How Telehealth Helps Provide Care for More People
It can be hard to find mental health care when you need it. And the cost of seeing someone in person is often too high. You might not have insurance or money to cover it. Or maybe you’ve avoided getting help because of the stigma around mental illness. But what if there were a mental healthcare option that addressed all of these issues and concerns?
That’s where telehealth comes in: It offers a solution for people who need help with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other illnesses but don’t want to or cannot leave their house.
Telehealth can be used as an alternative form of therapy so that more people get the treatment they need. Here are a few ways telehealth makes mental health help more accessible:
1.Telehealth saves time and money
Given the convenience and efficiency of telehealth, it’s no surprise that it is frequently less expensive than face-to-face treatment. Online therapy does not require extra commuting or travel time, allowing therapists to charge less for it generally. Not to mention, patients can save their valuable time away from work or time spent traveling back and forth.
With the majority of telehealth services, patients can access their therapist daily through features like unlimited messaging. Scheduling appointments is typically more convenient as well, especially for last-minute, urgent needs
2.Telehealth is accessible regardless of insurance
Insurance coverage for telehealth is widespread telehealth isn’t novel; it’s been around for years now. Insurance companies are starting to catch on, too. Plenty of telehealth services accept most major insurance types with standard copayments or without any out-of-pocket fees.
A lack of employment and insurance are prevalent and major issues for many people with mental health needs. In some cases, the mental health need itself, such as a mood disorder, is the root cause. Thankfully, most telehealth services charge flat monthly rates, where people can choose plans according to their needs and preferences
3.Telehealth can manage your medication
It’s not only the cost of therapy services that prevent people from getting mental health care. The high price of medication is one major reason why people discontinue the treatment they need.
While your level of insurance will ultimately predict the costs of medication, telehealth makes filling medications easier. Many telehealth services offer medication management services, and your online therapist can send a prescription or refill to your pharmacy. Some plans even include shipping prescriptions directly to your home
4.Telehealth can be a more comfortable means of care
Telehealth is ideal for people who feel uncomfortable talking about their mental health in person. With telehealth, counselors can talk with patients using webcams and screen-sharing technology
5.Teletherapy allows for social distancing
One vital factor in seeking help through telehealth currently is that it allows one to remain socially distant. Telehealth is ideal for anyone who has a compromised immune system or shudders at the thought of sitting in a waiting room filled with patients. Telehealth eliminates the risk of sickness for someone, allowing them to partake in therapy from the comfort of their home.
If telehealth makes mental health care more accessible, it can ultimately make it easier for everyone who needs treatment to get it. Telehealth means reaching out and getting help is less complicated and frightening than before for numerous reasons. This greater access is essential given the increase in mental health symptoms throughout this pandemic. People need access to care now more than ever – though they always will. Thanks to telehealth, people can get it in a way that fits their lifestyle and budget but doesn’t compromise their physical health.
Join our online community and get FREE exclusive content about happiness and your mindset. You’ll gain access to expert knowledge, webinars, live events, innovative programs, and self-development tools inside the community to help you cultivate a positive mindset.