Telehealth , Virtual Counseling, or Teletherapy is online therapy that utilizes telecommunications and virtual technology to deliver behavioral health care outside of a traditional health care facility. Telehealth allows you to connect with your therapist, counselor or nurse practitioner using any device with internet access including a phone, tablet, or computer. This service will allow you the convenience of keeping your regular scheduled appointment with your clinician while remaining in the comfort of your home.

Virtual Therapy Pros and Cons

Potential Benefits of Online Treatment over traditional face-to-face treatment:

• People in rural areas or those with transportation difficulties may have easier access.
• Many online therapy sites allow users to sign up with "nicknames" which can entice people who are embarrassed about getting services under their real names.
• Most online therapy services cost less than face-to-face treatment.
• Scheduling is more convenient for many people.
• Studies show online therapy requires 7.8 times less of a therapist's time than face-to-face treatment, meaning therapists can often treat more people online than they can in-person.
• Clients don't have to worry about seeing people they know in the waiting room.
• It can be easier for some people to reveal private information when they're sharing it online.
• Individuals with anxiety, especially social anxiety, are more likely to reach out to an online therapist.
  
  

The Potential Drawbacks of Virtual Visits

Online therapy isn't for everyone. Here are some potential risks and drawbacks: 

• Online therapy isn't meant for people with certain problems or conditions (such as suicidal intent or psychosis).
• Without being able to interact face-to-face, therapists miss out on body language and other cues that can help them arrive at an appropriate diagnosis.
• Technological issues can become a barrier. Dropped calls, frozen videos, and trouble accessing chats aren't conducive to treatment.
• It can be difficult to form a therapeutic alliance with someone when meetings aren't face-to-face.
• It can be difficult for therapists to intervene in the event of a crisis.
  

Staying Mentally Healthy

The Covid-19 pandemic might have created a new way of living for many of us. If your mental health is suffering during this time, you are not alone. Maybe it is causing increased anxiety, depression, fear or panic. Whatever you are feeling, it is valid and you are not alone. Our offices are open and ready to help the residents of KY get through this challenging time. We are offering Telehealth and in person therapy!

Providers on this page are TELEHEALTH ONLY!

1. Develop a stable routine. This can include going to bed and waking up around the same time each day, organizing/structuring hobbies throughout the week, and creating a workspace for yourself. 
2. Move your body daily, for at least 30 minutes. If you are uncomfortable being outside, search YouTube, Google, or the app store for applications available. 
3. Stay connected with friends and loved ones via FaceTime, Skype, emails, text messages, etc. Reach out daily to your support network. 
4. Practice gratitude daily. This can include making a list of things you are grateful for, going on a walk and stating gratitude lists or positive mantras, as well as focus on the scenery around you (what you feel, see, smell, hear), write a letter to someone you are grateful for, etc.
5. Feed your body, mind, and soul with positivity. This can be done by ensuring you are staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet, journaling thoughts and emotions, and reconnecting with any spiritual and or religious beliefs. 
6. Limit social media and Covid conversations. It is important to stay informed but limiting news or overconsumption of negative news is equally important. 
7. Engage in positive self hygiene strategies. Continue to shower, get dressed, and maintain a regular positive hygiene routine. Dress up for you and your loved ones. 
8. Find the lesson. This crisis can seem sad, senseless, and frustrating. Despite this, it is beneficial to find meaning in it all. Ask yourself what might need to change in ourselves, our homes, our communities, and our world. 
   

Benefits

There are many benefits to Telehealth and Teletherapy. Some of these include more flexibility in scheduling, increased connivence and comfortability, and greater access to mental health care. The impact of coronavirus is not just affecting physical health around the world, but mental health as well. Alliterative methods to therapy at this time are important to help manage increased mental health concerns during this time. Telehealth and online therapy allow for secure, realtime two way communication from anywhere in Kentucky.