The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in how counseling and psychotherapy practices are conducted. In response to the urgency for social distancing, many practitioners have shifted to providing services remotely, using video conferencing or telephone call platforms.
This transition has posed some challenges but also offered new opportunities for reaching clients who might otherwise not have access to these services. Both counselors and clients need to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of remote counseling to make informed decisions about whether or not it is right for them.
It’s also important to note that while the current pandemic has necessitated the shift to remote counseling, it is likely that many of these changes will outlast the crisis. As the world learns more about the effectiveness of the new counseling psychotherapy methods, they may become a more permanent fixture in the field.
If you’re considering counseling or psychotherapy services, it’s necessary to understand how the delivery of care from providers has changed and what that means for you. That said, this article tackles the changes made to counseling and psychotherapy during the pandemic and how those changes might affect you as a potential client. Read on.
Changes In Counseling & Psychotherapy During COVID
Because of the abruptness with which the pandemic hit, there was very little time for counselors and other mental health providers to prepare for the changes that would need to be made. Many practitioners scrambled to develop solutions that would allow them to continue providing care while protecting the health of their clients and themselves. The most significant ones include:
The Switch To Remote Counseling
Even before the pandemic, some practitioners were already using remote counseling platforms to reach clients who might not be able to access services, including clients who live in rural areas or have transportation challenges. Furthermore, the use of video conferencing platforms for counseling or psychotherapy services is not new. In fact, the American Counseling Association (ACA) published a guidance document on online counseling in 1999. However, the worldwide outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the use of remote counseling services. That is due, in part, to the need for social distancing and the closure of many brick-and-mortar counseling service providers.
In many cases, counselors have shifted to providing services via video conferencing platforms or telephone calls. Some have even begun providing services through text-based chat platforms. While this transition in delivery has not been without its challenges, it has opened up new opportunities for counselors to reach clients who might not have accessed these services in the past.
Here are the practical benefits that come with remote counseling.
- Remote counseling allows counselors to provide services to clients who live in rural areas or have transportation challenges.
- It eliminates the need for child care, which can be a significant barrier for parents.
- It offers more flexibility in scheduling and location, which can benefit clients with busy schedules or who live far from a counselor’s office.
- It can be more affordable than in-person counseling since clients don’t have to pay for transportation.
Potential risks also come with remote counseling:
- The lack of face-to-face client-counselor interaction can make it more challenging to build rapport and trust.
- There is also the potential for technical difficulties, disrupting the flow of sessions and interfering with the counselor-client relationship.
- Additionally, remote counseling might not be appropriate for all clients. For example, clients experiencing a mental health crisis might benefit more from in-person services.
It’s important to note that while remote counseling is not suitable for everyone, it can be an effective way to reach clients who might not otherwise have access to services.
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   2. Booking Appointments Online
Another significant transition in counseling practices is the switch to online appointment booking. In the past, many counselors relied on paper-based systems or phone calls to schedule appointments. Now, many counselors are using online appointment booking platforms to streamline the scheduling process. This change has been made in response to the increased demand for remote counseling services. Online appointment booking platforms offer several benefits, including:
- They make it easier for clients to schedule appointments around their busy schedules.
- They eliminate the need for phone calls, which can be time-consuming for counselors and clients.
- They offer a more user-friendly way to schedule appointments.
Some risks also come with online appointment booking:
- There is the potential for double-booking or missed appointments.
- Clients might also have difficulty canceling or rescheduling appointments.
- Some clients might prefer the personal touch of scheduling an appointment over the phone.
Online Prescriptions For Mental Health
As the pandemic impacted mental health and mental health care, it has also led to changes in how mental health prescriptions are handled. In the past, many counselors would write prescriptions for their clients and send them to a pharmacy. Now, some counselors are using online prescription services, allowing clients to have their prescriptions filled without leaving their homes.
The benefits that come with using online prescription services include:
- It’s more convenient for clients who don’t have to leave their homes to fill prescriptions.
- It’s more affordable for clients who might have to pay for transportation to a pharmacy.
- It eliminates the need for paper prescriptions, which can be lost or misplaced.
On the other hand, here are the potential risks that come with using online prescription services:
- Due to shipping delays or technical errors, clients might not receive their prescriptions on time.
- Clients might have difficulty understanding how to use the online prescription service.
- Some clients might prefer to pick up their prescriptions in person to speak with a pharmacist about any questions or concerns.
Access To Support Groups
The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to changes in how mental health support groups are run. In the past, many support groups were held in person. Many support groups are now held online, making them more accessible for people who cannot attend in person.
The advantages that come with attending online support groups include:
- They offer a more anonymous way to participate, which can be helpful for people who are uncomfortable talking about their mental health personally.
- They make finding a support group that meets your needs and interests easier.
Some disadvantages that come with attending online support groups include:
- Some people might not feel comfortable sharing personal information online.
- There are potential technical problems, such as connection or audio problems.
- Some people might prefer the personal interaction of attending a support group in person.
Mental Health Awareness
According to the World Health Organization, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the prevalence of mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
In response to this, there has been a greater focus on mental health awareness and education. It also helped to increase awareness about mental health issues in communities and made it easier for affected people to get the support they needed.
The increased focus on mental health has led to changes in how mental health awareness is promoted. In the past, print materials such as pamphlets and brochures often promoted mental health awareness. Now, mental health awareness is being promoted through digital channels, such as social media and online articles.
Here are the benefits that come with promoting mental health awareness online:
- It’s more accessible for people who might not be able to access print materials.
- It’s more cost-effective for organizations that are promoting mental health awareness.
- It’s more shareable, which can help to increase the reach of mental health awareness campaigns.
Here are the cons that come with promoting mental health awareness online:
- Some people might not be comfortable talking about mental health issues online.
- There’s the potential for miscommunication or misunderstanding when discussing mental health concepts online.
- Some people might prefer to talk about mental health issues in person.
Did The Pandemic Make Mental Health Care More Effective?
The changes made to mental health care during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to some positive outcomes. It encouraged some positive impacts on mental health awareness and made it easier for patients to access care.
Therefore, while there’s no definitive answer, it appears that the changes made to mental health care during the COVID-19 pandemic have positively impacted mental health care overall.
How To Prepare For The Future
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed how counseling and psychotherapy practices are conducted, which will continue in the future. Here are ways that you can prepare for the future:
- Be aware of the changes that have already taken place and how they have affected you and your mental health.
- Keep up to date with the latest research on the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on mental health.
- Use technology to your advantage and explore how you can use it to improve your mental health.
- Maintain good communication with your mental health care providers.
- Make sure you take care of your own mental health.
- If you need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional.
Final Thoughts
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health care. It has led to changes in how mental health care is provided, promoted, and accessed. These changes have positive and negative consequences.
While it’s too early to tell the pandemic’s long-term impact on mental health care, it’s clear that the pandemic has led to some significant changes in how mental health care is delivered, which is likely to have a lasting impact.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, there are many resources that can help. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
