Since the COVID-19 pandemic, telepractice has become much more common, and seems to be sticking around. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of telepractice.
What is telepractice?
Telepractice (also referred to as teletherapy or telehealth) refers to accessing services online, usually from your home. Even though you are not “in-person”, you will be able to see the face of the person you’re talking to on the computer screen. We are able to do both assessment and treatment online using telepractice, so your entire plan of care can be completed virtually!
What do I need to take advantage of telepractice?
You likely already have everything you need to participate in teletherapy. All you need is:
- A computer, tablet, or smartphone
- Internet access
- Webcam (which is usually built into your device)
It can also be helpful to have a family member or caregiver available if you want support setting up the telepractice visit, especially in the beginning.
At Lotus Speech & Wellness, we use a HIPAA-compliant Google Meet platform for our telepractice, which helps ensure our sessions are private. We email our clients a link before our session, and all they have to do is click the link to join the video call.
What are some of the benefits of telepractice?
There are many benefits of telepractice, but perhaps the primary benefit is accessibility. We have previously published a blog post about how telepractice can make quality therapy more accessible, including:
- Allows for the ability to participate in services from the comfort of your home.
- Saves time by not having to travel to a clinic.
- Reduces stress related to obtaining transportation, whether through a caregiver or a transportation service.
- Increases access to therapy services to those living in remote or rural areas.
- Increases safety during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by reducing interactions with other people in busy waiting rooms and clinic offices
There is research supporting telepractice, including this article about traumatic brain injury (TBI) from 2022, and this article about aphasia from 2021. Both articles found no statistically significant difference in outcomes between people participating in teletherapy services vs. in-person.
Teletherapy Testimonials
We asked our clients why they choose to participate in our services online via teletherapy. Here are some of their responses:
- “The use of the teletherapy has gone beyond my expectations because of the technology that’s available and the skill of the clinician is such that it feels that we are together in the same room…It’s so real, I was expecting to see your car in the driveway before our session!” – Client
- “If set up properly, it can be quite productive. It’s really a very efficient way of providing therapy…It’s very efficient and effective.” -Client
- “You’re not driving on the road.” – Client
- “Energy wise, this is so much better for him. All the steps to going to therapy before you can even begin took a lot of energy. With this: shower, have breakfast, walk into the living room.” – Caregiver
- “For me, a lot of it is logistical. It’s not possible for me to get to in person appointments. So, more than convenience, it’s a necessity.” – Client
- “I was hesitant, but what I’ve found after utilizing it, particularly with you, is that it’s actually been easier for me to immediately bring our discussion into my home life. I’m here, and even sometimes just seeing this setup will remind me. It’s like having that kind of medical structure, but here.” – Client
Telepractice Services with Lotus Speech & Wellness
We offer our services online via telepractice. Our services currently include:
- Speech-Language Pathology services
- Cognitive Wellness and Executive Function Coaching
- Yoga and Mindfulness
Our Maine practice is currently accepting new clients. Contact us for more information, or for a free consultation.