24 Jun Benefits of Telehealth via Videoconference
Benefits of Engaging with Psychologists Online: Research Findings on Telehealth Benefits
Did you know research has found therapy via phone or video connection (defined as ‘Telehealth’) is similar to in-person sessions with a Psychologist? Positive Wellbeing Psychology has put together some of these research findings for you in our blog below:
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth is a psychological therapy service available at Positive Wellbeing Psychology, delivered by registered psychologists. This service is delivered via video conference (Zoom) where both a visual and audio link has been established between a client and their psychologist. We consider all measures to ensure clients experience high-quality video and audio for the clinical service being provided whilst meeting all privacy obligations.
Is Telehealth found to be as effective as in-person consultations?
To begin, up-to-date evidence-based findings have indicated that the outcomes of telepractice are similar to in-person delivery. The research specifically indicated the working alliance commonly defined as the therapeutic relationship between the client and psychologist, is adequately established in therapy delivered online (Backhaus et al, 2012).
In line with these findings, a systematic review also indicated that video conferencing technology (audio and video information to be shared concurrently across geographical distances), was used and found to be effective in a variety of therapeutic formats and with a diverse range of populations. Telehealth has been found to be generally associated with good user satisfaction and to provide similar clinical outcomes to traditional face-to-face psychotherapy (Cook & Doyle, 2015).
Based on these findings, research has supported that seeing an online psychologist is as effective as face-to-face therapy sessions. Studies have gone further to suggest that some clients feel more comfortable, due to the fact of reducing the feelings of shame and embarrassment when discussing more challenging issues (Simpson & Read, 2014).
Benefits of Telehealth:
Discrete and Convenient
Our registered psychologists provide flexibility and convenience to individuals unable to prioritize their own needs due to working long hours, shift work, childcare, busy lifestyles, geographical barriers, or just because they wish to remove the waiting room experience. Our discrete consulting practice provides Telehealth (video consultation or phone) designed to empower you to live a better life and create change. We support you in the comfort and confidential setting of your own home, office, hotel or hired space.
Reducing the risk of COVID-19
Our sessions are conducted via Telehealth, to help reduce the risk of spread at this uncertain time and to make sure we are putting your health first. Our role as psychologists is to assess the risk of harm to self, and others. With this in mind, we are implementing all measures to reduce the risk to clients and psychologists, by reducing the risk of being exposed to the virus.