Telemental is the provision of mental health services over the phone, through video, or via message/text. It can even be a combination of all three. Before I began providing telemental health services, I was concerned about its efficacy, ethical implications, and confidentiality. After doing my research, I felt that it was worth trying. Now that I have been providing telemental health services, I can agree that it meets my standards for an effective alternative to in-person mental health treatment for many situations and individuals.
More importantly to my opinion of telemental health, it's important to look at the literature. So far, there is overwhelming evidence that telemental health is just as effective as in-person options or "treatment as usual." Here are a few studies that support the use of telemental health.
I think that it is worth noting that telemental health has is downsides. First, there is not the face-to-face contact. A huge part of communication involves body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal actions. I always check in with my clients regarding any missed communication to compensate for not being physically present together. Going to an office can provide a sense of containment and privacy that you may not be able to achieve inside your home. Another drawback includes the technology issues that are sometimes experienced. Slow internet connections, dropped calls, and other unexpected interruptions can take place. However, these disruptions can be easily planned for and mitigated.
The positives: telemental health is convenient. You just need a phone or computer or both. There is no need to travel, and if you live in Los Angeles, that is a big deal! You can be in your own comfortable space while we talk through your presenting challenges. Another benefit that I have discovered is that often times, people feel more comfortable disclosing difficult information when there is a distinct separation between the therapist and the client. One of the most significant benefits to telemental health, aside from the convenience, is the cost. Because there is no office to rent, the cost of therapy is much lower. I have also found that consistency is more readily achieved through telemental health. Because there is less of a time commitment (no travel time), cancellations are few and schedules can be a bit more flexible.
I do have some guidelines for receiving telemental health. They can't be enforced, but I do hope that people who decide to work with me take them seriously.
- Please be properly clothed during session - even if the session is telephone only.
- Please don't be under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or other mind-altering substances.
- Please be alone.
- Please don't be driving or operating any other machinery during session. This includes bicycles, skateboards, scooters, etc.
- Please do your best to limit any distractions that may take your attention away from the session.
- Please don't be eating food during session.
- Feel free to have your pet with you if your pet helps you feel comfortable and relaxed.
- Feel free to fidget, draw, color, or take notes.
If you have other questions or concerned about telemental health, I'm happy to talk them through. I have no desire to try to convince you or sell you my services. If you think that telemental health is a good fit for you and you feel comfortable with me, then great! If not, that's great too. Your treatment should be decided by you.