As a result of facing difficulty with scheduling in-person counseling appointments, remote options like telephone counseling have become more accessible, allowing you to connect with a therapist for teletherapy.
Telephone counseling can address the same concerns as traditional counseling, such as work-related stress, family conflicts, anger management, relationship issues, or symptoms of a diagnosed mental illness. If these are ongoing challenges, consider exploring a telephone counseling service or telephone therapy as an alternative to in-person sessions.
What can phone therapy do for you?
Talking to a licensed therapist, whether in person or on the telephone, may help you alleviate emotional pain and find solutions or acceptance to the situations you are going through.
Online, telephone, or other distance therapy and counseling options make up the field of telepsychiatry. These remote mental health support services can include in-app messaging—many platforms offer messaging—or video conferencing. Online counseling, live video counseling, and counseling on the telephone are available for everyone, not only those experiencing mental illnesses like anxiety or clinical depression.
The efficacy of phone therapy
The results of a growing number of studies suggest that telephone counseling is as efficacious as in-person therapy. In fact, many researchers who have found telephone counseling effective have also noted that it can be a more affordable and convenient form of mental health care.
Benefits of telephone counseling
Many of the benefits of remote counseling are the same ones you might receive from in-person sessions with licensed therapists. However, there are several benefits that you might only experience through telehealth treatment, including the following.
Therapy from the safety and comfort of home
When people reach out for telephone counseling services, they may not have to commute and won't have to let others know where they're going. Teletherapy can offer more personal and safe space for these individuals. Virtual counseling can also be done from home, which widens the opportunities for online therapists.
Availability of the therapist
Online counseling allows you to connect remotely with a therapist licensed to provide mental health care services. Some of the reasons that people may not be able to see a counselor in person can include the following:
- Disabilities
- Busy schedules
- Social anxiety
- Cost of therapy
- Commute time to therapy offices
With telephone counseling, there are a few benefits that clients might find:
- Clients may not have to leave home for therapy
- Therapy clients can communicate with a counselor from more remote areas with an internet connection or cell service
- Using a telephone for therapy can be a less intimidating method of communicating
Lack of scheduling conflicts with therapists
Many in-person therapists may only work from 9 am to 5 pm, so many working individuals cannot schedule appointments without taking time off from work. However, online therapy services and telephone counseling may offer more flexible and convenient options than face-to-face therapy.
Online therapy location flexibility
Online counseling sessions can be more flexible for your schedule and allow you to receive mental health care from anywhere. You can talk to a counselor or therapist from your car, on vacation, or from a hotel. Anywhere you have an internet connection can become a therapeutic setting. If you opt for telephone counseling, you'll need a telephone signal.
Affordability of online counseling services, like couples therapy
In-person sessions, especially those at practices, can be expensive. Forbes found that the average cost of traditional therapy in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. Telephone, email, or messaging counseling services may be more affordable and help you start therapy.
With a more affordable option, you may be able to have more appointments with your provider and may be able to save money. Though many online therapy platforms do not accept insurance, their weekly membership costs are often as low or lower than weekly therapy sessions that are covered by health insurance.
Phone therapy for mental health
Evidence suggests that mobile or smartphone-enhanced therapy platforms can help address symptoms of a wide range of mental health concerns. In one comprehensive study, researchers examined the effectiveness of mobile phone therapy treatments on mental health, finding that mobile telephone-based counseling can be a valuable form of therapy.
Efficacy of online therapy and mental health services
Telephone therapy or online therapy can be a valuable resource when you're seeking support with mental health concerns. Through a platform like BetterHelp, you can gain several online therapy options, including telephone, video, message and live chat sessions. You can also reach out to your licensed counselor at any time and receive a response, often within 24 hours.