Telehealth Therapy
What Is Telehealth Therapy?
Taking out the commute to and from the therapy office and adding in the comfort of your own home (or car) are two of the benefits of online therapy. Commonly revered to as telehealth therapy, remote therapy, e-therapy, or online therapy, is just like in-person therapy. The only difference is that you and your therapist are not present in the same room.
We use PHIPA-compliant technology from Canadian companies with servers located in Ontario. Feeling comfortable and safe are important aspects of successful therapy. We would like you to be able to focus on the therapeutic process without having to worry about your privacy.
Is Telehealth Therapy Effective?
The short answer is “Yes, it is”. The pandemic has highlighted how important it is to feel connected to others, and that feeling supported does not know any boundaries. Telehealth therapy can be used to work on the same mental health issues as in-person therapy and has the same therapeutic outcomes.
Telehealth is not a new concept and has been steadily researched since the 1960’s. The first recorded use of virtual therapy dates back to 1959 where the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute provided both longer-term therapy and group therapy using video conferencing. Since then, numerous studies have shown both the efficacy and validity of using either phone or video for therapy.
What Can Telehealth Therapy Be Used For?
Online therapy can be used to work on the same therapy goals as in-person therapy. Clients have sought telehealth therapy to work on the following mental health struggles:
- What-if thoughts and intrusive thoughts;
- Difficulty sleeping or falling asleep;
- Nightmares and flashbacks;
- Depressive and suicidal thoughts;
- Social anxiety;
- Communication issues;
- Eating disorders;
- Struggling with addiction and substance-use;
- PTSD and trauma;
- Bullying;
- Feeling lonely and isolated;
- Work-related stress.
Can Telehealth Therapy Be Used For EMDR, And Is It As Effective?
Yes it can, and yes it is as effective as in-person therapy. The method of bilateral stimulation fundamental to EMDR treatment can be delivered in different forms: side-to-side eye movements, hand tapping on arms or legs, walking with the feet while staying seated, light bars or tactile devices.
An example of bilateral stimulation for EMDR in telehealth therapy is using the butterfly hug to tap on one’s upper arms in an alternating motion. Since the pandemic, different apps and online modalities have been developed to allow for eye movements, as apposed to tapping, for online EMDR sessions. Your therapist might use a combination of these bilateral stimulation techniques in your sessions.
What Equipment Do I Need For Telehealth Therapy?
For telehealth therapy using video, all you need is a device that has an internet connection using data or WIFI. The program we use can be used on a cell phone, laptop, computer and tablet.
Can We Do A Combination Of Online And In-Person Therapy?
Absolutely, keeping in mind that the COVID-19 pandemic rules affect this option. We take both yours and our health and safety very serious. Therefor, we follow the rules set out by the CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) regarding in-office therapy.
When rules and regulation permit, we can use both in-office therapy and telehealth therapy interchangeably. This is something you can discuss with your therapist.
How Much Does Telehealth Therapy Cost?
At Private Matters Psychotherapy, the cost of online and in-person therapy is the same.
Is Telehealth Therapy Covered By Insurance?
Every insurance policy is different and depends on what was agreed on with your employer. For this reason, we advise you to check with your insurance company whether your insurance policy covers for telehealth therapy by a Registered Psychotherapist.