Telehealth: The New Frontier

COVID changed the world. In one breath, we stood still in fear, and in the next, we adapted all our routines to fit this new era. Mental health was no different. Telehealth, which was once reserved for doctors' offices, suddenly became the new method of meeting with clients. We went from meeting in offices to seeing each other through a screen. It felt weird at first, a little harder to connect, but beneath that came some unexpected benefits

Clients who could not access mental health services were suddenly able to see a provider due to decreased prices and less hassle. Patients who were otherwise too scared to leave their house found they could still have access to much-needed resources. Group sessions allow for people who might not have social interaction, particularly during COVID, an opportunity to interact with people in similar situations. Providers and clients benefited from the flexibility of scheduling and ease of access during a crisis.

Fast forward a few years, and the benefits remain the same. They have shaped the way we access mental health services forever. Perhaps when you consider a therapist, you go, "I want someone in person." I urge you to consider the benefits and try telehealth. Allow a therapist to show how they can reach beyond a screen and still touch your life by providing healing services. A screen may not be as dividing as you think.

For an interesting read, I encourage you to read Telehealth and Beyond: Promoting the Mental Well-Being of Children and Adolescents During COVID

Damian, A.J., Stinchfield, K., Kearney, R.T. (2022). Telehealth and beyond: Promoting the mental well-being of children and adolescents during COVID. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2022.793167