Are you struggling to decide if you should resume seeing your counselor face to face?
Today, I am going to reveal the three must answer questions before you resume in-person counseling.
Telehealth is a struggle.
Bad internet connections, dropped calls, feeling disconnected from your counselor, and frustration with apps not working. Of course you’re ready to go back to counseling in the office.
I just completed my annual physical with my doctor and I had to decide if I should go into the office or reschedule for his next available (in six months!). I didn’t want to needlessly expose myself to other patients and the building, but I also didn’t wanna wait six months for his next appointment.
How do you decide when to resume face-to-face healthcare?
Three questions you need to answer before you resume in person therapy with your counselor.
Question 1: What is the risk to myself and others?
During the current COVID-19 health crisis, risk factors to our cells include being over 65 years of age (the CDC reports that eight out of 10 deaths due to Covid are in individuals over 65 years old), And having an underlying medical condition such as cancer, kidney disease, weekend immune system, etc.
Risk factors for others would include if we’ve been sick in the last two weeks or are experiencing symptoms of illness, and Have I been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for an illness that Can be easily spread in the last two weeks.
Action: Conduct a brief self check to protect yourself and others using the risk factors as outlined by the world health organization, centers for disease control, and your local or state health department.
Question 2: Is it beneficial to go to counseling face-to-face?
Mild to moderate mental health conditions to include stress, worry, and anxiety have been shown to be very effective when treated using telehealth, either on the telephone or using an Internet connected device.
In coordination with your mental health provider, you can discuss the following key factors:
- Do you feel connected to your counselor using telehealth?
- Do you feel comfortable using technology?
- Do the severity of your symptoms require in-person therapy?
- Do you feel at risk of coming into counseling face-to-face?
Action: talk with your mental health provider about the necessity of meeting face to face versus your comfort with increased risk.
Question 3: Is it safe in the counselor’s office?
Your counseling experience should be all about you. Patients have better outcomes when they feel connected to their counselor in a safe and supportive environment.
The counseling office and individual counselors should provide you with clear guidance on the safety procedures they are following in the office and what their expectations for you as the patient will be when you come for an in person session.
The safety protocols should address The following topics as a minimum:
- What will they require you to do in coming for an in office session (wear a face covering, social distancing, cancellation if you’ve been exposed or are experiencing symptoms, etc.).
- What they are requiring the staff to do for your protection (wear a face covering, social distancing, checking temperatures daily when arriving at work, addressing patient safety concerns, etc.).
Action: Ask your provider for specifics about how they are protecting themselves and you as the patient.
The bottom line is that only you can decide if it is safe for you to resume in person counseling, but answering three simple questions will help you make an informed, confident decision about your mental health care.
Thanks for reading and I look forward to seeing you again soon.
Eric Beasley
