In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, teletherapy has undeniably become more popular, but even as life returns to normal, people are still recognizing the benefits and convenience of teletherapy. While some people have returned to receiving in-person services, others continue to utilize teletherapy to treat addiction. If you’re in the market for addiction treatment, you might be wondering, “How do I know if teletherapy is right for me?”
Does Teletherapy Work?
When deciding if teletherapy is the right fit, people often want to know if teletherapy even works.
The good news, according to recent research in the professional journal Psychiatric Services, is that teletherapy for addiction has been found to be just as effective as in-person addiction treatment. More specifically, teletherapy services are just as effective as in-person rehab is for reducing substance abuse and keeping people in treatment. Patients are also able to form an equally strong relationship with therapists via teletherapy when compared to in-person addiction treatment.
What can be concluded from these findings is that teletherapy can be effective, so long as it is a good fit for an individual patient.
How Do I Know Teletherapy Is Right For Me?
To ensure that teletherapy will be feasible, it’s important to first understand the implications and logistics of virtual treatment. For teletherapy to be a good fit, you must have reliable Internet access as well as access to a functioning computer, phone, or tablet that has a working microphone and web camera. If you want teletherapy to be effective, you need to ensure that you will be able to stay connected to the Internet for sessions with your therapist or doctor, and it’s important that your device works well enough that you will be able engage in regular sessions.
Another consideration is whether you are someone who can stay accountable for appointments from home. While research has shown that teletherapy is just as effective as in-person services for keeping people in treatment, that doesn’t mean that it’s the best option for everyone. Some people simply prefer face-to-face treatment, and they know they will be more engaged if they have to travel to an office for regular appointments. If, on the other hand, you are someone who doesn’t mind connecting with people virtually via an application like Skype, or perhaps you prefer the convenience of completing an appointment from home, teletherapy is probably a suitable option for you.
Specific People Who Benefit from Teletherapy
If teletherapy sounds like a viable option for you, there are some other factors that may make it especially beneficial for your situation. For example, a recent study in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found the following advantages associated with telemedicine for alcoholism:
- Reduced cost
- Better accessibility
- Improvement in patient satisfaction and quality of life
According to a report from Lamar University, teletherapy affords the following benefits:
- Cost Savings: Without having to travel for appointments or arrange for childcare, there can be significant cost savings associated with receiving teletherapy compared to in-person rehab.
- Flexibility: With teletherapy, it is possible to receive treatment from home or your office without traveling to a clinic. This means you do not have to take time away from work or leave your family in the evenings to go to a physical setting for an appointment. This affords you more flexibility in scheduling appointments.
- Continuity of care: One factor that contributes to the success of addiction treatment is consistency. Sometimes, it is difficult to make time for in-person appointments, which can cause an interruption in treatment. More recently, the pandemic has interrupted in-person services. Teletherapy offers a solution, as it is easier to be consistent with appointments that occur virtually from the comfort of home.
- Privacy: Teletherapy is also a good fit if you have concerns about privacy. There is no risk of running into someone you know when you are receiving treatment from home.
- Accessibility: Since teletherapy is available anywhere there is Internet access, patients can receive services, no matter where they live. This makes it easier for patients in small towns or rural communities to receive care.
Teletherapy – A Convenient Recovery Option
In summary, teletherapy offers conveniences that just aren’t found with in-person treatment. If you’re someone who has a busy schedule or who has many obligations at home, teletherapy can make it possible for you to get treatment. It can also reduce the costs associated with rehab if you are on a limited budget. Finally, teletherapy may be right for you if you’re simply more comfortable receiving treatment from the safety of home, rather than in a public setting.
If teletherapy seems like a good fit for you, iRecoveryUSA is here to help. We offer mental health and addiction treatment in a 100% virtual format via our telehealth app. We can provide MAT services, as well as individual and group counseling. Contact us today to get started.