Safety concerns in the COVID-19 era, like social distancing, have created opportunities for online interactions. Many people are unable to access support for their mental health physically. Telemental health is a more practical solution for patients since they can access expert help virtually. While your first telemental appointment may seem scary, proper preparation can help make your experience seamless. Here’s how you can prepare for your telemental session:
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Confirm Coverage Eligibility With Your Insurer
The cost of therapy sessions can be a significant deterrent for patients needing mental health support but are working with a tight budget. Some health insurers can offer coverage, making therapy sessions affordable. Before your first session, confirm with your insurer that the telehealth session is covered. Your health insurance provider can explain if they will cover a portion or the full amount of your therapy costs.
Aside from your eligibility, your insurer may confirm if your therapist is within their network. Health insurers only partner with board-certified and skilled therapists who can offer outstanding mental health support. This may help save you time and provide value for your money. Consulting with your insurer may also help avoid claim denials since you familiarize yourself with their requirements before the first session.
Find a Quiet Space at Home
When attending a telehealth session from home you may experience disturbances from your family, friends, or roommates. Since you cannot interrupt their lives, you may need to find a quiet space to have your session. Unoccupied rooms like a study room, home office, bedroom, or basement can help you have your session uninterrupted. You can also have the session in a parked car if you have no room at home as long as you have an internet connection.
Quiet space for the therapy session lets you and your therapist converse uninterrupted. You can use headphones for better sound quality and to improve privacy. It can help to notify your friends, family, or roommates that you will be unavailable for the duration of your telehealth session.
Test Your Connection and Devices
Since you and your therapist will meet virtually, your internet connection may influence your experience. You need to have your device (phone or laptop) fully charged and check that the camera and microphone are working properly. Check your internet speed to ascertain that it is reliable for the entire session. Have a data plan backup to avoid frustration if your Wi-Fi connection slows down. Other key checks on your devices for a seamless connection include:
- Making sure that your device’s camera and microphone have been granted access.
- The operating system and software are up to date and can support the platform you and your therapist will use for the session.
- You exit all background applications and programs to make sure the internet is dedicated to your session, and the device is working optimally.
Prepare Questions
You may want to come prepared with questions to ask the expert. While you may have questions before the appointment, some patients forget them once the session starts. List down the questions ahead of your therapy sessions to avoid forgetting. Asking all your questions may help provide certainty and influence a positive therapy experience.
Before seeking professional answers, research your question on the internet. Proper research helps you familiarize yourself with the subject and can create more questions. Researching may help give you the insight you need to understand your therapist’s recommendations. A better understanding of your mental health may also help you maintain constant communication with your therapist during the session.
Clear Your Schedule
Some patients use telehealth therapy sessions to conduct other chores like cooking or folding laundry, which may affect their experience. To get the most out of your therapy sessions, you should treat the appointment how you would when meeting the therapist in person. Clear your schedule for the duration of the session. This will help you remain focused on communicating with your therapist without experiencing distractions from work or home tasks.
Work With the Best Telemental Health Specialist
Telehealth therapy is a convenient choice for patients requiring mental health support. Work with the best telemental health specialist to improve your experience. Telehealth sessions provide convenience and easy access for patients that are unable to leave their homes. Start your own telehealth therapy sessions today.