Telehealth offers online, or remote, treatment provided by a licensed and certified therapist through a secure audio or video connection. Patients can interact with their therapists the same way they do during in-person sessions, just from the comfort of their home or anywhere with cell reception.

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All telephone and online teletherapy sessions must comply with state and local laws to follow a specific set of HIPAA-compliant standards. To participate in this innovative type of therapy, users must have a secure internet connection, a private place to talk, and access to a phone, computer, or tablet.

Telehealth is any remote healthcare service that uses technology to help the treatment provider and client communicate. Some examples of telehealth communication avenues:

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• Medication provider or therapy sessions over the phone

• using videoconferencing for individual, couples, or group therapy

• using apps which connect clients to therapists or providers and offer appointments within the app

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Benefits of Telehealth

Research suggests that telehealth can be just as effective as in-person therapy. The benefits of seeking research-supported telehealth with a licensed provider include:

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• Greater access to care: Individuals may be unable to use traditional in-person therapy due to physical disabilities, geographic location, or scheduling issues.

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• Lower costs: Telehealth may help clients save money on treatment. Clients are also likely to incur fewer therapy-associated expenses when they do not have to travel to receive treatment or pay for child care.

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• High satisfaction: Users of telehealth report a higher satisfaction with treatment.

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• More privacy: People who choose telehealth do not have to sit in waiting rooms, but can seek treatment in the privacy of their own homes. For some, this alleviates privacy concerns.

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• Better public health: The COVID-19 health crisis demonstrates that the ability to seek medical care at home can slow the spread of illness and protect vulnerable populations. Telehealth allows people to get mental health treatment at home without risking the spread of infection during epidemics and pandemics.