What is Telehealth?

Telehealth is a method of using telecommunications, such as your phone or computer, to maintain health services.  In this case you may use phone conversations or live online video similar to Zoom or Skype for maintaining mental health.  You can stay at home and continue to meet with a doctor or mental health counselor.  Using telehealth allows you to avoid traveling and scheduling lengthy breaks in your day to maintain access to health care services.  There is no need to go into a clinic or building where others will be for your appointment.

What is the benefit of Telehealth?

• You can continue to begin counseling sessions with more convenience.
• You gain precious travel time that would otherwise be wasted money and time.
• You do not need to arrange childcare to see your therapist.
• You can keep seeing a therapist even when you are a little under the weather.
• You avoid public places that may cause spread of infectious diseases, such as the Coronavirus.
  

  

Telehealth during Coronavirus

With Abba Healing Services Telehealth, you can continue improving your mental health and prevent backsliding for the duration of the Coronavirus outbreak.  Health services have worked to reduce the risk of infection by using telehealth services during the global spread of coronavirus.  We must be wise about our use of telehealth and know how to properly maintain quality mental healthcare.

Now that the U.S. is under a state of emergency, leaders are advising more services use online means of communication.  It has been recommended to use telehealth to prevent illness and lower the death rate.

If you have been uncomfortable with leaving your home during this global pandemic, telehealth services make counseling accessible.  It is easy to schedule an appointment from the safety of your home.  You can even attend counseling in your slippers!  So, alleviate your fears of being exposed to this infection by taking advantage of this technology at our disposal.

What you need to know about Telehealth before using it

Although the appointment is now located online, it is important to maintain the professional and confidential atmosphere of professional counseling.  Start by making an appointment, completing the necessary intake paperwork, arrive on time, and create a private area for your appointment.  Please use headphones with a microphone, if possible, to prevent nearby family from overhearing private details.  Also, make sure that you have a stable internet connection to get that crystal-clear audio and video.

Common Issues with Using Telehealth

• There is a small learning curve to telehealth platforms. Expect to troubleshoot a few issues the first time or two, so you may want to log on early and keep the therapist’s number handy in case assistance is needed.
• Telehealth is NOT intended for emergency situations such as needing immediate medication, thoughts of harm toward oneself or others, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs

(If you are experiencing an emergency please contact 911, your local crisis stabilization unit, or go to the nearest emergency room.)

• Telehealth can be challenging in the beginning if you are just starting with your therapist. There is always a time of getting to know one another but being in-person makes the process a little easier.

Should I use Telehealth for Mental Health During the Coronavirus outbreak

Telehealth can be an excellent way to get access to services that would otherwise be impossible.  Given our current predicament, telehealth may be the best way to improve mental health in a time when social distancing and isolation is necessary.  It presents a way to follow the guidelines presented by our leaders while ensuring continuity of care.

You decide if Telehealth is right for you

You care about yourself, your relationship, and your family.  If telehealth seems like a good option to you, then give us a call or click on the “Request Appointment” button.  We live in an age when technology like telehealth gives access to quality mental health therapy for most people.  We can no safely get the help we need via telehealth.

“I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

John 16:33