FAQs
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What is Telemental Health Therapy?Telemental Health therapy is delivering traditional behavioral healthcare through technological means such as using computer video and/or telephone counseling.
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What is Therapy?Therapy, or psychotherapy, is the process of meeting with a therapist for the purpose of resolving problematic behaviors, beliefs, feelings, and/or somatic responses (sensations in the body). Therapy can address and resolve a large number of specific concerns, issues, and symptoms. You can find a list of issues commonly treated in therapy, here.
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How can therapy help me?
Therapy will seek to meet goals established by all persons involved, usually revolving around a specific presenting problem. A major benefit that may be gained from participating in therapy includes a reduction in distress and a better ability to handle or cope with personal, couple/marital/relational, family, work, and other problems as well as stress. Another possible benefit may be a greater understanding of personal and relational goals and values; this may lead to greater maturity and happiness as an individual and increased relational harmony. Other benefits relate to the probable outcomes resulting from resolving specific concerns brought to therapy.
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Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you’re at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, identify your strengths, and overcome whatever challenges you face
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Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?People have many different motivations for coming to therapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.). Some may not be handling stressful circumstances well. So, some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, anger, stress from school or work, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts, and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide needed encouragement and help with skills to get people through such periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking therapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
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Does Going to Therapy Means I am “Crazy”?The belief that if you go to therapy you are “crazy” or “damaged” is false. The most common demographic of therapy include everyday ordinary people struggling with every day problem such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. Only a small percentage of people undergoing psychotherapy qualify as having a serious mental illness; and those individuals typically find their way into programs that offer a higher level of care than the average private practice therapist can offer. If you are afraid of being judge as crazy by others or by your own inner critic for going to therapy, then therapy would be especially useful in building self-esteem and freeing you from the limitations of what others think.
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What should I expect in therapy?Work outside of the counseling sessions is a necessary element of change; therefore, you may be asked to perform some ‘homework’ related to your goals and the session’s content. Additionally, therapy may move more slowly than you anticipated; however your therapist will periodically review goals as you collaboratively work at gaining understanding about the progress of therapy. You may also request a conversation about the status of the therapy whenever such questions about your progress and/or length of treatment arise.
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What if I experience discomfort in therapy?In working to achieve potential benefits, the therapeutic process will require that firm efforts be made to change and may involve the experiencing of discomfort. Therapeutically resolving unpleasant events and relationship patterns can arouse intense feelings. Seeking to resolve problems can similarly lead to discomfort as well as relational changes that may not be originally intended. A therapist will work together with you to process the discomfort and achieve your desirable outcome.
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What about medication vs. psychotherapy?It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of one’s distress and the behavior patterns that curb progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. In working with your medical doctor, you can determine what’s best for you. In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action in achieving your desire goal/s.
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Does what I talk about in therapy remain confidential?Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and therapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, or Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.
* If a court of law issues a legitimate court order, a therapist is required by law to provide the information specifically described in the order.
*If a client attends therapy by order of a court of law, the results of the treatment ordered must be revealed to the court.
