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Despite loosening mask mandates and loosening restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly a third of U.S. adults (29%) say they use remote health care services more now than before the pandemic, according to new data from Forbes Health- Ipsos Monthly Health Tracker, which surveyed 1,117 US adults between June 7 and 8.
Of that group, 19% of respondents say they have increased telemedicine or virtual doctor visits, while another 10% say they have used telemedicine websites or apps more often.
Telemedicine doesn’t work for every condition or disorder, but it can help bridge the gap between doctor visits, as it offers convenience and flexibility. Online therapy, meanwhile, can be just as effective as in-person treatment for certain mental health problems, according to research, and is often a good place to start.
“It has multiple capabilities and technologies to deliver effective interventions to patients with various mental illnesses,” the researchers write in Journal of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Bosnia and Herzegovina. “While comparable to in-person services, telemental health care is particularly beneficial and inexpensive through the use of current technologies and adaptable designs, especially in isolated communities,” the researchers continue.
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More and more employers (and health insurance providers) are accepting teletherapy as part of traditional care, as it removes distance barriers and allows patients to talk to someone from virtually anywhere.
This improved access comes at a time when demand is increasing – the pandemic likely serves as a catalyst for its popularity. According to the American Psychiatric Association, in 2021, nearly six in 10 American adults said they would use telemedicine for mental health care, a 10% increase from 2020.
With teletherapy, psychologists, licensed marriage and family counselors, social workers, and sometimes psychiatrists use research-supported techniques to help people overcome a variety of problems. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which online service to choose.
Different platforms offer different counseling styles, so first determine your goal in seeking therapy, such as coping with anxiety or depression. If you have more serious concerns, taking action in person may be your best bet.
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Getting help online comes with a number of benefits – it can be private, convenient, and affordable, not to mention a safe option for those concerned about the spread of COVID-19.
It’s not the answer for everyone, though. Technology issues could hinder patients with poor Wi-Fi connections or those who are not smart device savvy. And while online therapy is unique to in-person care, it may be difficult for a therapist to pick up non-verbal cues, especially in new patients. Finally, it may not be practical or specialized enough for some patients with behavioral problems or other cognitive problems.
When negative global events cause stress and emotional struggles, seeking help online can be a wise choice. If you can’t decide if telemedicine is right for you, consult a doctor for further advice.
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