Find Telehealth Counseling for Union Members

What is Telehealth Counseling?

Telehealth counseling sometimes referred to as teletherapy, is the use of telecommunication technologies, such as phone or video conferencing, to provide health care services to patients remotely. Patients can meet with their therapist from anywhere in the world, as long as they have a stable and secure internet or phone connection. Telehealth counseling has eliminated many barriers to treatment and provided patients with several advantages over in-person appointments.  The American Psychiatric Association has stated that “Telemedicine in psychiatry is a validated and effective practice of medicine that increases access to care”.

In general, telehealth counseling sessions work exactly as traditional in-person psychotherapy. Patients will schedule their appointment with a psychiatrist or therapist for a live video or over-the-phone appointment. They will log into a secure, HIPAA-compliant portal and may even enter a waiting room while their therapist is ready for them. Patients can access the same types of therapies as they would in person, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy.

9 Advantages of Telehealth Counseling for Union Members

Telehealth counseling may have some limitations in comparison to in-person therapy, such as play therapy for children, however, it also bolsters several advantages for union members looking for behavioral health treatment, including:

1. Zero Commuting Time. Telehealth therapy eliminates commuting time to and from a therapist’s office which can reduce stress from traffic while not taking unnecessary time away from your day.
2. Access to Treatment from Anywhere at Any Time. Patients can access their therapist from anywhere, which can be beneficial for those who travel often or have busy schedules.
3. Offers a More Comfortable Setting. Some individuals find an online setting for therapy more comfortable which allows them to open up more easily and progress through therapy more quickly.
4. Improved Commitment to Treatment. Research has found that telehealth improves patient retention, which is due for several reasons including, no travel time, lowered costs, accessibility from anywhere, and flexibility. Staying consistent improves treatment outcomes.
5. Ability to Socially Distance. Online therapy offers the opportunity to social distance for those who are immunocompromised or who struggle with social phobias or agoraphobia.
6. Increased Privacy. While all therapy sessions are confidential, individuals may feel apprehensive about being seen going into a therapist’s office or seeing someone they know. Telehealth counseling is done in a remote location without the risk of running into an acquaintance.
7. Flexibility. Telehealth counseling offers more flexibility than in-person counseling. Without travel time, you can schedule appointments during your lunch break or other short periods of downtime during the day. Some therapists offer online counseling during odd hours, such as late evenings or early mornings.
8. Better Access for Those with Needs. Individuals without reliable transportation, who are disabled, or who live in remote areas can access mental health services, which they may not be able to otherwise.
9. Expands Therapeutic Options. In-person counseling limits choices to local therapists. Telehealth therapists allow patients to work with therapists across their state and they may even access specialized services they otherwise would not have.

How Can Union Members Find Telehealth Counseling Services?

Union members can access telehealth services by searching online, however, this takes up valuable time, they may not find the right therapy fit, and the therapist may not take their insurance. They can also go through their insurance provider for in-network telehealth counseling services. While this way, union members know for sure the therapist takes their insurance, they might not be the best fit.

Finding a good fit for individuals trying therapy and counseling for the first time is crucial for patient retention. The best way for union members to find telehealth counseling services is through employee assistance services. Union members can access employee assistance services through their employer or their union. These services can help match you to online therapists who meet your needs and take your insurance.

What Can Telehealth Counseling Help With?

Telehealth counseling can help individuals the same way in-person therapy would, including a wide range of conditions and issues. Researchers have looked at the effectiveness of online therapy for several mental health disorders and learned about what works and what may not be as useful. In general, mild to moderate mental health conditions can be treated using online therapy. Some examples of conditions telehealth therapy can effectively treat include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Relationship problems
• Postpartum depression
• Grief and loss
• ADHD
• Chronic stress
• Behavioral and substance addictions
• Eating disorders

However, online counseling may not be the right fit for severe psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, or for individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm. These conditions may require more intensive treatment such as residential inpatient treatment. Telehealth therapy can be useful as a supplement to traditional therapy in these cases. For example, text therapy can be helpful for schizophrenic patients to adhere to their medication plan.

Online therapy has also been shown to increase the likelihood of patients seeking out in-person therapy. While telehealth counseling may not be as beneficial as face-to-face counseling, it is still better than no counseling. For example, someone who is having suicidal thoughts may have difficulty going to get help in person but may be more open to talking to a counselor over the phone anonymously which may push them to get the help they need.

Other Telehealth Services Available to Union Members

The Covid-19 pandemic led to many healthcare professionals moving their services online for social distancing reasons and many have kept their practices on an online platform. Union members can access various other types of telehealth services including group therapy and peer support groups, family counseling, couple’s therapy, anger management, and addiction treatment. Telehealth services have even expanded to include intensive outpatient programs, or virtual IOP, for mental health and substance abuse disorders.

Union Members Can Call Union First Today to Start Telehealth Counseling

Union members, public service employees, and their families can access Union First’s telehealth services through their union membership. Our team is available 24/7 to get you an appointment within our private network of 40 service providers quickly. Members can get an appointment with a counselor within 24 to 48 hours of calling us, instead of waiting weeks. Through an initial evaluation, we will match you with the right counselor who takes your insurance.

Membership with Union First also includes treatment placement services, in the event you need in-person treatment for mental health or substance abuse issues. We can match you with behavioral health treatment providers in your area who offer various levels of care including residential inpatient treatment. Our team will work quickly to find you the help you need in times of crisis and guide you through the entire process.

If you or a family member are struggling with your mental health, please call our 24/7 helpline at (855) 215-2023. One of our representatives will schedule a telehealth counseling session or help you find the in-person help you need.