The current Shelter-in-Place Order makes accessing mental health treatment more difficult for those with pre-existing needs and for those who have developed anxiety or stress due to the current situation. Tabono is here to help. We are offering Teletherapy for those in need of mental health services. If this is something you may be interested in, please contact us to find out if Teletherapy is right for you.

What is Teletherapy?

Teletherapy is the provision of therapy, mental health services, and treatment remotely. Teletherapy can occur at the diagnostic, assessment, and maintaining phases of treatment. Teletherapy technologies include, but are not limited to, email, video conferencing, and phone calls. Research has been conducted and found that teletherapy allows for reliable assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Research has also shown that it is possible to establish a similar rapport and sense of trust with our staff as it is during a face to face session. Our staff will take every measure to ensure they are competent in performing Teletherapy. We will also work with our staff to ensure that their professional and ethical standards of practice during in-person consultations will extend to their practice of Teletherapy. Policies and procedures will be developed to ensure that you are informed of how teletherapy will work specifically for you. 

What are the benefits?

Teletherapy makes mental health treatment accessible for everyone. Teletherapy removes barriers to access such as higher costs, transportation difficulties, and conflicts with work schedules. Most of the things done during face to face sessions can also be done remotely. Teletherapy works for people of all ages. It also protects those who may be vulnerable due to health conditions, which is certainly relevant now. Teletherapy follows the same guidelines for youths as it does adults, just with modifications considering the developmental levels, abilities, and age of the child. In summary, Teletherapy allows for remote care, services, and treatment, and is comparable with traditional face to face treatment.

What measures are taken to ensure my privacy?

Our staff will follow best practices to ensure your privacy and safety will be protected during your work together. Our staff will discuss with you your home environment, presence of any distractions, availability of emergency services, and how to best deliver teletherapy services. Our staff will also learn about the tools used for teletherapy to obtain knowledge about any risks and develop practices to protect your information, data, and confidentiality.

Do I have to buy expensive equipment?

Not at all! Teletherapy is very consumer friendly.  All you need is a smartphone (or access to a webcam), secure internet, a private room, and 40-60 minutes to spend on you.

If you interested in Teletherapy, we encourage you to contact us for a consultation to determine if teletherapy is for you. If you would like more information, please refer to our Informed Consent for TeleHealth.


References:

American Psychological Association. (2013). Guidelines for the practice of telepsychology. American Psychologist, 68(9). 791-799.

Gonzalez, M.S., McCord, C.E., Dopp, A.R., Tarlow, K.R., Dickey, N.J., McMaughan, D.K.., & Elliott, T.R.. (2019). Telemental health training and delivery in primary care: A case report of interdisciplinary treatment. J. Clin. Psychol, 75. 260-269.

Langarizadeh, M., Tabatabaei, M.S., Tavakol, K., Naghipour, M., Rostami, A., & Moghbeli, F. (2017). Telemental health care, an effective alternative to conventional mental care: A systematic review. Acta Inform Med, 25(4). 240-244.

Telemental Health Standards and Guidelines Working Group. (2009). Evidence-based practice for telemental health. American Telemedicine Association. 6-20.

With the current outbreak of the COVID-19, many of us are under a Shelter in Place Order. Being quarantined until further notice and having travel plans changed can cause panic, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.  Especially during this time with the constant intense news, it is easy to have spiraling negative thoughts. Here are a few fun ways to help you keep your sanity during this time:

Keeping a normal routine

Even in an unpredictable time, trying to keep a similar structure and a normal routine is beneficial. Whether you are a parent with children, home alone, or with a few others, it will make things easier. It is easy to fall into a pattern of going to bed at 5 am and waking up at noon every day, but this can lead to negative thinking. Waking up at the same time, going to bed around the same time, eating meals when you normally would, showering, and putting on clothes that are not your PJ’s will help keep a positive attitude. It will also help in adjusting back to what pre-quarantine lifestyle was like.

Utilize the internet

The internet is a great source to communicate with loved ones during this time. Maintaining your social capital can be a strong motivator to reach out to others. Research has found that using social networking sites, such as Facebook, motivates people to keep in touch with old friends and strengthen bonds with new friends. Utilizing the internet to see how friends and family are doing helps keep a positive and upbeat attitude.

Unique ways to still see your friends

As the time increases, there have been unique and creative ways to see you friends when also making sure you stay 6 feet apart. If wanting to get out of the house, one can find a group of ten people or less and they can park in a circle and sit in the trunks of their cars. It would be a fun way to see friends in person while staying 6 feet apart! Other ways include using a video chat such as Skype, Zoom, or Facetime.

Working out

Staying active during the prolonged period of time in isolation can be a positive tool in staying healthy and sane. It has been found that your mood can improve with physical activity. Research has also found that physical exercise has psychological benefits include decrease in anxiety, depression, dysfunctional behaviors, hostility, tension, phobias, and headaches. Physical activity also increases assertiveness, confidence, emotional stability, cognitive function, internal locus of control, positive body image, and self-control. There are many different ways to stay active, such as doing yard work, following an online exercise class, and taking a walk. The more active you are, the stronger your psychological wellbeing.  This helps us fight against that negative spiral.

Changing your mindset from “I am isolated and alone” to “I am going to use this time to focus on myself”

As much as the world feels the way it does, take this time to focus internally instead of externally. Making a list of what you want to accomplish during this time and checking it off as you go keeps your mind productive with a positive attitude. Things could include reorganizing the house or learning new skills. Learn calligraphy. Improve your jump shot. Speak Spanish.  Find a creative recipe with items you already have.  Approaching this time with a growth mindset will reduce stress and perhaps start a lifelong healthy habit.

If things during this time become too much, contact Tabono if you need help. We are here to help. Please click here to contact us.


References:

Lee, S.J. (2009). “Online communication and adolescent social ties: Who benefits more from internet use?Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 509-531.

Mandolesi, L., Polverino, A., Montuori, M., Foti, F., Ferraioli, G., Sorrentino, P., & Sorrentino, G. (2018). “Effects of physical exercise on cognitive functioning and wellbeing: Biological and Psychological benefits.” Frontiers in Psychology, 9(509), 1-11.

Plante, T.G., Gores, C., Brecht, C., Carrow, J., Imbs, A., & Willemsen, E. (2007). “Does exercise environment enhance the psychological benefits of exercise for women?International Journal of Stress Management, 14(1), 88-89.