It's imperative to recognize that all individuals require access to mental health care, yet, for some, this fundamental need is not easily attainable. In some rural areas mental health professionals don’t even exist. So, improved accessibility to telemedicine is the only one that they can rely on. Because virtual health has the potential to bridge the gap between individuals who can and cannot get mental health treatment. This would provide folks in rural areas with the same level of care as those who have access to more typical mental health facilities.
Also. staying home and talking to a professional can sometimes be more efficient, making us feel more like ourselves in a more familiar space, and let’s not forget that it’s also time efficient. And let’s be honest - finding ourselves in a new environment and speaking to a stranger may not always be the most comfortable or preferred scenario. So, telemedicine is simply more convenient.
The use of telemedicine in mental health care also has been demonstrated to be as effective as real-life visits to our mental health professionals would be. As it creates better communication between the therapists and us. Therefore, allowing us to communicate more easily and more frequently via text messages.
We live in a fast-paced society where every minute counts, and traffic during commutes or relocating to a new city due to remote work is becoming increasingly common. However, this can make it difficult to attend in-person therapy sessions, resulting in missed appointments and the normalization of spending less time on mental health care. Telemedicine addresses this issue by providing the flexibility to attend therapy sessions on a schedule that suits the individual, allowing for consistent and accessible mental health care.
Through virtual health, we can receive the help we need anytime and anywhere, thus resulting in a smaller likelihood of missing an appointment. Even though we move to another city, or we are on vacation and need somebody to talk to.
By doing so, telemedicine can be a valuable complement to traditional medicine, ensuring patient safety and well-being while also making healthcare more accessible and convenient. It's important to acknowledge that not all mental health conditions can be effectively treated through telemedicine. In more severe cases, professionals must be present and observe the patient's behavior to gain a better understanding of the situation. Just like in Zoom meetings, it can be difficult to notice every detail, mimic, and movement that the other person is making, which can be crucial in assessing the patient's condition in mental health care.
And, helpful information can slip and make it harder for both the therapist and the patient to realize the prospects of the situation. Also, some people need real-life interaction and prefer going in person.