What is Teletherapy?
Teletherapy is mental health treatment delivered online using secure video conferencing. The type of treatment is based on the needs of the client – this can include traditional “talk therapy,” as well as other interventions such as guided relaxation or mindfulness training, learning/practicing anxiety coping skills, developing study strategies, and playing therapeutic games to help with ADHD.
Who can benefit from Teletherapy?
Teletherapy is similar to in-person treatments that address concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia/sleep difficulties, executive functioning, and other mental health conditions.
Due to the events related to the coronavirus (COVID-19), teletherapy is increasingly recognized as an important intervention for all individuals. This includes people looking to continue mental health treatment and maintain therapeutic gains from other mental health interventions. It can also be an important intervention for individuals without prior history of mental health concerns who are looking for support due to events related to the coronavirus.
Some examples of individuals who can benefit from teletherapy include:
- Individuals seeking social interaction, support, and check-ins while self-isolating
- Children who may need help understanding and adjusting to school and social disruptions
- Families adjusting to school and/or work from home
- Children who may require additional support for keeping on track with school work while learning from home
- Individuals needing support and strategies for being productive while working from home
- Individuals experiencing excessive anxiety related to coronavirus, personal health, and other fears for the future
- Individuals looking to continue previous mental health treatment and maintain gains from other therapeutic interventions (e.g. neurofeedback)
How can teletherapy support neurofeedback?
Teletherapy can help clients maintain neurofeedback treatment gains until in-clinic treatment can be resumed. Depending on the needs of the client, teletherapy can include games or puzzles that support executive functioning skills or relaxation strategies and coping skills to manage anxiety.
Neurofeedback helps to “rewire” the brain – certain therapeutic exercises can also help to strengthen these pathways in the brain and keep them activated. Continuing to practice and work these regions of the brain can help the individual maintain changes from neurofeedback and allow the individual to more readily resume neurofeedback treatment in the future.
What if I’m not good with technology?
Teletherapy can be conducted using your personal computer or cell phone. The connection utilized by our clinic is secure and HIPAA compliant. Most clients find it easy to use and our clinic staff is available to help support or troubleshoot if you do experience difficulties! We are also able to do therapy via phone depending on the client’s needs or preferences.
Do you accept insurance for teletherapy?
Most major insurances cover teletherapy mental health treatment. Contact our clinic for more information.
How do I get started with teletherapy?
Contact us at info@chicagomindsolutions.com or call (847) 656-5080. We look forward to working with you!
