As mental health issues have become a disease of modernity, telemental health has been a relief to many. Also known as telepsychology or telepsychiatry, this technology involves using video conferencing or telecommunication to deliver mental health services. Although you can access telemental services in the comfort of your home, many people are confused about the average number of sessions one is required to attend for a full mental recovery.
Telemental service sessions are quite similar to traditional in-person sessions. The only difference is that telemental sessions are done online, where the therapist and client can communicate with one another through a video call.
Traditional in-person sessions are conducted once a week for about 30 to 50 weeks. So, telemental sessions can be done in the same amount of time but limited to location and time.
Factors That Determine Number of Telemental Sessions
Below are a few factors that determine session numbers in telemental sessions.
How Complex Are Your Issues
One of the main things that telemental therapists consider when planning your sessions is how complex the issues you are struggling with are.
Short-term problems can be dealt with in a few sessions. If the client has several complex issues, therapists might recommend long-term therapy. Clients with more serious cases can be sorted within weeks, months, or even years.
The Length of Individual Sessions
Different mental health challenges have different lengths in individual sessions. Based on the extremity of your issues, they greatly determine the length of sessions with therapists. Sessions can last anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.
The average length is typically 45 minutes, but some therapists may offer longer sessions if they feel it’s necessary and also may be available upon request.
Short sessions tend to have high frequencies increasing the total number. Longer sessions tend to be less frequent and more spread out.
Cost and Insurance Limitations
Another factor determining the number of sessions with a therapist is cost and the amount your insurance is willing to cover.
According to Forbes, most therapists charge per session, and the cost ranges from $100 to $200 per session. This cost might be higher or lower depending on your state and needs.
If your insurance covers telemental sessions, there might be a limit to the number of sessions.
Scheduling Conflicts
Since telemental sessions can be done anywhere, it is important to consider time differences and scheduling conflicts. If you see a telemental therapist in a different time zone, ensure that the scheduled time for the session works for both parties.
Telemental Therapy Goals
The goals of telemental therapy also play a role in how many sessions are recommended or needed. If the goals are more long-term, such as developing skills to manage anxiety, then weekly sessions for a longer time might be necessary.
On the other hand, fewer sessions might be needed if the goal is more short-term, such as preparing for an upcoming event causing anxiety.
Previous Treatment History
If the client has undergone telemental therapy in the past, the therapist will consider that. If the previous treatment was successful, then fewer sessions might be recommended.
In instances previous treatment was unsuccessful or there were relapses, then more sessions might be recommended. Relapses are common; telemental therapists might recommend booster sessions even after treatment has ended.
Client’s Progress
If the client responds well to therapy and progresses towards their goals, fewer sessions may be needed. On occasions when the client is not responding well or taking long to make progress, more sessions might be necessary.
When to Enroll in Telemental Therapy
Are you wondering if telemental is suitable for you or when the best time to start is? If you have been battling with your mental health, enrolling for telemental service is a big decision.
Consult with a telemental therapist to see if this therapy is right for you and what are your specific needs.
Does Telemental Health Give Sustainable Results?
It’s good to remember that telemental therapy might not be suitable for everyone. Like traditional therapy, it might take a few sessions for the therapist to determine if telemental is the right fit. If telemental is not working, your therapist will give other options or switch to a different type of therapy altogether.
Telemental health is an excellent option for those who might not have access to traditional therapy. This is a great solution for those who want the flexibility of online sessions.
If you are considering telemental health, ask your therapist how many sessions you can expect during this journey of mental healing.
