How can therapy happen during a pandemic? by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
Pivot, Pivot, Pivot
The pandemic has led to many changes in multiple areas of life. We are continuing to do certain things, such as work, shopping, and being with loved ones, but in a different way. We have pivoted the way in which we do these things. This might look like working from home, shopping for groceries online, and chatting with loved ones through video.
Video Isn’t That New
When it comes to mental health, many people are having sessions through video. And it’s important to note that this is not a new way to provide services in our field; it has been happening for a LONG time. If anything, the pandemic just increased the number of therapists providing video, or tele-health therapy, as well as the number of clients utilizing these services. I have been providing video therapy since 2019 and, at the time, this was an alternative option for clients who were not able to come in person that week due to a busy schedule. It was a way for them to still have a session. Now, due to the pandemic and public health concerns, all of my new and existing clients are being seen through video sessions.
But, How Can I Actually Do it?
Therapists differ in how they run their practice, so if you resonate with any of the considerations listed below, it’s important to ask the therapist if they offer these.
Convenience: One of biggest advantages when it comes to video therapy is how convenient it is. Video therapy eliminates commute time to and from a therapist’s office, can be squeezed in during a break at work, can be fit in between tasks you have on your daily to-do list, can be done while your infant or toddler has their nap time, etc.
Ease: All video therapy sessions can be provided online through a computer, and many platforms also have an app so that you can have the video session through your smartphone. And, joining the video session is as simple as clicking on the link that is emailed to you. The only thing you would need to be sure of is that your internet is working, your computer is plugged in or has enough battery, or that your smartphone has enough battery.
Scheduling Options: The safe at home order provided me the opportunity to expand my availability for sessions. When I was providing in-person sessions, I shared an office with another therapist, so I was in the office on certain days of the week. Now, I offer additional days of the week for clients. Video sessions have also allowed me to add in time slots that I usually wouldn’t have available when I was providing in-person therapy (because I would be commuting to the office or from the office, or doing late afternoon tasks before dinner). Now, my clients have many different time slots throughout the day and night to choose from.
Time Options: For individual therapy, 50-60 minutes is the standard length of time for one session. 50-60 minutes of therapy goes by fast and it may not feel like you’ve been speaking with your therapist for that long. Let’s say you do want 50-60 minutes of therapy per week, but that would be hard to do at all one time given specific circumstances. Are you able to split that time, such as having two 30-minute sessions in one week? Keep in mind that this may not be clinically appropriate or helpful for some, especially if you’re experiencing intense symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, etc; however, sometimes something is better than nothing. And if having two 30-minute sessions a week is temporary and you know you can do full sessions by a certain date, then it might be an option.
Fee: It’s important to be mindful of what is within your price range. Because each person comes into therapy for different reasons, the reasons for coming to therapy has impacted their life at different intensities, and ending therapy is based upon meeting treatment goals (and if the client decides to at any point voluntarily for any reason); there is no across-the-board length of time for therapy. It’s case-by-case and varies from person to person. Some therapists accept insurance, and some do not. Some provide a Superbill that clients can submit to their insurance for possible reimbursement. This means that clients are responsible for payment upfront for sessions and the insurance might reimburse the client directly. Some therapists provide a sliding scale or reduced fee for a limited number of clients who are experiencing financial hardship.
(Disclaimer: The above are not offered by every therapist. Some therapists might not have these options based upon their own schedule, but some might. Some therapists might also determine that one option might not be clinically appropriate based upon your reasons for coming into therapy)
You don’t have to do this alone. If you are interested in receiving therapy with me, let’s schedule a free 15-minute phone consult.
My office is located in Irvine, which is near Newport Beach, Orange, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Seal Beach, and beyond. I work with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and Asian American & Pacific Islanders.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. The topics being discussed are meant as a self-help tool for you own use. It is not psychotherapy or counseling. This information is to be used based on your own judgment. If you need to speak with a professional, you should find one local to you and contact them directly.