Exploring Telemental Health: How to Find the Best Teletherapy Services

Therapy can be helpful for many mental health concerns. But not everyone has easy access to it. You might not have a way to get to and from in-person appointments. Or you might not have local therapists available. 

Teletherapy, sometimes called “telemental health,” or “telepsychology,” is more convenient and accessible — but what exactly is this kind of service? With teletherapy, you can meet with a therapist via phone or video conferencing rather than in person. 

We’ll explore this option in much more detail below and explain why it’s helpful. We’ll also show you how to choose a telemedicine provider for therapy — and how to make the most of your therapy for improved mental well-being! 

What is telemental health?

Teletherapy uses telecommunication technology for therapy sessions. So you’ll meet with a therapist or counselor via video chat or talk to them over the phone. 

The use of teletherapy grew during the COVID-19 public health emergency. But it has remained popular, and more people than ever are seeking video-based mental health care services. In fact, virtual therapy even has higher attendance and completion rates than in-person visits. 

Benefits of telemental health

Why are more people turning to teletherapy these days? In short, virtual therapy makes it easier and often more affordable to access mental health services — and here’s why:

Accessibility and convenience 

Some people live in remote or rural areas where they can’t easily get to in-person therapy sessions. In some cases, these areas don’t offer many options — or any — in terms of therapists or counselors. 

But when you use teletherapy services, you can choose a therapist who is located anywhere, so you have a lot more options. 

Plus, your therapy sessions can take place right in your own home — or wherever is most convenient for you. All you need is a phone, tablet, or computer to connect with a mental health care professional.

Fewer barriers 

Setting up and attending in-person therapy visits is sometimes easier said than done. If you don’t have reliable transportation, or you’re always working when the therapist’s office is open, it’s hard to actually meet with a counselor for traditional therapy sessions. 

Teletherapy offers more flexibility to help people overcome these barriers. You can set up sessions for a time that’s convenient for you and attend them from anywhere. Many online therapists even offer appointment times outside of regular business hours.

Potential cost savings 

Teletherapy providers don’t have to pay for things like office space and utilities, so their prices are often lower than in-person therapists’. 

Plus, you don’t have to pay for childcare, public transportation, or gas for your car to get to and from each appointment. These potential savings may help make therapy more affordable for you. 

Access to wider range of providers 

With in-person therapy, you’re limited to mental health practitioners who are in your local area. This means you may be limited in terms of access and practitioners with certain specialties. But teletherapy allows you to connect with a mental health professional anywhere in the world, so you can find the perfect match for your needs.

How to find telemental health providers

With all the benefits it provides, teletherapy may sound like a great option for you! But how do you go about finding someone who offers this service? Let’s go through how to find these providers — and what to consider before choosing one. 

Explore online therapy platforms 

There are many different online platforms that offer teletherapy, but they’re not all the same. Things like pricing, services, therapist quality, and communication options may vary quite a bit between platforms.

It’s best to evaluate each one to see which platform fits your specific needs and preferences. Compare costs, services, available providers, communication choices, and other factors to make your decision. 

Find a provider that considers your unique needs

What kind of help are you looking for? Therapy is unique for everyone, so it’s important to think about your own needs. Some teletherapy platforms may not offer certain services, such as medication management, trauma-informed care, or couples therapy. 

Consider what you’re seeking help for, such as anxiety, depression, stress management, or relationship problems. With your needs in mind, look for an online therapy platform that can help you find a teletherapy provider who specializes in that type of treatment. 

At SonderMind, we assess your needs and connect you with the right provider within 48 hours. 

Evaluate technology and platform usability 

Teletherapy offers a lot of convenience — but it won’t be as helpful if you struggle to use the online platform. Consider the kind of technology each platform uses for teletherapy. Do they use video chat software that runs smoothly, for example? 

You’ll also want to evaluate how user-friendly each platform is. Is it easy to connect with a mental health provider over the phone, through a messaging app, or via video conferencing? Therapy shouldn’t add more stress, so you should feel comfortable using the platform. 

Ensure privacy and security measures 

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) laws require mental health care providers to protect their clients’ confidentiality and personal information. But this may be harder to do in a virtual setting, where everything is online. 

So make sure the telehealth platform you choose has privacy and security measures in place to protect your data and communications. This usually involves encrypting your information to keep it confidential and safe. 

Assess coverage for insurance or other forms of assistance 

Teletherapy services are often more affordable than in-person services, but it’s still a good idea to find out the cost beforehand. If you have health insurance, check your coverage. Reach out to your insurance company to see if these services are included in your plan and how much you’ll need to pay out of pocket. 

If you don’t have insurance, or these telehealth services aren’t covered, you still have options. Medicare, Medicaid, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), and other kinds of financial assistance can make mental health treatment much more affordable. 

Tips for a successful teletherapy experience 

Studies have found that teletherapy is an effective way to treat many mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. But this depends on a few factors, like how well your provider fits your needs and what you share during your sessions. 

We’ve put together a few helpful tips on making the most of your teletherapy experience! 

Look for a platform that connects you with the right provider 

Your teletherapy sessions will be more productive and successful if you have a provider who fits your needs. So choose a platform that connects you with a mental health provider who offers the right kind of care and suits your preferences. 

If needed, look for a platform that has providers who offer specialized care, such as treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or helping couples reconnect after infidelity. 

Prepare for sessions 

Going into a teletherapy session fully prepared may help you get more out of this experience. To start, you’ll want to set up a private space where you can talk to your therapist without worrying about being interrupted or overheard. 

You can also gather materials you may need during your session, such as paper and a pen for taking notes. And don’t forget to make a list of questions to ask your provider, such as what therapeutic approaches they use or how often they recommend meeting. 

Communicate openly 

Your therapist can only help you if they know what you’re struggling with or what issues you’re having. During your teletherapy sessions, be open and honest with your provider. Discuss your concerns and struggles to help them better understand what you’re going through. 

Communicating honestly and openly with your therapist helps them determine the best approach to help you achieve your goals. As you go through therapy, this communication also helps them keep track of your progress and make changes if needed. 

Connect with a therapist with SonderMind today

Teletherapy makes therapy more affordable and convenient, so you can get the help you need — when you need it. With the right platform and provider, you’ll be on your way to improving your mental wellness! 

Ready to start your journey now? Our evidence-based behavioral health services can help. SonderMind makes it quick and easy to connect with a mental health provider who fits your needs.

Just tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll connect you with the right therapist within 48 hours!