Effectiveness of Telehealth Psychology
For people living in cities, prior to COVID-19, the idea of seeing a health professional over the phone or via videocall may have seemed a bit far-fetched. However, for people living in rural and remote areas, Telehealth services have been the norm for years, and often the only way to access specialist health services.
Some people may still have doubts about using Telehealth or online services to access specialist support. Here, we look at some of the most common concerns people have about using Telehealth for psychological and counselling support.
Is Telehealth as effective as seeing someone face to face?
Yes, studies have shown that attending psychology services online is just as effective as seeing someone face-to-face.
For some people, they even report feeling more comfortable with seeing a psychologist who doesn’t live in their area, so they don’t risk running into them at the shops or feeling like everyone knows their business when walking into the local psychologist’s office. This can create greater feelings of privacy and confidentiality and increase the likelihood of fully engaging with their therapist.
There is also the benefit of not having to travel to and from appointments, and some studies have shown better appointment attendance due to the ease and lower time demands of Telehealth.
Is Telehealth psychology private?
Yes, each psychology provider uses a secure online video chat platform. The sessions are never recorded, so long as you are attending your online counselling sessions in a private environment, the information shared with your psychologist remains between the two of you.
How can I get the most out of my online psychology session?
Before your session:
Ask your provider for instructions on how to access your session. Links to your secure session are usually provided via text message or email, although some may require you to download an App or free software to your computer. Log into your session a bit early so that you can check your internet signal, and your video and microphone settings.
It may help to write down the things you’d like to talk about before the session so that you don’t forget anything. If your psychologist has asked for any information or given you “homework” from a previous session, make sure you have that handy.
If using your phone or a portable device, make sure it is fully charged and have access to your charging cable.
During your session:
Make sure that you have privacy and won’t be interrupted during the session. Keep a notepad and pen nearby in case you need to take notes. A glass of water or a cuppa might be helpful, as might some tissues, depending on what you are discussing.
Isn’t talking to a psychologist online a bit impersonal?
Some people feel that it might be hard to make a connection with someone over the internet, especially when talking about very serious and personal issues. While this may be true for some, studies have shown that the effectiveness of Telehealth psychology is similar to face-to-face psychology. Even with face-to-face sessions, it can take some time to build a relationship with your therapist and feel comfortable opening up to them.
Remember, clients are more than welcome to use Navicare’s Telehealth room at the Moranbah Youth & Community Centre for their psychology appointments. We can help you access your online appointments, fill out paperwork, and make you a cuppa after your session. This might ease the transition into accessing your counselling online.
Call Navicare on (07) 4941 9784 for more information about using Navicare’s Telehealth facility.
One of Navicare’s Mental Health Care Navigators can assist you in using the Telehealth facility at the Moranbah Youth & Community Centre for your psychology appointments.