Does Telehealth Therapy Actually Help?

The use of internet platforms to increase access to mental health services (such as telehealth therapy) has been a huge advantage for those living in rural areas, those living in poorly serviced populations, and those with debilitating issues or disabilities. Despite the concept of the “digital divide” in ICT (information communication technology) usage, which suggests a difference in the usage of ICT between those who differ in social class, education, location, age, and racial and ethnic background (Kady & Vadeboncoeur, 2019), similar usages of ICT have been found amongst differing populations. One example of this can be found in a study completed by Guadagno et al (2013), which concluded similarities of social network usage between college students and homeless young adults. Additionally, although senior adults have been found to generally use social networking sites less than the other age groups, their rate of usage tripled between the years of 2009 and 2013 (Brenner & Smith, 2013).

In America, nearly 67% of adults and 73% of teens and young adults use the Internet and social media to attain and share information about health and life stressors (Perrin, 2015; Lenhart, Purcell, Smith, & Zickuhr, 2010). This means that telehealth services are 100% relevant and useful to the online community.

Some clients argue that they’d prefer to walk into an office and have in-person sessions, but I believe that creating a space in your home for our sessions can ensure true accountability. This way, when we complete our work together, you can maintain that safe space and continue to strengthen the skills you’ve learned.

Let’s get started!

Sources:

Brenner, J., & Smith, A. (2013). 72% of online adults are social networking site users. Washington, DC: Pew Internet & American Life Project. Retrieved from http://www. pewinternet.org/2013/08/05/72-of-online-adults-are-social-networking-site-users/

Guadagno, R. E., Muscanell, N. L., & Pollio, D. E. (2013). The homeless use Facebook?! Similarities of social network use between college students and homeless young adults. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(1), 86–89.

Kady, H. R., & Vadeboncoeur, J. A., PhD. (2019). Digital divide. Salem Press Encyclopedia.

Perrin, A (2015). Social Media Usage: 2005-2015. Washington, D.C.: Pew Internet & American Life Project.