Telehealth, telemedicine and virtual therapy have been around for a while, but in a world where many more people are working from home and limiting contact with the outside world, engagement with online health and wellness platforms has skyrocketed. These necessary services provide many benefits to those who need care, such as convenience, privacy and safety. Here are some forms of therapy you can access without leaving your home.
In This Article
Talk Based Therapy
Talk therapy refers to a range of psychotherapy treatments that require a deep dive into mental, emotional and behavioral issues. Typically, psychoanalysis is conducted in one-on-one, pairs or group settings with a professional, such as a clinical mental health practitioner, licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist. The type of therapy and psychological theories used to treat your condition is determined by your needs and goals. Traditionally, access to therapy was hindered by factors like cost and location, but now you can receive convenient and affordable personalized care via online mental health services platforms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
While talk therapy focuses on discovering the underlying causes of your mental or emotional distress, cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to change the troubling thoughts and actions that prevent you from reaching your life goals. Your therapist will help you understand how your emotions affect your behavior using valuable techniques such as:
- Coping tools
- Reconceptualization
- Exposure therapy
- Relaxation training
- Stress inoculation training
With the ability to question and modify your own thoughts, you’ll be able to challenge the negativity you harbor towards yourself and begin to work on bettering your future.
Virtual Reality Therapy
Virtual reality immersion therapy, also known as computerized CBT, is the use of technology for occupational or psychological treatment. This process places patients or clients into a computer-created illusion that removes them from their real-life surroundings. In an isolated but controlled digital environment, users can safely interact with innocuous depictions of traumatic stimuli for the purpose of desensitization. Virtual reality therapy is especially effective for those who suffer from PTSD as well as helping people with autism improve social skills.
Medication
Sometimes, talk therapy isn’t enough, and you need chemical intervention to address your brain function and help you tackle your declining mental health. Gone are the days where you need to drive to the psychiatrist’s office and sit on the couch waiting for a doctor to write you a prescription for anxiety, insomnia, ADHD or depression. Now, you can meet with a telehealth professional who can diagnose your mental health condition, provide support through phone or video chats and prescribe the appropriate medication for your symptoms.
The recent surge in online therapy has skyrocketed due to factors like easy access, lower cost, flexibility and comfort. Telehealth has also proven to be just as effective as traditional treatment. If any of the therapeutic strategies on this list appeal to you, contact your health care provider to find out if online mental health services could be a good solution for you based on your circumstances, needs and goals.
