A Guide to Tele-Mental Health
By Sara Marasco, LMSW
Social distancing has become our new reality with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. For many, particularly during these stressful and uncertain times, this has meant finding a way to access new or ongoing mental health care in a new format.
Telehealth provides a solution for distanced mental health care, and may now be serving its most important role in history. Telehealth isn’t a new tool; in fact, it’s been around for decades. Studies have shown that tele-mental health is cost-effective, increases access to care (especially for rural, underserved, and older populations), and importantly, is as effective as face-to-face mental health care.
If you are in search of mental health care or are deciding whether to transition your existing care online, you might have some questions about whether this is the right choice and what to expect. Here, we’ll try to answer some of your questions, allowing you to make the best choice for yourself.
How do I get started?
Talk with your provider about whether they offer telehealth services. If so, they may have you sign a telehealth consent form.
Your provider will select a platform of choice for their telehealth services. This will often be a secure, private platform that offers audio and/or video. Examples include Zoom, BlueJeans, or Doxy. Everyday platforms like FaceTime or Skype might also be an option, especially with the recent flexibility in security requirements. Talk with your provider about what makes you feel comfortable.
What does it cost?
Rates will vary by provider: Make sure to ask your provider about their rates before getting started.
Many tele-mental health services are covered by insurance, but it depends on what type you have. Contact your insurance provider before your first session to understand your coverage. Ask your provider ahead of time for the billing codes that they’ll be submitting; this can help in your conversation with your insurance provider.
What are the pros of telehealth?
It has been shown to be as effective as face-to-face services.
Accessing care from your home can be comforting and familiar.
If you like to walk and talk, you can take your provider for a stroll! Just check in with them first to ensure that’s okay and won’t cause a poor connection or motion sickness.
If transportation, parking, or navigating bad weather are challenges for you, telehealth can make physically getting to your appointment a non-issue.
Not feeling well enough to leave your home, but still up for a session? Telehealth can allow you to receive care while maintaining your rest and keeping others healthy.
If you have a pet that brings you comfort, you can have them join your session.
Won’t telehealth feel… weird?
Maybe! And maybe not. What’s important with new experiences is to extend yourself a bit of compassion for whatever feelings arise. It’s normal for things to feel different over telehealth - of course it does! If you’re used to being in the same room as your provider, this is a totally new experience.
Sometimes there can be hiccups in the internet connection. It’s okay- your provider is used to it and will be willing to guide you. Think of this as an opportunity to practice your skills of flexibility and openness.
Will my services always be online?
Have an upfront conversation with your provider about their practice policies and your treatment plan. If your provider is local, you may be able to transition to face-to-face services in the future. If your provider is not local, your services might be able to remain online.
Okay. What can I do to make this go as smoothly as possible?
So glad you asked! There are several things you can do to optimize your technology, your environment, and your mindset.
Technology:
Many platforms have a preview of your own video in the corner. If you find that distracting, minimize the preview box or try covering it with a post-it note.
Mute your sound when you’re not speaking to prevent audio feedback.
Close all other browser windows and computer programs.
Turn on “do not disturb” on your electronic device(s) prior to your session so you don’t receive distracting notifications.
Try using headphones with a built-in microphone to improve audio quality.
Utilize a strong wi-fi connection when possible, rather than cellular data.
Environment:
Find a private space. We know this can be tricky- ideas from our clients have included a bathroom, a closet, or even sitting in the car.
Placing a white noise machine outside your space can further increase privacy. If you don’t own a white noise machine, there are also smartphone apps dedicated to playing white noise.
Minimize distractions; try to focus as much as you would in a face-to-face session. Turn off the TV and place your phone out of reach, if needed.
Get comfortable! Settle into your favorite chair (try to avoid a rocking chair to minimize motion), put on some cozy slippers, make yourself a cup of tea… whatever makes you feel good.
Mindset:
Expect some bumps. You and your therapist might interrupt each other, or there might be some connection issues requiring a page refresh. This is all normal.
Roll with it. Try breathing, relaxing your body, smiling, or slowing down. Work with your provider to problem-solve anything that isn’t feeling right.
Notice any uncomfortable feelings that arise, and try not to judge those feelings. You and your provider are in this together. You both showed up, which indicates you’re willing to make it work!
Do your best to be kind to yourself as you navigate this new process.
Only you can know what feels right in your next steps for care. If you’ve been considering tele-mental health services as an option- or if it happens to be your only option- we hope this has answered some questions and will help you access the care that you need and deserve.
Providers at Grove Emotional Health Collaborative are currently accepting new clients via telehealth. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our care coordinator, Sara Van Assche, at (734) 224-3822 ext 102.