Texas Telehealth Counseling: Therapy When and When You Need It
Telecommunications technology has greatly transformed modern life. Now, you do not have to be in the same room with the person you want to talk to, even seeing them through video conferencing services. Access to high-speed internet almost anywhere in Texas, including through cellular services, has made these video conferencing services almost seamless. Our telecommunication technologies have even expanded to the Texas healthcare industry, allowing patients to meet with their healthcare providers from anywhere to quickly get the help they need. Texas telehealth counseling has greatly gained popularity for several reasons.
Texas telehealth counseling allows mental health counselors and therapists to meet with their patients through secure online platforms and has expanded care to those who would have otherwise not been able to. One of the greatest benefits of Texas telehealth counseling is that it can provide you with therapy when and where you need it. You no longer need to travel across heavy traffic or after a long day at work to meet with your therapist. Appointments can be booked at almost any time and accessed from wherever you are, including your lunch break at work. Telehealth counseling is also available through several formats, including live video sessions, audio-only sessions, or online chatting or text messages, which provides the opportunity for therapy to meet the person where they are the most comfortable.
Texas Telehealth Counseling: What to Expect
Starting any mental health counseling can be difficult for anyone. While some people may find it easier to start teletherapy, there are still many unknowns that cause feelings of apprehension. Patients can access almost all the same types of in-person counseling through telehealth services and sessions may look pretty similar.
To ensure your security and privacy, most Texas telehealth counseling services will take place on platforms that comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). While the primary mode of delivery is through technology, you do not have to be “tech savvy” to use these services. Once you schedule your first appointment, your therapist will provide you with direction on what to expect and how to access your appointment. Sessions will proceed similarly to in-person therapy, beginning with you getting to know your therapist and they can get to know you. They may ask questions pertaining to what may be bothering you and areas in life about these issues.
Texas telehealth counseling services will also differ depending on the platform and services offered, which can include:
Live Video Sessions. You will meet with your therapist on a secure video platform during your appointment time along with your camera enabled. Sessions feel the closest to in person therapy.
Live Phone or Voice Sessions. You will meet with your therapist for an audio-only call during your appointment. Platforms for voice sessions can include video platforms with the camera disabled or your therapist will call you.
Synchronous Message. Again, you will meet with your therapist during your appointment time but for a live chat session without audio or video.
Asynchronous Messaging. This type of telehealth service allows unlimited messaging with your therapist. However, your therapist will respond when they can and so will you, whether in a few minutes or days.
Common Reasons to Seek Telehealth Counseling in Texas
Telehealth counseling in Texas can be just as effective as in-person counseling when it is the right fit. At times, it can even be more effective because it offers people a more comfortable way to talk to a therapist, allows more flexibility in appointment times, has lower costs, it is more accessible for those with disabilities, and has a higher patient retention rate.
Just like in-person therapy, there are several reasons why people seek out telehealth counseling in Texas, including:
Struggling with mental health disorders. These can include anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or ADHD. Behavioral health therapy and medications prescribed through telepsychiatry can help individuals gain a handle on mental health disorders.
Experiencing divorce or separation. Divorce can negatively impact your mental health, and it can be beneficial to talk to a therapist about the feelings and thoughts you are dealing with.
Work-related stress or job loss. Texas telehealth counseling services can offer ways to cope with stress healthier or handle losing a job without turning to self-destructive behaviors.
Loss of a loved one. Grief is a difficult emotion for anyone to handle. Telehealth counseling can help you find ways through your grief.
LGBTQ+ support. Stigmas, discrimination, and more experienced by the LGBTQ+ community can lead to feelings of depression and loneliness. Therapists can help you talk about these experiences and even how to handle feelings surrounding them better.
Substance abuse. Substance abuse is often related to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Telehealth counseling services for Texas residents can also offer behavioral health treatment for ways to gain a handle on substance abuse or gain sobriety.
Can Texas Union Members Get Telehealth Counseling?
Yes, union members in Texas can get telehealth counseling through employee assistance services like Union First. Union health insurance providers are covering more and more telehealth services, including telehealth counseling. However, health insurance plans vary and you should examine your plan to determine what is covered. Union First can verify your insurance and match you with treatment providers within their network who take your insurance plan.
How Can Union Members Find Texas Telehealth Counseling?
Union members looking for Texas telehealth counseling services can do so through Union First. Our employee assistance services include a private network of over 40 telehealth counselors. Members can call our 24/7 helpline to speak to one of our representatives. We will evaluate your medical history, current issues, and personal needs to match you with certified therapists who take your insurance. We are able to get you to speak with a counselor through telehealth services within 24 to 48 hours from your call instead of waiting weeks which is often the case for in-person counseling services.
Texas Telehealth Counseling: Union First Is Ready to Connect You to Counseling
Union members and their families may access Union First’s telehealth counseling services for union members in Texas through their union dues. As an employee assistance service, we focus on getting union members, public service employees, and their families access to behavioral health treatments, including Texas telehealth counseling. Our helpline is available 24/7 with a team of experts who can quickly get you the help you need.
Our services go beyond telehealth counseling to include treatment placement and job protection services. Through our initial assessment of your case, we can advise you on the proper types of behavioral health treatment you may need and get you in with telehealth services while you are admitted into an in-person treatment center such as medical detox, residential inpatient treatment, or intensive outpatient program. We also help advise you on the rights afforded by federal and state labor laws that protect your job when you seek addiction or mental health treatment.
If you or a family member are struggling with your mental health, stress, recent events, or substance abuse, please do not hesitate to contact Union First. We are available 24/7 at (855) 215-2023 and are ready to help you in any way we can.