Telehealth Therapy: Convenient Mental Health Support Online

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.

If you’re struggling with substance use issues, resources like the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) provide 24/7 support and can complement the care you receive through telehealth therapy.

Advantages of telehealth therapy through ReachLink

ReachLink’s telehealth platform offers several distinct advantages compared to traditional in-person therapy:

1. Accessibility: Telehealth eliminates geographical barriers, making therapy accessible to those in remote areas or with limited local mental health resources.

2. Convenience: Sessions can be scheduled at times that work best for you, without the need for commuting or taking extensive time away from work or family responsibilities.

3. Comfort: Many clients find it easier to open up when in their own familiar environment, which can accelerate therapeutic progress.

4. Continuity of care: Even when traveling or during major life transitions, you can maintain your relationship with your therapist.

5. Privacy: Telehealth eliminates the possibility of encountering someone you know in a waiting room, which can be particularly important for those concerned about stigma.

Finding the right telehealth provider

At ReachLink, we understand that the therapeutic relationship is crucial to successful outcomes. Our platform is designed to match you with therapists who have the specific expertise you need. Unlike some systems where clients are assigned to the next available therapist, ReachLink prioritizes finding the right fit based on:

• Your specific mental health concerns
• Therapist specializations and expertise
• Your preferences regarding therapist characteristics
• Therapeutic approaches that align with your goals

This personalized matching process helps ensure you connect with a therapist who can provide the most effective support for your unique situation.

Professional standards at ReachLink

At ReachLink, we maintain high professional standards for all our telehealth therapists. Our providers are required to have:

• A master’s or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field
• Current licensure in their state of practice
• Specific training in telehealth therapy delivery
• Regular continuing education to stay current with best practices
• Experience in their areas of specialization

This commitment to professional excellence ensures that you receive the highest quality care through our telehealth platform. Our therapists combine their academic knowledge with practical experience and telehealth expertise to deliver effective, compassionate care that addresses your specific needs.

Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, work stress, or any other mental health concern, ReachLink’s telehealth therapy services provide a convenient, effective way to access the help you need, when and where you need it.