3 Reasons to Choose Telehealth for Mental Health

According to the latest data, more than 52 percent of people with mental illness in the United States do not get treatment. That accounts for 26 million people in the country going without much-needed care. When a mental illness goes untreated, it can be dangerous or even fatal. So why are so many people going without?

A lack of awareness and a persistent stigma continue to keep some people from seeking care. However, even when people know about the importance of mental health care and want to shake the stigma, getting treatment can be difficult. It can be hard to find a qualified provider, get time away to go to appointments, and more.

That’s where telehealth comes in. Not only is telehealth a convenient way to get the care you need, but it’s also effective. Below are just three of the top reasons to pick online therapy or online psychiatry when you need mental health care.

1) Access Care From Anywhere

Getting into an office to see a mental health care provider is not always easy. Just a few things that can make it difficult include:

• Lack of providers within easy driving distance
• Having children at home to care for
• Being unable to get away from work for that long
• Lack of access to reliable transportation
• Fear of leaving home
• Mobility differences that make transportation difficult
• Necessary social distancing measures

If you’re worried about any of these issues, telehealth can help. Instead of jumping through hoops to get care, you can get help from anywhere with a stable internet connection. This helps you fit mental health care into your busy schedule.

2) Fit Telehealth Into Your Budget

Anytime you have to leave home or work for an appointment, there is likely an associated cost. Costs for commuting to a regular appointment may include:

• Hours off of work
• Childcare costs
• Gas
• Tolls
• Mileage on a vehicle
• Public transportation fees

Because telehealth allows you to access care from anywhere, you can eliminate many of the expenses of therapy or psychiatry appointments. Of course, one of the major costs in any kind of health care is the appointment itself.

Some online therapy and psychiatry providers do not accept insurance, which is a major consideration. However, Georgia Behavioral Health Providers accepts all major insurance plans. Most insurance companies cover online appointments the same way they would cover comparable in-person visits. However, a few insurance providers still do not cover telehealth appointments. Using your insurance for online mental health care is a great way to get the most out of what you pay.

3) It Is Effective

The most important reason to choose this convenient and affordable option is that it works. Understandably, some people worry about how effective online mental health care can be, especially considering the personal nature of it. However, studies continue to show that patients who use telehealth services for mental health care fare as well as those who choose in-person visits instead.

These findings are true for both online psychiatry and teletherapy. Some patients find that telehealth is more effective than when they have tried in-person mental health care in the past. This is typically because it’s easier to be more consistent with telehealth services, and consistency is key to mental health care.

Are you ready to try out telehealth for yourself? Schedule your online appointment today.