When I was a counselor-in-training, I had strong feelings about the use of telemedicine in general and for counseling specifically. How would you feel the energy of the room? How would you see all the relevant body language? I felt that there would be so much missing information, there couldn’t possibly be a genuine connection between client and counselor. The benefits of telehealth could not possibly outweigh the challenges.
Aaaand then, COVID happened. The pandemic took us all by storm in March of 2020, and everything changed overnight. My fellow counselors and I were encouraged to call our clients and offer phone sessions or postpone in-person sessions. My fellow clients and I received phone calls about switching over or pausing. It was a massive upheaval for everyone, especially those of us with depression and anxiety.
I chose to indefinitely postpone my clients (a la “two week shutdown”) and connect with my counselor for 15 minute phone check-in sessions as a trial. It sucked. A month or two later, I started working with a counselor over video calls. That experience also sucked. But not for the reasons I expected.
Benefits of Telehealth
Benefits For Clients
So at same time as COVID wreaking havoc, I developed some pretty severe symptoms of chronic illness. There were days I could not have left my place if I was even allowed to. Obviously, not a good time.
Benefit #1: Counseling from anywhere!
Typically, counseling from your own couch. Counselors are required to have your location on file in case of emergencies, but otherwise, clients have a lot of freedom. No commute to the counselor’s office means saving time, gas, and energy. The biggest benefit is for clients who are dynamically disabled and/or chronically ill. Folks who could not easily access counseling services now can!
The other reason it wasn’t a great counseling experience for me was the counselor themself. It was not a good fit.
Benefit #2: Options
Telehealth allowed me to end my counseling experience, and find another accessible counselor from my couch. Expanded access means options. More than ever before, clients can choose therapists that specialize in their needs no matter where the therapist is located. We are still bound by state licensures (but that’s a work in progress). Within the state of Texas, there are thousands of counselors, and every client can find a good fit of personality, style, value system, and finances.
Clients are encouraged to interview different counselors and find services that will be most meaningful and supportive. Even before telehealth became commonplace, this was the case, but geography and time limited client choice.
Benefit #3: Time
Clients and counselors all benefit from scheduling ease with telehealth. Clients schedule sessions before work, during lunch breaks, and whenever else a session fits. Without the worry of a commute, a short transition time is all a client needs to plan for. Online scheduling, directories, and referrals speed up the process of connecting to a counselor, too.
Benefits For Counselors
A lot of the above applies to counselors from a different perspective.
Benefit #1: Counseling from anywhere!
Counselors counsel from anywhere! For me, work takes place in my home office. My commute is a few feet, which allows me to spend time focused on work and rest. I keep a designated desk for my work and use the area only for related activities. The convenience of telehealth allows me to work on days when I’m experiencing symptoms of chronic illness that may prevent me from driving to an office or being farther than walking distance to my bed.
Benefit #2: Options
Though counselors aren’t necessarily choosing clients, we do market to certain audiences and work hard to connect with clients who need our specialties. Telehealth allows me to connect with clients all over Texas as well as potential or past clients out of state in transition.
Benefit #3: Time
We all need more time in our days. Cutting out commute helps so much. When I schedule sessions in a way the works best for me, my focus stays on my client’s well-being because my needs are met. I spend time preparing for the next session and the next day while having enough time to rest and recover.
Biggest Benefit for Both Clients and Counselors
The biggest benefit for clients and counselors?
Longevity.
The benefits of telehealth for counselors create a positive cycle for the whole system of therapeutic work. When counselors feel more rested and ready for work, they experience fewer symptoms of burnout. These counselors stay in the field longer and continue pursuing education to support their clients.
Clients experience the benefits of telehealth when they work with counselors who are rested and engaged. These clients experience positive rapport and connection that lead to positive therapeutic outcomes.
Counselors whose clients experience positive outcomes feel more positively about their work.
Longevity in the field, longer connections with clients. Positive feelings all around.
Of course, there are plenty more benefits that I’ll write about soon. These are a few that I’ve experienced personally since COVID. It goes without saying that there are some challenges to telehealth. More about that soon.
