What's Telephone Therapy? Find Support By Phone

Many individuals experiencing mental health challenges or distress symptoms reach out to a psychologist for support. However, scheduling in-person therapy appointments, finding time to commute to their clinic or office, and paying hundreds of dollars per session can be challenging. Due to this, more remote options have become available, including over-the-phone therapy where you can connect with a therapist online. 

Telephone counseling may assist you with the same concerns you might address with a licensed therapist in traditional therapy. For example, telephone counseling can help with work-related events, family conflicts, anger management, relationship issues, or symptoms of a diagnosed mental illness. If these are frequent concerns for you, consider researching an online phone counseling service or life coach as an alternative to in person therapy.

What Can Telephone Counseling Do For You?

Talking to a licensed therapist, whether in person or on the phone, may help you alleviate emotional pain and find solutions or acceptance to the situations you are going through.

Online, phone, or other distance therapy options make up the field of telepsychiatry. These remote mental health support services can include in-app messaging or video conferencing. Online therapy, live video therapy, and counseling on the phone are available for everyone, not only those experiencing mental illnesses like anxiety or clinical depression. Online counselors can address a wide range of issues, including eating disorders, trauma, and concerns involving a partner or relationships in general. For example, when a breakdown of communication occurs among family members or intimate partners, it may be helpful to relate thee family conflict issues to a counselor. A licensed therapist may facilitate the communication process by examining options and healthy ways to resolve a situation.

Benefits Of Telephone Counseling 

Many of the benefits of remote therapy 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 therapy, including the following. 

Reducing Treatment Stigmas 

You may have confronted the stigmasurrounding mental illness and mental health. Many individuals have formed inaccurate or harmful opinions about those who seek therapy. Some people write in a journal to express their feelings or memories that may be difficult to forget, for example, which has been shown to be helpful. However, outwardly expressing feelings with an impartial, empathetic therapist can be useful, especially when navigating complex emotions or symptoms of mental illness. 

Stigmas can dissuade people experiencing mental health challenges from openly seeking the help they need to make progress with their concerns.

The stigma is something that many people are aware of, although some don't realize it. People who are experiencing challenges with their mental health, whether it's anxiety, depression, might experience shame because of this stigma. The shame may make them less determined to seek help with the management of symptoms or stop them from accessing services. 

When people reach out for phone 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 therapy can also be done from home, which widens their access to online therapists. 

Accessibility 

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
• Commute time 

With telephone counseling, clients may not have to leave home. They can reach out to a counselor to get support from any area with an internet connection or cell service. 

Lack Of Scheduling Conflicts 

Between juggling personal responsibilities, a family, and a career, it can be challenging to get in to see a therapist for regular appointments. 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. You might find a therapist available on the weekends, in the early morning, or late at night. Once you've listed your preferences, the therapist can then confirm their availability at certain times.

Location Flexibility 

Counseling can be more flexible for your schedule and allow you to receive mental health care from anywhere. Whether you live in a farm in New York, a suburb in Idaho, or anywhere else in the country, you can find a network of licensed providers. 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 phone counseling, you'll need a phone signal.  

Affordability 

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. Over-the-phone, email, or messaging counseling services may be more affordable and help you start therapy.

Paying hundreds of dollars for each appointment can be discouraging because you might only be able to afford a limited number of appointments. However, with a more affordable option, you may be able to have more appointments with your provider and may be able to save money.

Phone Counseling Options 

Evidence suggests that smartphone-enhanced therapy platforms can help address symptoms of a wide range of mental health concerns is mounting. In one comprehensive study, researchers examined the effectiveness of mobile treatments, finding that phone-based counseling can be a valuable form of therapy. The report assessed the applications of smartphone-enhanced therapy for several mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and bipolar disorder. Researchers concluded that the benefits of these resources are wide-ranging. These findings align with those from other studies, including reports on the usefulness of mobile phone therapy for depression, anxiety, and stress. 

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 phone, 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. Once an account has been successfully created, you may be matched with one of the site's licensed providers who are qualified to make a complete assessment and begin to address your specific needs.