Telepsychology: More than just a convenience…

Tele-what? Yes, you have likely been involved with some aspect of “tele” in the past year. Telehealth, telemedicine, telecounseling, telepsychology... While telehealth technology is not a new Covid-19 creation, the circumstances over the past year have most certainly stemmed a widespread adoption of telehealth for families. Use of telehealth modalities to deliver health care, including psychology, has increased due in part to recent policy changes and circumstances that reduce the barriers for families to utilize telepsychology. This has led to the push for our society to adapt psychology, amongst other health care services, to our booming world of technology.

Telepsychology or telemental health is the provision of psychology or mental health services through technology platforms. While it offers great convenience and access to psychology services, it is important to know that the field is still learning to develop and modify some services to be accessible and appropriate in this format, such as your child’s psychoeducational evaluations or other forms of assessment. However, there is evidence to support its use for other treatments, such as parent training or individual therapy. It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing telepsychology, which may differ from family to family. To Tele- or Not. That is the question. Whether you have been contemplating getting support for a while or are interested in reconnecting with a psychologist again, here are 8 reasons why telepsychology can be beneficial for your family as you navigate life post Covid-19 pandemic:

1. Redefining care. Telepsychology normalizes and redefines what it means to get support for your mental and behavioral health, and that of your child. Similar to your child’s regular participation in medical check-ups with a pediatrician, parent and family check-ins can now be normalized as a regular part of your family’s health. Mental and behavioral health is just as important as, and works in tandem with, your physical health. Regular check-ins of your child’s socio-emotional and behavioral functioning are a great way to monitor their progress and development and to determine whether intervention is needed. It also provides a space to assess and improve parental self-care.

2. Accessibility. Telepsychology offers increased access to families regardless of geographic location, mental or behavioral health access in the community, or other barriers to care (e.g., physical limitations, childcare, commutes). As a parent, you may now be able to log-in with a psychologist within the comfort of your home without having to find child care. In addition, a psychologist can now assess symptoms in real-time and allow you or your child to practice skills in the settings that matter most.

3. Expanding care. Let’s face it, we have become reliant on technology for many aspects of our daily lives. Telehealth is improving the previously secluded world of mental health and in return, the mental health field is finding ways to utilize rapidly evolving technology in safe and confidential ways. With an increase in access, there are also greater opportunities to use tools that were previously not accessible or less accessible to patients, such as therapeutic apps, behavioral tracking software, or video-conferencing. Access to secure patient portals is now at your fingertips!

4. Evidence. Research supports that telepsychology can be just as effective as in-person therapy for appropriate patients. Whether you are a parent practicing positive behavior management skills for your child or a teen utilizing Cognitive Behavioral strategies to reduce anxiety, skills learned with a psychologist are better generalized when you are able to practice those skills in the settings where symptoms occur. Telepsychology allows you to have resources in the settings that matter most and has been researched over time. Telepsychology enables individuals and families to practice skills (previously learned in a separate, not realistic office setting) and generalize skills in real-life settings that matter. Research supports that family treatments, such as Positive Behavioral Parent Training, can be just as effective through use of telepsychology.

5. Flexibility. Telepsychology offers flexible scheduling and access for busy families. Appointments with a psychologist or any health provider is a commitment and investment (for your well-being and wallets). Telepsychology reduces or eliminates traffic/commute times, lengthy crowded or germy waiting rooms, and even time spent completing paperwork or behavior forms. Having access to secure parent portals also allows you flexibility in how you can complete intake paperwork, assessments, and payments. As a parent, you are now able to dedicate your time to what matters most, spending time with your family. 

6. Accuracy and Appropriateness. Telepsychology offers opportunities for real-time support, as well as accessible use of tools to help contribute to more accurate and continuous assessment of goals and progress. As a parent, you may now have on-going access through a parent portal to track your child’s behavior, complete assessments for symptoms, request scheduling, or even make use of psychologist resources for more accurate assessment of progress. Access to your health information can also contribute to increased individual and family independence and ownership in the therapy process. Rather than wondering if you make progress-you are active in the process!

7. Security. HIPAA secure telepsychology platforms can now grant access to all of your information, resources, and data in one protected space.

8. Individualization. It’s not a one size fits all solution. Telehealth does not replace in-person care. With web-based access to psychology services, you can utilize technology in whatever ways you and your therapist see as appropriate in reaching your goals. If your child benefits from a combination of in-person sessions with home-based telepsychology parent check-ins, you can individualize your care. If you prefer in-person visits, but benefit from use of behavioral tracking resources, you can individualize your care and track progress via your portal.

If you have questions about appropriateness of telepsychology for your family. Contact us at Behind the Behavior Psychology!