Teletherapy is speech and language services online, using a secure video conferencing platform. Teletherapy is a secure and effective service delivery model that is quickly gaining mainstream traction, especially amidst concerns of COVID-19 spread. As videoconferencing software improves, more therapists are offering this service delivery model of providing therapy services virtually.
Teletherapy can be convenient for both the client and the therapist. Most research suggests that it works just as well as in-person therapy sessions.
Teletherapy is any remote therapy that uses technology to help the therapist and client communicate. Specifically for speech and language therapy, it is using a videoconferencing platform for individual or group therapy. Both users will need a computer and internet access. Your therapist will usually email you a link providing access to a secure videoconferencing platform for your therapy sessions.
The rest is much like in-person sessions, with interactive activities and exercises to address the areas of need.
Scholarly Journals providing information on the efficacy and effectiveness of teletherapy:
1. The Efficacy of Telehealth-Delivered Speech and Language Intervention for Primary School-Age Children: A Systematic Review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28814995/
2. A Pilot Study comparing the effectiveness of speech language therapy provided by telemedicine with conventional on-site therapy. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20197354/
Benefits of teletherapy
Teletherapy provides a range of benefits in comparison with traditional therapy. For therapy clients, research suggests that teletherapy can be as effective as in-person therapy (see above sources). The benefits of seeking research-supported teletherapy with a licensed therapist include:
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Greater Access to Care: Some people are unable to use traditional therapy due to physical disabilities, geographic location, or scheduling issues.
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Convenience: Clients do not have to travel to receive treatment.
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High satisfaction: Users of quality teletherapy report high satisfaction with treatment.
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More privacy: People who choose teletherapy do not have to sit in busy waiting rooms but can seek treatment in the privacy of their own homes. For some, this alleviates privacy concerns.
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Better public health: The COVID-19 health crisis demonstrates that the ability to seek medical care at home can slow the spread of illness and protect vulnerable populations. Teletherapy allows people to get mental health treatment at home without risking the spread of infection during epidemics and pandemics.
We offer teletherapy services in the state of Florida. Please call us to schedule a consultation.
Additional Sources of information:
https://www.asha.org/Practice-Portal/Professional-Issues/Telepractice/
