication management for over six decades

(Hilty et al., 2013).

Another study in the Journal of Affective Disorders compared a group of people receiving internet-based CBT treatment for depression with a group receiving in-person CBT treatment[15]. The study found that not only was the online treatment just as effective as the in-person treatment, but that participants in the internet-based treatment group had fewer symptoms three months after treatment while the in-person group’s symptoms became worse. Some research even suggests that remote treatment may be superior to in-person consultations for certain patients[8][11].

Telehealth Counseling Is Effective

In conclusion, studies show that virtual counseling works! A study reviewing 755 journal articles found video conferencing to be just as effective as in-person care in most cases[2][5]. Telehealth counseling is an effective, convenient, and great way to receive quality mental health care.

Embracing the Benefits of Telehealth Counseling:
  • Convenience and Accessibility: Telehealth counseling offers a convenient alternative to in-person sessions, empowering individuals to prioritize their mental health from virtually anywhere. You can attend sessions from the comfort of your home or any private location, which can be helpful if you are experiencing challenges with mobility. Telehealth counseling has also been shown to reduce patient-incurred costs and time associated with travel[9], as well as improve accessibility of mental healthcare for those living in rural areas[6][7][16].
  • Confidential Virtual Sessions: Online therapy provides a private space to address sensitive topics, reducing stigma and fostering openness.
  • Continuity of Care: Telehealth counseling provides uninterrupted care, ensuring support even during travel, remote residence, or unexpected circumstances.
  • Enhanced Therapist Selection: Telehealth offers access to a wider array of therapists specializing in diverse areas and therapeutic approaches, empowering you to discover a therapist who deeply resonates with you.

Essential Factors to Consider for Telehealth Counseling

  • Technology Requirements: A stable internet connection and a reliable device with working audio and video (e.g. computer, tablet, or smartphone) is required.
  • Comfort and Environment: Choose a quiet and peaceful space for your teletherapy sessions, free from interruptions and noise.
  • Counselor- Client Proximity: Your counselor will not be in the same environment as you and may need to direct you to appropriate services in the event of a crisis or an emergency.
Embracing the Potential of Telehealth Counseling for Positive Change
  • Prioritize Teletherapy Sessions: Fully commit to your virtual counseling sessions by dedicating focused time to minimize distractions and maximize benefits.
  • Open Communication: Communicate openly with your therapist about your goals, concerns, and progress to build trust and ensure a positive counseling experience.
  • Flexibility: Align virtual counseling sessions with your schedule, daily routine, and preferences.

Telehealth counseling is an effective modality to receiving quality mental health care. An awareness of current research, advantages, and suggestions on enhancing your experience can encourage greater confidence when selecting telehealth counseling.

Explore the empowering potential of telehealth counseling in nurturing your mental health and well-being. Reach out to Earthrise Counseling to book a Free 15-Minute Consultation session by clicking the button below!

References

1. Bulkes, N. Z., Davis, K., Kay, B., & Riemann, B. C. (2022). Comparing efficacy of telehealth to in-person mental health care in intensive-treatment-seeking adults. Journal of psychiatric research, 145, 347–352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.11.003

2. Bellanti, D.M., Kelber, M.S., Workman, D.E., Beech, E.H., Belsher, B.E. Rapid Review on the Effectiveness of Telehealth Interventions for the Treatment of Behavioral Health Disorders, Military Medicine, Volume 187, Issue 5-6, May/June 2022, Pages e577–e588, https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usab318

3. Godleski, L., Darkins, A., & Peters, J. (2012). Outcomes of 98,609 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Patients Enrolled in Telemental Health Services, 2006–2010. Psychiatric Services, 63(4), 383–385. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201100206

4. Greenwood, H., Krzyzaniak, N., Peiris, R., Clark, J., Scott, A. M., Cardona, M., Griffith, R., & Glasziou, P. (2022). Telehealth Versus Face-to-face Psychotherapy for Less Common Mental Health Conditions: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. JMIR mental health, 9(3), e31780. https://doi.org/10.2196/31780https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35275081/

5. Hilty, D. M., Ferrer, D. C., Parish, M. B., Johnston, B., Callahan, E. J., & Yellowlees, P. M. (2013). The effectiveness of telemental health: a 2013 review. Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association, 19(6), 444–454. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2013.0075

6. Manfredi L., Shupe J., Batki S.L. Rural jail telepsychiatry: a pilot feasibility study. Telemed. e Health. 2005;11(5):574–577. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16250821/

7. Morland L.A., Greene C.J., Rosen C.S., Foy D., Reilly P., Shore J., et al. Telemedicine for anger management therapy in a rural population of combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized noninferiority trial. J. Clin. Psychiatr. 2010;71(7):855–863. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20122374/

8. Pakyurek M., Yellowlees P., Hilty D. The child and adolescent telepsychiatry consultation: can it be a more effective clinical process for certain patients than conventional practice? Telemed. e Health. 2010;16(3):289–292. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20406115/

9. Rabinowitz T., Murphy K.M., Amour J.L., Ricci M.A., Caputo M.P., Newhouse P.A. Benefits of a telepsychiatry consultation service for rural nursing home residents. Telemed. e Health. 2010;16(1):34–40. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20070161/

10. Slone, N. C., Reese, R. J., & McClellan, M. J. (2012). Telepsychology outcome research with children and adolescents: a review of the literature. Psychological services, 9(3), 272–292. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0027607

11. Storch E.A., Ehrenreich May J., Wood J.J., Jones A.M., De Nadai A.S., Lewin A.B., et al. Multiple informant agreement on the anxiety disorders interview schedule in youth with autism spectrum disorders. J. Child Adolesc. Psychopharmacol. 2012;22(4):292–299. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22856332/

12. Turgoose, D., Ashwick, R., & Murphy, D. (2018). Systematic review of lessons learned from delivering tele-therapy to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of telemedicine and telecare, 24(9), 575–585. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X17730443

13. UCLA Health. (2021, November 29). Is online therapy right for you?. UCLA Health. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/is-online-therapy-right-for-you#:~:text=Researchers%20looked%20at%20more%20than,traumatic%20stress%20disorder%20(PSTD)

14. Varker, T., Brand, R. M., Ward, J., Terhaag, S., & Phelps, A. (2019). Efficacy of synchronous telepsychology interventions for people with anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and adjustment disorder: A rapid evidence assessment. Psychological services, 16(4), 621–635. https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000239

15. Wagner B,  Horn A, Maercker A. Internet-based versus face-to-face cognitive-behavioral intervention for depression: A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2014;152–154:113-121.

16. Weiner M.F., Rossetti H.C., Harrah K. Videoconference diagnosis and management of Choctaw Indian dementia patients. Alzheimer’s Dementia. 2011;7(6):562–566. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210436/

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