Telehealth therapy delivers professional mental health support through secure video sessions with licensed therapists, offering evidence-based treatments like CBT and DBT from the comfort of home while maintaining the same quality of care as traditional in-person therapy.
Ever felt like you needed to talk to someone, but couldn't find the time or right moment to seek help? Telehealth therapy brings professional mental health support directly to you, making it possible to connect with a licensed therapist from the privacy and comfort of your own space—no commute or waiting room required.
Understanding Telehealth Therapy: What You Need to Know
You may have encountered various terms like “telehealth therapy,” “virtual counseling,” or “online mental health support” while researching professional help options. Learning more about telehealth therapy services can help you better understand what kind of support is available to you, based on your location and specific mental health needs.*
Read on to learn more about telehealth therapy and which options might be best for you.
*Generally speaking, anyone can benefit from telehealth therapy, regardless of mental health diagnoses or concerns.
Although telehealth therapy may be referred to by different names across various platforms and providers, the core service remains consistent: providing mental health and well-being support to clients remotely through video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms, allowing you to receive care from the comfort of your own home.
What is telehealth therapy?
Telehealth therapy refers to mental health services provided remotely through technology. This approach to therapy has gained significant popularity in recent years, especially since 2020. Telehealth therapy offers the same quality of care as traditional in-person therapy but with added convenience and accessibility. At ReachLink, we provide comprehensive telehealth mental health services that connect clients with licensed professionals through secure video sessions and other digital communication methods.
Main responsibilities of telehealth therapists
Telehealth therapists provide mental health support, guidance, and advice for a broad range of mental health issues. They teach clients personalized coping mechanisms tailored to their specific symptoms and concerns. Despite lingering mental health stigmas in society, telehealth therapy has become increasingly prevalent, and anyone can benefit from it.
You do not need to have a diagnosed mental illness to receive support from telehealth therapy professionals. Various types of therapy are available to diverse individuals with different needs and preferences. In recent years, millions of adults have engaged with telehealth therapy services, with numbers growing steadily each year as technology makes mental healthcare more accessible than ever before.
Common telehealth therapy techniques
Many telehealth therapists at ReachLink maintain memberships in professional counseling associations, complete continuing education, and continuously build on skills learned through their training programs. As a result, there are many therapeutic approaches practiced within telehealth settings. Some of the most common include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Guided self-help counseling
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Couples therapy
Telehealth therapy options
There are several important aspects of telehealth therapy that you should be aware of:
Diagnostic considerations in telehealth therapy
Qualified telehealth therapists can diagnose clients with mental health conditions when appropriate. Not all therapists choose to provide diagnoses, but those who do typically use recognized diagnostic manuals to ensure accurate assessment and documentation. The two most commonly used diagnostic manuals include the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) by the American Psychiatric Association, and the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition (ICD-10) by the World Health Organization.
At ReachLink, our therapists are trained to use these diagnostic tools when necessary, while always maintaining a person-centered approach that focuses on your unique needs rather than just diagnostic labels.
Insurance options for telehealth mental health care coverage
Insurance coverage for telehealth therapy has expanded significantly in recent years. Many insurance providers now recognize the value and efficacy of telehealth services and offer coverage accordingly. When signing up for insurance, it’s important to check if telehealth mental health services are covered under your plan.
ReachLink works with numerous insurance providers to make our services more affordable and accessible. We can help you navigate the sometimes complex world of insurance coverage for mental health services, ensuring you understand your benefits and any potential out-of-pocket costs.