You know you need to talk to someone, but you are not sure how to make it all work.
It’s all too much. You have a busy schedule, so when would you have time to care for yourself?
At Summit Family Therapy, we get it. We know you want to feel better and it is hard to keep spinning all the plates in the air of your work and life balance.
If you are ready to take the next step, we can help you explore your options. One way to work counseling into a hectic schedule is to try telehealth.
All of our counselors offer telehealth video sessions. The following providers specialize in this area and are exclusively telehealth:
Why Telehealth or Video Counseling?
In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the importance of mental health cannot be overstated. Mental health issues affect millions of individuals across the globe, and seeking professional help is often a critical step toward recovery and well-being. However, traditional face-to-face therapy has limitations, including geographical barriers, stigma, and time constraints. Telehealth mental health counseling, a revolutionary approach that leverages technology to provide remote mental health services, has emerged as a promising solution. There are many reasons why people should consider telehealth mental health counseling, such as its potential to bridge gaps and expand access to essential mental health care.
Geographical Accessibility
One of the primary advantages of telehealth mental health counseling is its ability to overcome geographical barriers. In rural or remote areas, access to mental health services can be limited or non-existent. People living in these regions often face the dilemma of traveling long distances to seek help or going without treatment altogether. Telehealth eliminates this obstacle by enabling individuals to connect with mental health professionals from the comfort of their homes. This accessibility ensures that people in underserved areas have the same access to quality mental health care as those in urban centers. Summit Family Therapy is licensed to provide video counseling for the entire State of Illinois.
Reducing Stigma
Stigma surrounding mental health issues remains a significant barrier to seeking help. Many individuals are reluctant to visit a mental health clinic or therapist's office due to the fear of judgment from others. Telehealth offers a more discreet and private option. People can engage in counseling sessions without publicly disclosing their whereabouts, making it easier for them to open up and address their mental health concerns. This reduced stigma can encourage more people to seek the help they need, breaking down barriers to recovery.
Convenience and Flexibility
In our fast-paced lives, time constraints can deter individuals from seeking mental health counseling. Telehealth addresses this issue by providing flexibility and convenience. Patients no longer need to allocate time for commuting to and from appointments. Instead, they can schedule sessions during breaks at work, in the evenings, or even on weekends, accommodating their busy schedules. If a child is home sick, clients can change a scheduled in person session to telehealth. This flexibility increases the likelihood that individuals will commit to therapy, leading to more successful outcomes.
Cost-Efficiency
Traditional in-person therapy often comes with various costs, including transportation expenses and lost income due to time off work. Telehealth reduces these financial burdens. Additionally, insurance companies and healthcare providers are increasingly recognizing the value of telehealth services, covering them in their plans. This cost-efficiency not only makes mental health care more accessible but also encourages individuals to seek help without the fear of a substantial financial burden.
Diversity of Mental Health Professionals
Telehealth enables individuals to access a broader pool of mental health professionals. With geographical limitations removed, people can choose from a more extensive list of therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists for the entire State of Illinois. This diversity allows individuals to find a mental health professional who best matches their unique needs and preferences, improving the overall quality of care.
How to we maintain your confidentiality?
We use a HIPAA compliant website called SimplePractice as a private virtual meeting room. If you have a video session planned, all you need to do is click the link from your session reminder email. Your therapist can resend that email link to you if you are unable to find it. This will take you to a virtual waiting room until your counselor is ready to see you. You must have appointment reminders setup through your email or we will not be able to send you the link.
You will need a phone, tablet, or computer with an internet browser and video capability. You do not need to download any additional software if you are on a computer. If you are using a mobile phone or tablet, the meeting link will first ask you to download an app called Telehealth by SimplePractice.
Almost all insurance plans are covering this service now and you still have the option to self pay at the contracted rate of your insurance company if not covered.*
Step by Step Quick Reference Guide
1. Call our office at (309) 713-1485 or email info@summitfamily.net to request a video appointment.
2. Confirm with our staff that your email reminders are turned on and that we have your current email address. You will get two separate reminder emails at 24 hours before and 10 minutes before your session.
3. Click the session reminder link named Join Video Call from your email (example pictured below). This will connect you directly to the waiting room or take you to the mobile app.
4. Download the app if on a mobile device, (skip this step if on a computer). Then go back and click the link again from your email reminder and it will load into the app.
5. After clicking the button to join the video call (example pictured below), add your name so your therapist knows you are the right person. And you are ready for your session!
Please our office at 309-713-1485 or info@summitfamily.net if you have any further questions.