Online Substance Abuse Counseling

Online substance abuse counseling is a rapidly growing form of teletherapy. Remote therapeutic treatment has increased over the last 20 years. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, online rehabilitation programs have become essential. Since the social distance guidelines introduced with the pandemic, patients have found teletherapy to have long-lasting benefits. Last year, a federal emergency hotline reported a one thousand percent increase in calls.

With mental health declining, online addiction counseling is more important now than ever before. Addiction Intervention can help you find several different levels of support catering to most situations and circumstances.  

What is Teletherapy?

Teletherapy is counseling offered from a remote location. As of late, remote therapy sessions have become more popular. Teletherapy is helpful through various mediums such as online, webcam, text messages, email, and phone calls. Not only does teletherapy offer convenience, but it’s also more affordable. Through technology, teletherapy links counselors with patients easily and affordably. 

Who Is a Good Fit for Teletherapy?

In terms of recovery, teletherapy is an excellent fit for those who have completed a medical continuation of it. 

Teletherapy is a viable option for people who lack transportation or live far from a treatment center. Online rehabilitation programs have gained popularity since the social distance guidelines were introduced with the COVID-19 pandemic.   

It is important to note that teletherapy is not beneficial for everyone. Online counseling is circumstance-dependent. Many therapists see teletherapy as an excellent introduction to therapy. Some participants find it easier to have difficult conversations while distanced from their therapist, over the phone, or on a video call. Others may find it easier to have conversations in person. 

Teletherapy Practitioners 

Any licensed professional can provide teletherapy. In the mental health sector, many types of therapists perform teletherapy. Teletherapy can range from drug and alcohol counselors, psychologists, family or marriage therapists, social workers, and psychiatrists. If an individual is uncomfortable in a group setting, they can easily find effective online substance abuse counseling.

Several mobile therapy apps have gained popularity over the last few years. They usually provide talk therapy over text messages, video chat, and phone calls. Many apps will work with your budget and even your insurance to provide services like online addiction counseling. 

Addiction Intervention can help you find the care you need while staying at home. 

Benefits of Teletherapy

The benefits of teletherapy depend on the patient involved. Remote treatment was first used more than 20 years ago, and research shows it is as equally effective as standard treatment.  The only reported disadvantage of teletherapy is the potential lack of human connection. That aspect mainly depends on the patient and if they struggle with social interactions. Those who struggle to form relationships may benefit more from face-to-face interaction.

Seven significant benefits of teletherapy are:

Convenience

When enrolled in teletherapy, you do not need to drive to therapy sessions. Most appointments will either be on the phone or the computer at a scheduled time. Depending on the treatment center, help is just a phone call away. For those who find it challenging to make it to therapy appointments, the convenience of teletherapy is especially beneficial. 

Affordability

Teletherapy is generally more affordable than in a traditional office setting. Practitioners generally do not need to pay extra fees for their staff or even an office when providing teletherapy. The apps mentioned above even offer payment plans just to meet your budget needs. 

Individual or Group Sessions

General teletherapy and online rehabilitation programs offer both individual and group sessions. These options cater to whatever will best fit the patient’s needs. Group and individual therapies are vital in traditional and remote recovery programs.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy works great for people who want a one-on-one session, even if that means online. Patients seek therapy for a variety of emotional, behavioral, mental, or physical issues. Individual therapy helps patients discuss and treat concerns such as:

• Anxiety 
• Depression
• Anger 
• Abuse
• Addiction
• Relationship or marriage issues
• Family issues
• Insomnia
• Sexuality

Individual therapy often consists of many forms of treatment; cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most common and successful. In this type of treatment, patients work to replace negative thoughts and feelings with positive ones. 

Group Therapy

Group therapy works well with individuals who want to share experiences and feelings with others. In group therapy, many individuals are like-minded and have each other’s best interests in mind. Group therapy is an excellent place for people to practice newly developed social skills and coping methods in real-life scenarios. 

Reduced Wait Times

Remote services naturally provide increased flexibility. When it comes to teletherapy, that means shorter to no wait times. Research shows that the longer someone has to wait for a therapy appointment, the less likely they will follow through with it. Patients wanting to speak with a therapist urgently will find teletherapy exceptionally beneficial. 

Teletherapy has given people the ability to avoid traffic and waiting rooms, which is often a deterrent to many. Teletherapy is commonly used in conjunction with in-person therapy, depending on each patient’s unique needs. 

Privacy

Online counseling offers total privacy. In programs like online addiction counseling, patients do not expose themselves to potentially shameful situations, like sitting in a waiting room. You will be in the privacy of your own home. Similar to any other medical environment, patients have complete confidentiality. 

Licensed Professionals

At Addiction Intervention, we direct all of our clients to medical professionals licensed and experienced in treating mental health issues. When seeking teletherapy, ensure that the counselor is licensed and has the background to treat your specific situation. 

Satisfaction Guaranteed 

Many patients in teletherapy find remote treatment helpful. Convenience and affordability alone make teletherapy a handy source of therapeutic treatment. 

Telehealth and Online Rehabilitation Programs

Addiction Intervention is a directory that can steer you to different levels of treatment, even for teletherapy. Each level varies to fit the patient’s needs. Some are more intensive for patients with more severe issues. Others are more flexible for those with busy schedules. If you are having trouble determining the right level of therapy for you, we can provide assistance. 

Outpatient

Outpatient therapy is our most flexible online rehabilitation program. This level works well for those with busy work or school schedules. Our outpatient teletherapy program offers both individual and group therapy sessions. Patients enrolled in this program generally meet once a week.

Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

Intensive outpatient therapy is the next level following standard outpatient teletherapy. IOPs generally involve more commitment while still offering some flexibility for life responsibilities. Patients in IOP treatment attend several sessions a week for multiple hours a day. Like outpatient therapy, both group and individual therapy are utilized according to what best fits the patient’s needs. 

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Partial hospitalization programs are historically the most strict therapy levels in online addiction counseling. PHPs work well for patients with severe addiction and other mental health issues. PHP sessions are most days a week, for five to six hours per day. Patients enrolled in a PHP focus mainly on treatment and recovery. 

Finding the Right treatment

Deciding to reach out to a therapist is an investment in well-being. Due diligence is required when seeking treatment. Utilize all of your resources to find what will work best for you and your situation. Do not rush into applying for treatment until you find something that fits your needs. 

Insurance often covers therapy. If you do have insurance, find out if your provider covers mental health care. There are online databases available that filter out therapists and psychiatrists according to your specific insurance. If you do not have insurance, call or search around for a service with payment options that fit your budget. Some medical offices will try to work out a payment plan for you.

When looking for treatment, think about what gender you want your therapist to be. It is perfectly normal to feel more comfortable with a woman instead of a man, or vice versa. Therapists generally specialize in certain aspects of mental health. For instance, if you suffer from addiction and another mental health disorder, you can find someone specializing in Dual Diagnosis.

Recently, teletherapy has risen in popularity. Online substance abuse counseling has been a significant success during the unfortunate COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, people have learned that some services work just as well when remote. Teletherapy is a perfect example of this. 

You Are Not Alone

Whether you wish to cut back on your substance use level or have a diagnosed disorder, we can direct you to counselors and therapists that best fit your needs. We know that evidence-based methods help people gain control of their mental health or addiction. At Addiction Intervention, we understand the importance of both in-person and online substance abuse counseling. If you need help choosing a teletherapy program or want information on other programs, please contact us today.