What is a mental illness stigma? The word stigma refers to a trait that elicits social disapproval. Stigmas are often assigned to people with mental illness and can also affect people who break any kind of taboo (American Psychological Association).

Certain illnesses that have a negative perception, or stigma, attached to them, can make people feel especially isolated and excluded from the people who do not manifest that stigma. A stigmatized illness like schizophrenia, for example, is more likely to be met with judgment, distancing, and social isolation, than an illness such as cancer.

Here are three types of stigma and ways that they impact people who experience mental illness. We also explain key ideas for people who want to challenge stigmas and work toward a more understanding, compassionate world.

1. Public Stigma Occurs When People View a Trait or Disease as “Bad” or “Wrong”

Public stigmas manifest when groups of people believe that some traits are more desirable or “normal” than other traits. Because some stigmas are visible, such as having a visible disability, many people who have stigmas need to negotiate an ableist world that directly and indirectly challenges their worth. There are stigmas against people with mental health conditions, although that is slowly changing.

Erving Goffman conveys the social ramifications of stigma in his 1986 classic, Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. Goffman’s sociological review of stigmas explores how public stigmas and stereotypes differ across cultures and throughout history.

Public stigmas can have harmful ramifications when they cause people to associate negative feelings and behaviors with an entire group of people, and then create policies to oppress that “othered” group. For example, if there is a public stigma for people struggling with drug addictions, and there is a stereotype of “drug addicts being bad or dangerous,” then city-wide officials who abide by those beliefs might be less likely to allocate funding for rehabilitation programs or transitional housing.

2. Self-stigma Can Happen When People with Stigmas Internalize Shame

There can be a harsh cycle of self-loathing for people who internalize the judgment they receive and in turn, blame themselves for their difference rather than question socially reinforced hierarchies.

You can recognize self-blame and shame when people make comments like, “I don’t deserve to get better” or “I am a burden to myself and society.” Rather than recognizing the complicated interplay of social and political spheres, people with self-stigmas are more likely to blame themselves.

Because of self-stigmas, people are more reluctant to ask for help, due to a myriad of reasons, including a possible belief that they don’t deserve different treatment from society.

3. Structural Stigmas Exist in the Policies that Marginalize People with Stigmas

Let’s focus on mental illness. Structural stigmas for mental illness can be seen when workplace policies discriminate against people for having a mental illness, but not against people for having a “body” illness. Both types of discrimination are not always legal, but they can happen in covert ways that are difficult to track.

Structural barriers can be embedded in healthcare policies, employment and income options, housing options, education systems, criminal justice policies, immigration policies, reproductive rights, and more. For example, many people with schizophrenia who are trying to secure a job or housing feel that they cannot disclose that information because they would “never be hired” on account of their illness–even if they manage their illness with therapy and psychiatry. People who have been incarcerated and have mental illness may face double discrimination for breaking two social taboos at once. Landing a job while having a stigmatized identity can be difficult.

Exploring Stigmas: Raising Awareness is the First Step

One way to expand your awareness of stigmas is to ask yourself any of the following questions. Note or record your thoughts and over time, as you learn more about public stigmas, self-stigmas, and structural stigmas, see how your answers adapt.

Questions that explore stigmas:

• What do I define as a ‘normal’ body?
• What counts as a ‘normal’ occupation for me?
• What do I consider a ‘normal’ living situation?
• What is a ‘normal’ problem to have or show in society?
• Where did I absorb my ideas of “normal?”

People are most likely to empathize with people we can relate to, so try to not blame or judge yourself for whatever biases arise. Instead, ask where they may come from, these subtle messages that some lives matter more than others.

For example, if you feel more empathy toward a woman who lives in a house and is a teacher who is having a bad day, than, say, a woman without a house who has schizophrenia and is also having a bad day, you may want to ask–from a place of curiosity, not blame–why that is. Stigmas often relate to a bigger personal and social question: how do we decide who gets empathy? The book Misery and Company by Candace Clark offers more insight around this complicated question and its real-life ramifications.

More Ways to Learn about Stigmas

Remember that stigmas change over time. For example, in the 1950s, people who went to therapy risked being stigmatized. Now, social norms have shifted so that among some cultures, it’s seen as an asset if you prioritize your mental health and have a therapist for added support.

Here are three additional ways you can take your knowledge of stigmas to the next level.

1. Host a book club with Erving Goffman’s sociology book, Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. Gather to discuss how your idea of stigmas has changed after reading this book, if applicable.
2. Ask yourself if you have ever felt the impact of a public, self, or structural stigma. Write your personal story down and if you feel safe, share your story with a friend, colleague, therapist, or someone you know. One way of reducing the harm of stigmas is to talk openly about how stigmas have personally impacted our life; of course, this also puts the burden of change on the person already impacted by the stigma, which is not ideal.
3. Call out stigmas when you see them, especially if the stigma does not directly target you. You can be a mental health ally when someone says a harmful comment at work, for example, that makes fun of people with mental illness. There are ways to handle this in a way that makes the person who made the comment feel open to learning, such as waiting for a private moment to pull them aside and tell them how the comment affected you.

Can Therapy Deepen My Awareness of Stigmas?

Therapy can help people assess the beliefs and values that inform how they live and how they value the people around them. Therapists and counselors can also help people gain tools for how to manage a stigmatized illness and have compassion for themselves, rather than internalized shame.

We encourage residents in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister to request an appointment to work with a NAMHS therapist in person or inquire about our online therapy care.

The post Mental Illness Stigmas appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.

It’s great that people get support when they need it, and you can also choose therapy when you’re doing fine.

In other words, everyone can benefit from heightened self-awareness, communal awareness, and communication skills. Maybe you or your family have habits you would like to change together. Maybe you want to improve your communication skills with coworkers or partners. Therapists can help.

Can Online Therapy Help Me with Communication?

Increased self-awareness and advanced communication skills help people navigate the easy and the hard parts of life. Online therapy gives people tools to practice self-care, set boundaries, communicate their needs, and prioritize healthy relationships.

Despite what the movies show, therapists do not only support people when they are in the depths of despair–although they can and do support people in crisis. Therapists also help people work toward their goals and practice breathing, mindfulness, and other stress management techniques.

Take the time to find the right therapist. Some therapists offer cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Others specialize in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or other approaches. Do a bit of research and find what works for you.

Therapy Near Me: How to Find a Therapist

At HomePsych, our  online therapists make online therapy easy and accessible. Request an appointmentto begin.

The post Therapy Helps Individuals, Couples, and Families Thrive appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.

As you explore your options for mental healthcare, make sure you understand the similarities and differences between therapists and counselors.

Therapists and Counselors Often Prioritize Talk Therapy

From general mental health guidance to specialized support for mental illness, therapists and counselors may offer talk therapy as part of a treatment plan. People throughout the United States depend on talk therapy to achieve mental health goals.

To make your mental health a priority with clear direction, scheduling regular meetings with a professional can be a great first step. Since the pandemic, online talk therapy has helped more people access therapy at their convenience. Besides physically being in the same room as your therapist, online therapy also offers the same benefits as regular talk therapy.

Training and Licensing Differ for Therapists and Counselors

The details are confusing but here is the main point: training and licensing are different for therapists and counselors. Certifications and licenses vary per state. Research your state’s requirements; or if seeking online therapy, check the various state requirements of your potential therapist or counselor.

During an initial meeting, you can also ask therapists or counselors what their licensing and training entailed. As far as education requirements, counselors and therapists both hold master’s degrees. Keep in mind that vague titles like “life coach” are different and operate in an unregulated field.

Among licensed professionals, not all therapists will meet your needs, the same way that not all bosses or coworkers meet your needs. Keep looking until you find a match that feels right for you.

Take a Mental Health Step

Start feeling better today by working with a Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister. Remember that teletherapy is an option that many people use as part of their mental healthcare.

The post Therapists vs. Counselors: What is the Difference?  appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.

Self-care is the practice of tending to one’s daily needs. In therapy, many clients and therapists discuss self-care and explore strategies to prioritize it for one’s mental wellness.

Many people reject self-care, not as a deliberate choice, but at a subconscious level based on low self-esteem, self-worth, or unprocessed trauma. Therapy helps people recognize their internal roadblocks to self-care. If you want to feel empowered and more closely with your values, it might be time to find a therapist who supports you.

By taking care of yourself, you can also take better care of those you love. If you feel like you do not deserve self-care or that “self-care is selfish,” we hope this article offers a fresh perspective.

Self-Care Lesson from Therapy #1 – It’s Okay to Enforce Boundaries

Expressing boundaries is integral for self-care. Establishing a boundary is not the hardest part of this process; enforcing the boundary is. One reason for this is that sometimes, people may  make you feel bad for setting a boundary, especially if they are not used to you doing that. They will adjust with time, especially if they are a mutually supportive friend, partner, etc., who values your wellbeing.

Chances are you have seen people express boundaries before. Has a relative ever said something like, “No phones at the table” or “No cursing in the house?” This type of boundary functions like a rule or “social norm” and they are often expressed by someone with authority, such as a parent or guardian. When you tell someone a boundary, you are communicating a rule that is important to you. If the power dynamic in the relationship is not equal, you may be met with resistance.

Maybe you have a friend who you enjoy spending time with, but if you spend too much time with them, you feel completely exhausted. It could be time to establish a “time boundary” with that person. Common questions about setting this type of boundary include, “How do I express a boundary without hurting my friend’s feelings?” or “Why do I feel guilty when I express a boundary?” Therapists offer guidance for questions like this, as the possible answers are worth exploring together.

Take a moment to consider where you could benefit from more boundaries, such as certain friendships, workplace dynamics, and family members.

Self-Care Lesson from Therapy #2 – Prioritize Healthy Relationships

Self-care is not only about the relationship with yourself, but also about the relationships you value around you. Each person has to manage how much time they devote to various relationships, including familial, romantic, platonic, and coworker relationships.

Do you have a friend who you wish you connected with more often? What stops you from initiating more hangouts with them? Some people feel that they do not deserve mutually supportive, platonic friendships. Other times, loving people devote their free time to someone who does not return any love and support.

Increased self-awareness and advanced communication skills help people navigate these more difficult conversations so that they can mend frayed dynamics and prioritize healthy relationships. Setting any type of goal requires accountability. Therapists can provide healing and hold you accountable too. They are there to listen and help you find hope.

Self-Care Lesson from Therapy #3 – You Are Allowed to Seek Joy

Lots of people need reminders that they are allowed to seek joy and feel loved. There are many reasons why different people have a hard time accepting self-love and joy, but a common factor is unprocessed trauma around abuse. Therapists can help survivors of abuse find and prioritize joy again, but it is important to find the right therapist.

When people experience domestic abuse, it can alter their beliefs about what they do and do not deserve. 30% of women and 25% of men experience intimate partner violence during their life; when this happens, it can make survivors anxious, depressed, and more.

If you are a survivor or if you are someone who has a hard time allowing yourself to seek joy, try to avoid blaming yourself and seek professional support from a licensed therapist. Remember that you deserve joy and love.

Therapy Near Me: How to Find a Therapist

Online therapy gives people tools to practice self-care, whether that means setting boundaries, prioritizing healthy relationships, or seeking joy.

At HomePsych, our online therapists make online therapy easy and accessible. Request an appointment to begin.

The post Self-Care is Not Selfish appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.

When new relationships emerge, many people experience excitement and increased anxiety. Some anxiety makes sense and may be unavoidable whether the relationship is platonic, romantic, or professional. But if uninhibited, fear can overtake joy. Therapy can help!

Online therapy gives people tools to label passing thoughts and fears as transitory without letting the thoughts overwhelm them.

Here are a few tips to keep “new relationship anxiety” at bay.

Common Anxieties Many People Share in Relationships

It is vulnerable to share time, hobbies, and your body with someone new. It also hurts to be rejected. As a subcategory of fear, anxiety serves a purpose and “wants” you to take action and prevent harm.

Common anxieties in new relationships may stem from questions like, “Does this person enjoy spending time with me? Does this person like me? Does this person want to continue this connection? Are they attracted to me?” These questions are understandable.

It makes sense that while bonding with someone, people want to make sure the connection flows both ways. Some of the above questions do not warrant any action: they are passing thoughts that may diffuse with time. If these questions occasionally occur, you can disregard them. If these thoughts are frequent, you may be experiencing high anxiety.

High anxiety robs people of the present moment. It can cloud one’s mind with endless concerns and in extreme form, cause panic attacks. Having a therapist can help reduce anxiety and help you recognize thought biases.

With Anxiety, Some Thoughts Are Simply Not True

Every day, the human brain processes 70,000 thoughts using over 100 billion neurons. With these numbers, it makes sense that of these 70,000 thoughts, there will be occasional distorted thoughts. Distorted thought patterns obscure the truth and do not always serve the person producing the thought.

How do distorted thoughts relate to anxiety experienced in a new relationship? Here is one example: imagine a new romantic relationship between two people, one of whom does not respond to texts quickly. If one has cumulative experiences of rejection, the neutral observation of “this person is not responding within five minutes of my text” might morph into catastrophizing.

Catastrophizing is a common thought distortion where one imagines the worst-case scenario. Maybe while waiting for the text reply, the person with high anxiety assumes, “this person is no longer interested in me. I should end things before they do.” While the latter may not be true, if one starts to believe that thought, it will influence the course of the relationship.

Thinking “outside the box” can help when anxious thoughts happen. In this case, what are other reasons that person might not be texting back quickly?

Mindfulness Activity for Anxiety: Picturing Thoughts as Clouds

Picture each thought as a cloud passing through your mind, carrying a statement. In the same way you might watch the clouds while lying on a field of grass, you can watch your thoughts float across your mind. In other words, do not accept every thought as a fact, just watch it move across your mind and diffuse into the air.

Remember that it is not possible that every thought–of the 70,000 thoughts per day–is based on objective truth. Thought distortions are biases that turn an observation into a perceived “truth” based on someone’s prior experiences and anxiety. Remember that it takes time to develop long-term trust in any new relationship.

At HomePsych, our online therapists make online therapy easy and accessible. Request an appointment to begin.

The post Anxiety In New Relationships appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.

Mental health refers to emotional, psychological, and communal well-being. With this definition, a mental health goal could be, “I want to be more present with my time” or “I want to recognize when I am anxious and take care of my needs better.”

We hope these tips from our NAMHS therapists help you reach your mental health goals. For professional advice, we recommend you find an online licensed mental health professional who can bring hope and healing into your life.

1. Ground yourself with facts about mental health

Once you have your goal, or as you make your goals, conduct a little research on mental health. This research may help you contextualize your mental health situation so you feel less alone and more inspired.

For example, if you are navigating mental illness, know that 1 in 5 people in the United States experience mental illness, according to the CDC. Hopefully, this reminds you that you are not alone and that there may be insight available from other people who also experience struggles similar to yours. Many people express feeling empowered the more they learn the facts.

2. Create specific and small “action items”

It may be tempting to make a goal such as, “be happier.” But this goal is vague and lacks a clear action. Without a clear step, there may be little progress toward this goal. The idea of being happier is fine, but it lacks a plan.

If this is your goal, make it more specific. You can begin by making a list of five activities that make you feel content, calm, safe, or happy. Once you make this list, stick it on your fridge or desk–somewhere you can see it every day. Add a sticker or check mark each time you do one of the activities. When the paper is filled with stickers, it’s time to make a new list. You can repeat the activities or find a new hobby waiting for your discovery.

The psychology of reaching goals is fascinating. Don’t underestimate how a tiny action may accumulate into significant shifts in your life, especially when it comes to mental well-being.

3. Get professional support with talk or online therapy

The human brain is complicated and life is complicated. Finding compassionate, licensed therapists is possible. At HomePsych, we make it easy to understand your options given your location, your medication needs, and your insurance.

You deserve to feel better. Get started today and discuss your mental health goals with a professional who can help you measure and achieve your goals. NAMHS has in-person therapy in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister and online therapy care available via HomePsych.

The post 3 Steps To Achieve Your Mental Health Goals appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.

The initial resistance to self-care may result from living in a country with movies that posit romantic love as supreme. While romantic love is wonderful, and many people crave companionship, romantic love is not a substitute for self-love.

Here are a few tips from one of our online therapists to put your self-care first, with your personalized spin on it.

Tip #1 – Find your top self-care activities

Self-care helps people cope with stress by offering sensory breaks and rejuvenation. Many activities can qualify as self-care, depending on the interests of the individual or group seeking relaxation. For some people, self-care might mean pampering themselves with a warm bath and scented candles; however, self-care is not limited to warm baths.

Self-care can be as simple as taking your lunch break outside or in a nearby park, with a view of nature. Other habits that can count as self-care include: making time for activities you love, saying “no” to group events that no longer interest you, finding a spiritual practice, or reading a book at night instead of scrolling through your phone. If you have a planner or notepad, start making a list of activities that make you relaxed, content, or joyful. Put the list where you can see it as a reminder of your options. When you have a 5-minute or a 5-hour time slot with no plans, do one of the activities on your list. To help you track your consistency, put a sticker or a tally to track how often you choose self-care.

Anyone can practice self-care. For more introspective self-care, which can include being more kind toward oneself or negotiating a guilt complex, having a therapist helps keep the practice consistent. With the trend of online therapy and teletherapy, more people are making therapy a part of their self-care routine.

Tip #2 – Remember that Romantic Comedies Are Not Realistic

Each year, romantic comedies bring joy to millions of people. From When Harry Met Sally to The Big Sick, there is no shortage of movies where single people become happier when united with a lover. Movies shape our cultural expectations even when we do not expect them to do that.

Take a moment to reflect on a movie about romantic love: what is the main message? Many movies follow a Cinderella plot where a lonely, sad person is promised an exciting life with a new, dashing person. But what about the people who do not find that person? Or people who do find that person and marry, but slowly feel miserable? Self-care can help people whether they are in a relationship or not.

When we remember how to love ourselves, we also remember how to love people in our life more deeply. If you have ever been stressed and low on sleep, or grumpy because you did not get time to relax on your break, then you know from personal experience what happens when your self-care routine falters.

Tip #3 – Know When to Give Your Brain a Break

As we encourage in many of our blogs, people understand when someone with a broken leg needs crutches. There is no stigma for having a broken leg and needing support. Yet when it comes to the brain–a key organ in our body–needing support, many people feel the internalized stigma of seeking medication. Luckily, this stigma is changing as people share their mental health journey more with each other.

If you have experienced high anxiety or depression–or any other mental health challenge–for a long time in your life, maybe it is time to consider medication. Needing medication does not mean you have somehow failed; some brains need more support, the same way an injured leg might need crutches.

Celebrities like Selena Gomez and Kristen Bell, who both navigate mental illness, have shared how taking medication changed their life for the better. When big names like Gomez and Bell share their mental health journey with the public, it helps decrease the stigma around mental illness. Online psychiatry has made it even easier to manage medication with a licensed professional who cares about your well-being.

At HomePsych, we make medication management easy. Our team can also answer questions about medicine, side effects, affordability, and dosage.

Make Self-Love and Self-Compassion Your Priority

Making habits that encourage self-love is a great step to feeling better. If you are making a goal for your self-care journey, make sure to keep it measurable and relevant to your lifestyle. If you do not have a budget for a monthly spa pass, consider instead finding a public park within your hometown, where you can make an effort to walk three times a week, or perhaps sit on a bench without the distraction of your phone.

Therapists can also help you lean into self-love at a deeper level by helping you understand your triggers or thought patterns. Knowing yourself is a key part of feeling compassion for yourself, and for all of the experiences you have had to navigate thus far.

At HomePsych, our online therapists make online therapy easy and accessible. Request an appointment to get started.

NAMHS has in-person therapists in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister.

The post How to Prioritize Self-Care in a World of Romantic Love, Therapists Tips appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.

In this article, we explore what a visit with an online psychiatrist might entail. If you are not sure if online therapy is for you, we hope that this article provides clarity.

Is a Visit for Online Psychiatry Different from a Visit for Online Therapy?

Online therapy refers to any therapy that uses telecommunication. Technically, online psychiatry falls under this larger umbrella of “online therapy.”
Visits for online psychiatry may entail going over your personal and familial medical history, giving medication prescriptions, adjusting doses for prescriptions, discussing any side effects of medication, and helping patients find the right treatment plan. Unlike online therapy, psychiatrists do not focus on cognitive or behavioral treatments; however, they may work in tandem with your online therapist.

Psychiatrists can also work with your primary care physician to understand your medical history and help you find additional support.

How Do Online Psychiatrists Prescribe Medication?

Online psychiatrists have medical training and are qualified to prescribe medication. We recommend going with a mental health provider that you trust. HomePsych offers a team of licensed professionals, for example, to help you receive the support you need. As mentioned in an additional online therapy article, you can always ask your provider if they can connect you with the medicine you need. You can also research the teletherapist yourself: did they go to medical school and do they hold an active license in your state? If so, then they should be able to prescribe medication.

The expectations of online psychiatrists are the same as psychiatrists who see patients in person. To prescribe medication, most online psychiatrists conduct an assessment of your physical and mental health. Since 2020, and depending on updates from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), psychiatrists can prescribe medication without an in-person visit.

After filling out a contact form or requesting an appointment, you can expect to hear from your online therapy provider about the availability of psychiatrists, the prices, and any additional features. In terms of payment, you might pay a copay each session or front the bill and be reimbursed later by your insurance after filing a claim.

Pros and Cons of Online Psychiatry

If you are too anxious or depressed to leave your living space, online psychiatry makes receiving care possible and easy. Given global health crises such as Covid-19, online psychiatry made it possible for people to monitor their mental health with professional support, during a time when in-person visits were not safe.

The pros of online psychiatry can include more flexible scheduling, just as effective treatment as in-person psychiatry, zero commuting time to an in-person office, and a reduced delay in receiving adequate care. The cons include that some insurance companies do not cover online psychiatry, there is less direct human contact, it may require a stable internet connection, there can be problems with technology, and different platforms have different privacy.

We summarized the benefits of online therapy to explain in more detail why many people prefer the flexibility of online visits.

Schedule a Visit with an Online Psychiatrist

From the flexible scheduling options and ease of receiving quality care, millions of people find balance in their life with the help of online psychiatry.

At HomePsych, our licensed therapists offer talk therapy while our psychiatric team provide medication management. This means our psychiatrists can prescribe medication and help you find the right dosage. To begin, simply check the box for “Medication Management” when you request an appointment with NAMHS.

North American Mental Health Services also has in-person therapist and psychiatrists available in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister.

The post What’s An Online Psychiatrist Visit Like?  appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.

Online therapy offers most of the benefits of in-person therapy. As of 2022, many people prefer doing therapy online to regular, face-to-face therapy. Before making a decision, you can read about the benefits of therapy to decide if online is right for you.

Does tele-therapy have the same benefits as regular therapy?

Online therapy gives people the tools they need to feel seen, valued, and equipped to handle life’s curveballs. In surveys since 2020, many people reported that doing therapy online helped them cope with the numerous stresses of COVID-19, income changes, police brutality, and a broader sense of uncertainty. Tele-therapy made it possible for therapists to continue seeing clients during the initial stages of the pandemic, and it also increased the accessibility for new patients who could access therapy.

Besides physically being in the same room as your therapist, online therapy offers the same benefits as regular therapy. Plus, for the upcoming years, studies also suggest that online therapy is here to stay. This means that it is likely to become even more accessible with time.

What do I need to access therapy online?

Most virtual therapy appointments require a computer–or a phone–and a stable internet connection. One thing to consider is whether you like video appointments or phone calls. Be sure to ask your potential therapist about these options,  in case they have a preference.

Whether calling your therapist from your home or talking with them over the phone while sitting outside, there are ways to tailor your experience so you can enjoy the experience and get the help you need.

How do I learn more about options for online therapy near me?

Because you don’t need to commute to these appointments, you can find an online therapist around the world, so long as they work with your insurance policy or budget. Each provider has a different enrollment process that range from simple to complicated.

At HomePsych, we make it easy for you to receive high-quality care. Contact us to learn more.

HomePsych is a division of NAMHS. North American Mental Health Services has in-person therapy available as well in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister.

The post Is Online Therapy Right for Me? appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.

Online therapy offers a convenient way for people to receive mental health counseling regardless of where they live. With the abundance of providers available, it’s important to find the right teletherapist, which means first understanding what is available.

In this article, we explore what online therapy offers and how it works. We also provide three tips for how to find the right teletherapist, making it easy for you to decide for yourself.

What is Online Therapy and Why Does It Matter?

Millions of people experience mental illness each year–and that’s only in the United States. To respond to the growing need for mental health counseling, providers are increasing the availability of online therapy, as opposed to traditional therapy which requires commuting to a therapist’s office.

• phone calls
• video conferencing
• website messaging
• therapy apps

If you have ever participated in a phone call or a video call with a therapist or messaged a therapist in a special app on your phone, then you have participated in online therapy. Practitioners who provide these services online are teletherapists, though many prefer the more general term, therapists.

Online therapy has increased the accessibility for millions of people to receive counseling, especially for people in rural areas who lack adequate mental health services. Additionally, many people with disabilities express a preference for online therapy. Since 2020, in response to Covid-19 and “remote life,” the number of people using online therapy has skyrocketed.

In short, online therapy matters because we live in a world that can be stressful, challenging, and alienating. Online therapy gives people the tools they need to feel seen, valued, and equipped to handle life’s curveballs.

Online therapy may require a laptop, phone, and stable internet connection.

How Does Online Therapy Work?

Online therapy, or teletherapy, remains in high demand and it employs similar tools used in “regular” therapy. Many people prefer it to traditional therapy, since the former can easily fit into their schedule, and 97% of psychologists believe that online therapy should remain post-pandemic.

In general, online therapy works by connecting individuals with licensed mental health professionals. After filling out a contact form or requesting an appointment, you can expect to hear from your online therapy provider about the availability of teletherapists, the prices, and any additional features. They will match you with a therapist who meets your unique needs.

At HomePsych, our online therapy works by offering one-on-one talk therapy between a patient and a licensed therapist. After an initial appointment via phone or video conferencing, you can opt to continue seeing this teletherapist for a set number of sessions, or until you feel you have gained adequate tools and support.

In terms of payment, you might pay a copay each session or front the bill and be reimbursed later by your insurance after filing a claim.

Can HomePsych Prescribe Medication?

At HomePsych, our therapists offer talk therapy and our psychiatrists provide medication management. This means that we can prescribe medication. If this applies to you, check the box for “Medication Management” when you request an appointment with HomePsych.

Ready to get started with online therapy? Contact HomePsych today!

The post Is Online Therapy For You? Tips For Finding The Right Teletherapist appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.