Spilove Psychotherapy

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Telehealth - Therapy During COVID-19 Quarantine by Julia Salerno, Villanova Graduate Student

Telehealth

You might be thinking in yourself, “ok, so my therapy sessions have been canceled, what do I do now?” Or maybe you were thinking of beginning therapy, but due to the current circumstances you feel that you have to, yet again, place your mental health on the back burner. Well, technically that is not the case, you can in fact continue your mental health care or begin your journey via telehealth! 

What is Telehealth?

So, what is telehealth? The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Telehealth as healthcare services that utilizes telecommunications and virtual technology to deliver healthcare services outside of traditional health-care facilities. Essentially, it allows clinicians, doctors, nurses, OT, PT, and/or therapists, to continue providing healthcare resources to their patients. And it is something that our team at Spilove Psychotherapy and Spilove Psychotherapy Philadelphia is currently utilizing! Through the use of telehealth, therapists, like ourselves, are able to deliver efficient and convenient online therapy to our clients, possibly to someone like you. In the midst of these uncertain times, when connection is more important than ever, the Spilove team is able to provide face-to-face interactions through the use of telehealth, while striving to continue cultivating the sacred client-therapist relationship we know is so important in the process of healing. 

The Benefits of Telehealth/Teletherapy 

Telehealth offers therapists and clients a range of benefits. It is an essential tool that allows therapists to provide a continuity of care for depression, anxiety, mood disorders, addiction, and eating disorders. Here are some benefits that Telehealth has to offer:

Individual & Relational Therapy: 

Patients can continue to get the one-on-one attention and care that they need. Just because in-office sessions have stopped for the time being does not mean that your therapeutic journey has to come to a halt. The therapists at Spilove Psychotherapy are offering individual, couple and family telehealth sessions for current and new clients! We also understand the impact of the current circumstances, which is why we are offering an array of options- maybe you need traditional weekly sessions to kickstart your healing process, or maybe, during this time of crisis, you are looking for skill building and/or connection and would benefit from shorter, more frequent sessions. Maybe, you are needing a reduced rate as your budget has currently changed. Many of our therapists have opened up immediate availability for new clients searching for specific support during this time or wanting to embark on a longer therapeutic journey. You can give us a call today or fill out our contact form to speak with a therapist for free to see if telehealth is a good fit for you right now. 

Group Therapy: 

So, you're anxious about the uncertainty of the COVID-19 virus and being in self-quarantine is certainly not helping. Maybe you are looking for some support during this time, but do not know where to find it. Telehealth offers the opportunity to connect with others who are also processing through similar experiences and emotions. Connection is necessary during this time of isolation and online support groups can help during this time. At Spilove Psychotherapy,  we are offering multiple quarantine support groups designed to give you space to connect with others and gain support as needed. We are human and we crave connection! You do not have to be alone during this time! 

Here’s our current Virtual Group schedule:

  • Mondays @ 8pm 

  • Tuesdays @ 12pm

  • Fridays @ 6pm

  • Sundays @ 5pm (specific to Healthcare Providers)

Flexible schedule: 

Telehealth is a real time two-way communication platform that allows clients and therapists to connect anytime and from anywhere. When utilizing telehealth, both therapists and clients can conduct sessions when it is convenient for both of you! Sounds pretty awesome, right? You do not have to leave your Philly apartment and put on your jeans, you can simply open up your laptop or iPad and have a meaningful session with your therapist in the comfort of your own home (and favorite sweatpants). 

Convenience: 

Maybe you are traveling for an extended period of time. And, while you feel confident in the skills you have learned in therapy, thus far, you are still nervous about not having sessions for a few weeks. Well, Telehealth has an answer! Telehealth allows you and your counselor to hold sessions no matter where you are. You are no longer constrained by your physical location, you can now easily connect with your therapist! And, don’t worry, our therapists take every measure to be sure they are following all HIPPA compliant guidelines so that your counseling sessions are confidential and safe.

Greater Access: 

Telehealth not only makes counseling easier and more convenient for you as a client, but it also increases access to mental health services. Maybe the nearest mental health clinician is over an hour away? Maybe you have limited mobility? Maybe leaving your house is just a little too hard for you? Or Maybe the social stigma associated with mental health care is still too much for you? Well, telehealth may be an excellent alternative. Telehealth, not only increases mental health services, but it also increases clients treatment outcomes. If you are in the state of Pennsylvania and looking for treatment for anxiety, depression, DBT, couples counseling, disordered eating or body image, contact us today for a free 15-minute consultation to find out of teletherapy is right for you. 

If you’re ready to get some virtual support from our clinical specialists near the Philadelphia area, contact us by clicking the button below:

Julia Salerno,

Villanova Graduate Intern

Julia Salerno is a graduate intern at Spilove Psychotherapy and is working toward her Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Villanova University. Julia received her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Health Services with minors in Psychology and Health Care Ethics from Saint Joseph’s University in 2019. Julia strives to create a warm, comforting, and safe environment for her clients to share their story with her. Julia utilizes both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialect Behavioral Therapy (DBT) when working with clients. She enjoys working with adults and the geriatric population. Julia believes that the cornerstone of therapy is taking the necessary time to build and nurture the client-therapist relationship, as doing so allows for clients to feel a sense of trust.