Distance or telemental health, also referred to as online therapy, has gained in popularity in recent years. It’s a great option for patients who may not be able to reach oen of our offices for regular appointments. It gives a greater number of people access to the counseling and therapy services they need. If you’re interested in learning more about the telemental health services available at Arkansas Counseling & Wellness, keep reading and please don’t hesitate to call our team. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and tell you more about our treatment options.
Distance/Tele-Mental Health
What is Distance/Telemental Health?
Online therapy, also known as distance counseling or telemental health, allows a client to have broader access to care. The counselor can provide counseling and support over the internet through video conferencing and telephone calls. In our office, we do ask that patients attend their first session in person, but after this initial visit, we will work with you to determine what method of distance therapy suits your needs.
Who Should Consider Telemental Health Therapy?
Telemental health may be useful to those who cannot leave their home or hospital due to medical or other reasons, those who work unconventional hours, as well as those who live in rural or remote areas of Arkansas. This service is for those clients age 13 and older.
Is Distance Therapy the Same as In-Person Sessions?
Apart from providing these services in a virtual space, we do our best to make these sessions as close to traditional counseling and therapy as possible. Just because you’re not sitting right in front of your counselor, doesn’t mean you won’t receive the same dedicated time and attention you deserve.
What Happens During Telemental Health Therapy?
Like an in-person session, patients will talk to their counselor one-on-one for an hour during a scheduled appointment time. These appointments can be conducted either via phone call or video conference, depending on the patients’ needs and access to the necessary technology. We do encourage clients to video conference when possible. It can make a big difference for you to be able to see your counselors and vice versa during therapy sessions. Regardless of what contact method you choose, our professional counselors will work diligently to ensure a positive experience and help you to make progress towards your treatment goals.
How Much Does Distance/Telemental Health Therapy Cost?
Because we work to provide the same quality of service for our distance patients, the costs of treatment are typically the same as those for in-person therapy. Many insurance companies do provide coverage for these services. If you have specific questions about insurance or payment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our billing department team. They’ll be happy to help you.