Telehealth
Telehealth sessions make therapy flexible.
As a result of safety precautions due to the on-going pandemic, City Center Psychotherapy went to fully virtual (telehealth) therapy offerings in March 2020 and remains fully virtual currently. Although we plan to return to offering in-person therapy options at our Manhattan location when it is safe to do so, we recognize that virtual therapy is actually an ideal format for some of our clients. We plan to offer virtual therapy as an on-going option, even once our office resumes in-person offerings. Contact us to learn more about what virtual or blended (switching off between both in-person and virtual sessions) therapy plans look like.
What is telehealth?
According to the Health Resources Services Administration, telehealth is defined as “the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration” (via HealthIT.gov) Simply put, therapy done in a remote or virtual setting is a type of telehealth.
Call or email us today to hear more about telehealth at City Center Pyschotherapy.
How telehealth can work for you
Although the pandemic has necessitated a move from traditional, in-person therapy to virtual sessions, there are many ways in which telehealth can be a better fit for some individuals.
Safety and accessibility matter
Our primary concern is keeping our client safe. Telehealth allows us to offer treatment options in the safest way possible currently. Telehealth also means increased access for those who cannot easily travel outside the home.
Telehealth cuts down on commuting
There are obvious time-saving benefits. For those with already demanding schedules, telehealth can be a more practical option instead of traveling to the therapist’s office. A virtual session can take place anywhere you feel comfortable, where you are assured an appropriate level of privacy and minimal distraction.
A virtual session can also help with logistical concerns and costs (child care, trains or parking expenses, etc.).
Giving your therapist a peek into your world
With each virtual session, you are inviting your therapist into your world. That may mean into your living room, or office, or—if you’re short on private space at home—your car. This can provide your therapist with unique insights into your lived experience that would not otherwise be available—insights which can help your therapist better tailor your treatment.
Unique opportunities
While there are limitations to telehealth, it also provides unique opportunities. One example is for individuals doing Exposure and Prevention Response Therapy: many times, a client may have issues within the home environment that, when addressed in the therapist’s office, lack the same immediacy. Exposure exercises done in the therapist’s office in such cases would approximate the experience of the home. With telehealth, clients are able to do exposure exercises directly in the home environment, confronting many concerns directly, in every day life.
Another opportunity unique to telehealth is the ability to do a joint session with someone you wish to involve that would not otherwise be able to participate. With telehealth, there is flexibility in who you can have join your session.
A variety of easy-to-use platforms
Our therapists typically provide several video platform options when arranging telehealth sessions with clients. Per guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services, we are able to offer sessions over platforms such as Zoom, Doxy, GoogleMeet, and FaceTime. Many of these platforms allow easy file sharing, so your therapist can tell you about a great article to read and then send it to you right away.
Telehealth allows you to do therapy anywhere.
With telehealth, your therapist will gain insights into your life.
We offer several different video conferencing platforms and will work to find one that suits your comfort.
Is telehealth right for me?
We’re here to help you understand more about what a telehealth session would be like.
Find a location where you will feel most comfortable having your session.
In-person therapy may be the best option for some.
Setting yourself up for success with telehealth
Think that telehealth might be the best option for you? Here are some helpful guidelines when preparing for a telehealth session.
Create space around your appointment
Just as you would plan for travel time to and from an in-person therapy session, remember to build space around your virtual session in order to be in the right mindset. Although life is full of challenges and there are constantly things demanding our time and attention, remember that your telehealth session is for your well-being.
Find a welcoming space in which to have your session
In a therapist’s office, you will be welcomed with a comfortable chair, a calming atmosphere, and the assurance of privacy. It may be difficult to replicate the therapist’s office at home: an intrusion from family members or roommates, an unexpected call, or interfering noise can distract from the important work you are doing with your therapist. As best you can, try to limit the likelihood of disruptions—and remember that we can’t entirely prevent them.
Remain engaged, even at a distance
Although you may be attending your session from your home, in a way you are also stepping into the therapist’s office through your screen. Bring the same level of engagement to your virtual session as you would to an in-person session. It might be helpful to speak with your therapist at the first session about how to set yourself up for telehealth. Some things you would have never done in the therapist’s office (wearing your pjs) have become grayer areas, while some distractions (texting a friend or making a sandwich) are definitely not going to serve you.
If telehealth isn’t working for you, that’s okay!
It may be that telehealth just isn’t the best method for you. The truth is that there are people for whom in-person is simply the best therapy option. The good news is that, when it’s safe to return to in-person sessions, City Center therapists will be available for in-office sessions again.
