What Is Telemental Health

Online therapy is a subset of the telehealth array of services. It essentially uses technology to provide mental health services from a distance. Therapists may use a combination of apps or web-based portals to text, video chat, voice message, and/or email their patients. Studies have proven teletherapy to be a viable, and sometimes more affordable, alternative to in-office therapy.

Teletherapy focuses on a wide range of mental illnesses and emotional issues including:

Anxiety
Depression
Relationship issues
ADHD
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Autism
Eating disorders
Addiction
Life changes
Commitment
Work and career issues

Although video conferencing methods get the bulk of attention when people discuss telemental health practices, there are other means of communicating from therapist or physician to a patient. Therapists may use some or all of the following tools in online therapy such as:

Educational modules or readings
Daily logs and journals
Exercises
Secure online messaging
Emails and texts
Phone calls

Seeking therapy can be difficult for some individuals. There are many circumstances that may prevent you from going to an office and speaking to a therapist. Whether your concern is privacy or the traveling, sometimes you just can't go to an in-office therapist. Online therapy can be more convenient for you, and make you feel more comfortable speaking to a therapist. Telehealth is designed to provide the following benefits.

It delivers care to the patient through a ready-to-use conduit (technology) which continues to improve.
Improved accessibility to mental health specialty care that otherwise may not be available.
Reduces travel time and cost associated with travel as well as enabling those who cannot travel to access mental health care.
Increases patient comfortability, making the patient feel safer and more secure and thus able to open up more while in sessions.
Reduced barriers—reduced need for time off work or worrying about transportation.
Strengthens continuity of care treatments.
Encourages use by patients who normally would not have sought out treatment because of stigma.

Whole Mind Psychotherapy uses a platform called SimplePractice to handle intake forms, documentation, payments, and to offer secure communication between us. Your video appointment is 100% HIPAA-compliant.

2020 COVID-19 Pandemic and Telehealth Sessions

Due to COVID-19 requirements, Whole Mind Psychotherapy is currently ONLY providing Telehealth sessions (no in-person therapy) using the HIPAA compliant platform Simple Practice. Sessions can be performed using your phone, computer, or tablet. Morning, evening, and weekend times are available. Please be aware this is subject to change as conditions related to COVID-19 change. Thank you for your understanding.

While we are a Georgia-based provider, due to changes in state law to address COVID-19 and mental health needs, Whole Mind Psychotherapy is able to provide video sessions to patients in both Georgia and Florida. Click Here for more information on this matter.