The COVID-19 pandemic undeniably altered the way that the world operates and the world of counseling is no exception. The world had to adapt in quick, efficient ways and teletherapy quickly came to the rescue. While online therapy existed prior to the global pandemic and we always provided it to our clients, the onset of COVID-19 greatly contributed to the rise in its popularity. Even in a post-pandemic world, many experts suspect that teletherapy is here to stay. So, what exactly is telehealth counseling?
Simply, telehealth therapy is a therapy that is provided by a licensed therapist via a secure online or phone connection. Modern software permits this type of online mental health support, ensuring the safety of personal information in therapy sessions. Online talking therapy can be more convenient for both the therapist and the client. Additionally, a significant amount of research has proven that telehealth counseling is just as effective as traditional, in-person counseling. Broadly, teletherapy is any form of remote therapy where a therapist and their client can communicate.