HOW TELETHERAPY EMPOWERS PATIENTS WITH ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY

There is no doubt that there are a number of benefits that teletherapy brings; to enable access and reach more people than physically possible; however, it is important to have a sense of the not-so-ameliorative effects as well.

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The advent of teletherapy has meant a compound metamorphosis for the paradigm of mental health. This trend has precipitated a discourse among mental health professionals and patients regarding the relative efficacy of teletherapy versus face-to-face psychotherapy. With the Indian government’s Tele-MANAS scheme gaining increasing momentum and popularity, the delivery efficiency of teletherapy is being scrutinised even more than before.

There is no doubt that there are a number of benefits that teletherapy brings, to enable access and reach more people than physically possible, advantages that seem particularly clear, after the pandemic. However, while acknowledging the reach, it is important to have a sense of the not-so ameliorative effects as well.

Technology-assisted therapy has made it possible for therapy to be delivered remotely aka teletherapy. This means that one does not have to drive down, or make the journey to the therapist’s clinic, but can access therapy from the convenience of their home. Teletherapy can reach those individuals from underserved areas, and has been efficacious in catering to those who have mobility issues. Teletherapy also helps those with hectic schedules who may not find the time to travel to therapy sites or people with a phobia of new places, or those with social anxiety.

Sadness, sleeplessness, stress, and anxiety top mental health concerns shared on Tele Manas

Intricate relationship