Research-supported for decades, telepsychology and teletherapy are not new

For over 20 years, methodologically sound studies by numerous researchers from well-respected institutions have indicated that teletherapy works for many life and mental health challenges. Dr. Maxwell will provide a bibliography of studies upon request.

Things to consider when considering teletherapy

Of course, those factors that affect how therapy works and feels in person will likely affect how it works and feels over videoconferencing and/or over the phone. For example, if a client would not feel at ease with a therapist in person, then the client would probably not feel at ease with the same therapist over videoconferencing and/or over the phone.

Also, there are some cases for which in-person therapy may be advisable instead of teletherapy. For example, if a person’s mental health would in some way be best served by leaving their house for a routine appointment, then teletherapy may ultimately not be as helpful for them as in-person therapy. If Dr. Maxwell and/or a client concludes or jointly conclude that in-person therapy would be a better fit, then Dr. Maxwell will help the client locate an appropriate therapist in the client’s area.

Accessibility, availability and comfort

For whom are telepsychological services well-suited?

• People whose daily responsibilities and schedules (e.g., childcare) make attending in-person appointments prohibitively difficult

• People living or working in smaller towns or cities with limited options for psychological services

• People with disabilities who cannot or prefer not to travel to a physical location for services

• People who want or need services during standard non-business hours (i.e., before 8AM or after 6PM)

• People who find telehealth services more useful than or as useful as in-person health services