In April 2020, I wrote an article for The UpTake about telemental health and telepsychology. At that time, I had been working remotely for about one month and had just gotten certified in telemental health. I also thought that working from home was a short-term solution. Weeks have become months, and although schools are looking to resume in-person classes this fall, my practice continues to be entirely online. Although I already had some experience and training in telemental health, there has been a bit of a learning curve, especially with young children.
With these challenges, though, there is a silver lining. Clients of all ages who struggle with leaving their homes (due to agoraphobia, sensory issues, or severe depression) who normally would have cancelled or missed appointments because they could not get to my office can meet with me without having to get out of bed. Those with unreliable transportation don’t have to find a way to get to me because I can come to them. Sioux Falls Psychological Services says, “We meet you were you are, offering hope,” and that is true in a literal sense now more than ever!
If you’re dealing with mental illness, whether symptoms are new or have affected you for years, telemental health offers access that was not possible years ago. Although clients who are used to in-person sessions have had to adjust to online therapy, most are able to do so, and research has shown that treatment outcomes for telemental health are comparable to in-person sessions.
It’s always the right time to ask for help!