Recently, I have noticed that there are several services available where you can see a therapist via your phone or computer at times that may be more convenient for you. The services vary in how often you can utilize it and how it is paid for, but the overall idea is that you can essentially have “on the go” therapy sessions when you need them. Is this a good idea?
Honestly, I think it is too early to tell. Like my earlier post on telehealth, this essentially runs into some of the same concerns. These services really fall under telehealth anyway, but are even more flexible than some of the more formal ones set up by clinics and provider groups. For example, my dad still went to a clinic to then look at a screen with his provider on it. What I am talking about here is logging onto your computer or phone from wherever you might be to instantly have someone to “visit”.
Again, in some ways I think this is pretty amazing, and I have honestly thought about using a service just to talk to someone about shorter term concerns that I have. That is the beauty of these services – they can be pretty short term. However, if you have depression these off and on services may not be so great – it may be better to establish a long term relationship with someone you can actually see face to face. Not to say this is impossible here, but it might be harder to do. But, there is also the idea that something is better than nothing. And, if your depression is really challenging and you don’t even want to leave the house or your bed, something like this may be the place to start.
What do you think? Do these services add value in some way? Would you consider trying them? My guess is that this will continue to grow, so hopefully we will see more benefits than issues with these services.