How to Improve Mental Health in the Workplace with Teletherapy
COVID-19 has drastically shifted the medical landscape. For the first time, a majority of patients experienced a virtual visit in 2020. Consequently, the telehealth market exploded with new screening options for a wide range of services, including therapy.
Professionals can now search for, schedule time with, and meet therapists, all from the comfort of their home or office. This convenience is important too, as nearly half of all American workers are concerned that the return onsite may impact their mental health.
In order to maintain a balanced professional and personal life, you need to make caring for yourself psychologically a priority. Here are several benefits of teletherapy and suggestions on how to improve mental health in the workplace, including building sessions into your workday.
The Benefits of Teletherapy for Working Professionals
In response to COVID-19, many professionals have already added online therapy sessions to their daily lives. When it comes to managing mental health in the workplace, the flexibility of teletherapy can be crucial. The additional benefits of teletherapy can largely be classified as convenience, accessibility, and comfort.
Schedule Convenient Sessions Between Work Meetings
Telehealth therapy eliminates the need for a commute to a third location. This means that a 50-minute therapy session may only take 50 minutes of your time because your therapy sessions won’t be bookended by traffic jams. This logistical simplicity gives professionals the opportunity to optimize their schedule and fit therapy sessions into their busy workday, as well.
However, when scheduling sessions during the workday, give yourself time to reflect. When figuring out how to improve mental health in the workplace, it can, unfortunately, be easy to prioritize your work before your health.
If you feel you need additional time in your workday to reflect on what you discussed in your sessions, consider coordinating with your workplace to flex your hours to accommodate your needs.
Teletherapy Expands Your Access to Therapists
Teletherapy enables professionals to find the right therapist, almost regardless of zip code. For any professionals working in rural areas, this access could very well be the reason they are able to attend therapy on a regular basis.
This access can benefit every professional, too. Taking advantage of accessible therapy could enable you to find that ideal therapist who may have been too far away before telehealth. The relationship you develop with your therapist can even be sustained over state lines, in some cases. This means that if you want to relocate, you don’t need to sever this tie.
Create Your Own Most Comfortable Therapy Space
Going into your therapist’s office can be nerve wracking. Fortunately, this nervousness can be lessened with telehealth therapy. Virtual therapy sessions enable you to create your most comfortable therapy setting, whether that’s at home or in a secure office space.
When examining how to improve mental health in the workplace, focus on how conducive your space is to your mental wellness. While flexibility is a key virtue of virtual therapy – you could even choose to take a call in your car – there are tangible ways you can ensure your space benefits you psychologically, like making sure it receives enough sunlight or is decorated with natural elements, like plants.
The Potential Challenges of Using Teletherapy in the Office
The benefits of teletherapy provide a good deal of flexibility relating to your location and schedule. However, teletherapy isn’t without its potential drawbacks, which can stem from technology and whether you’re in a soundproof workspace.
Technological Issues
Whether you’re on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, your telehealth therapy session may be impacted by faulty or slow technology. These technology issues could derail a session or, on the less extreme end of things, make it difficult for your therapist to pick up on any nonverbal cues as they gauge your responses to questions.
To combat any technological issues, find a space with a reliable internet connection and a help desk for troubleshooting. Remember, it’s important for you to feel comfortable in your own space for therapy, and this comfort extends to the technology you use.
Lack of Confidentiality in the Workplace
Your most private sentiments deserve to stay that way – unfortunately, this isn’t guaranteed with telehealth. Sometimes, there are inherent risks to using virtual therapy platforms. However, there are measures you can take that provide an additional level of privacy and security.
For example, before starting services, confirm that your therapist is using a HIPAA-compliant, cyber-secure platform.
You should also make sure to choose a secure location with doors that can lock for privacy and solid walls that are designed to block sound. At Firmspace, our private offices are designed for confidential conversations, with sound masking technology and walls that run from deck to deck.
How to Start the Search for a Telehealth Therapist
Creating a list of action items can help you navigate the virtual therapy landscape more easily. For example, ask yourself: “What am I looking to get out of therapy?” On the more logistical side of things, ask: “What coverage do I have?” or “Do mental health services fall under my insurance?”
Answering and acting on these questions can feel daunting. Fortunately, there are many resources that simplify this process, so you can realize the benefits of teletherapy.
Platforms like Psychology Today and Zencare filter therapists by location, specialty, age, price, coverage, and gender for an optimal fit. If your benefits provider offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), their counselors can also help facilitate therapist placement and secure additional mental health services.
For cost-effective therapy, consider resources like Open Path Collective, or identify therapists that offer sliding scale pricing. There are many options out there for professionals managing mental health in the workplace.
Why Managing Mental Health in the Workplace Is Important
More than a fifth of U.S adults are experiencing high levels of psychological distress. What does this mean? Many professionals are looking for how to improve mental health in the workplace, and leadership must support wellness efforts, in and out of the workplace.
Your professional and personal life are connected, especially in this hybrid work era. It can feel difficult to find the time for therapy, but you need to give yourself permission to take breaks. Giving yourself breaks and setting boundaries are crucial steps before adopting healthy work-life practices that can give you a greater sense of balance. Managing mental health in the workplace is an ongoing process.
If you are looking for a safe, secure workspace that’s conducive to your needs, book a tour to see if Firmspace is the right place for you.