Building a Therapeutic Alliance via Telehealth

Questions often arise about the effectiveness of virtual therapy vs in person therapy.  Concerns arise about whether the patient will feel disconnected or find it to be impersonal. 

Ascend Healthcare has been providing virtual mental health services for 4 years now and we have found it to be life saving and life changing for many individuals seeking therapy.  This is what we have found in our work with thousands of patients.

1. Patients love joining remotely!  Traveling to and from appointments in traffic can be stressful; finding parking and checking in with reception can be time consuming.  Sitting in a waiting area can present discomfort and stigma concerns for patients.
2. Many folks prefer virtual appointments.  Older adults, new parents, working people, teens, and busy people, in general, often appreciate the option to join from the comfort of their home, workplace, or school.
3. Clinicians and patients can develop a strong therapeutic relationship through telehealth.  Our therapists are trained to assess and treat patients via telehealth.   They quickly learn their patient’s baseline presentation, are attuned to changes, and adept at responding appropriately.  Virtual sessions tend to be focused and productive.  Patients enter the session with less stress and distraction due to fewer transitions leading up to the session (i.e. driving, parking, checking in).
4. Technology is not a barrier.  Once patients learn how to connect virtually, it is the same every single time.  It becomes part of the ritual of coming to therapy.  In the rare instances of technology failure, patients know their therapist will call them and their session will continue telephonically.   Sessions are secure and patient privacy is ensured.  Technology has proven to be an effective tool in providing care and maintaining contact with patients. 
5. Screen sharing and emailing materials reinforce the content of the session.  With the use of technology, therapists can share handouts, videos, and music with their patients to enhance their experience and foster progress. 
6. Telehealth is inherently non-discriminatory.  Recent statistics indicate that 97% of adults in the U.S. own a mobile phone.  Through their device, patients can access quality care via the internet or cell service regardless of location, ability, transportation, or other previously impeding factors.    

Herbert Spencer wrote, “There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep [us] in everlasting ignorance – that principle is contempt prior to investigation.”

Many who were previously unsure of its effectiveness, have found telehealth to be the BEST solution to meeting their mental healthcare needs.   They have made a meaningful connection with their therapist, learned new coping skills, processed past trauma, expanded their communication skills, improved their relationships, received support and guidance, and genuinely felt cared for in their journey.