Why online therapy?

Online therapy. E-therapy. Telemental health. However you describe it, it’s not the first thing that jumps to mind when most people think of therapy.They might know of Freud, think of laying down on a couch, or maybe they picture the typical cozy office space that most therapists utilize.With the prevalence of digital devices over the last 5 to 10 years, it may come as no surprise that some pioneering therapists decided to ask, “can I use this technology to help patients?”Researchers were up to the task of investigating that question, and they have primarily found it to be equally effective to its face to face counterpart for many mental health diagnoses.So what are some reasons someone would choose to use online therapy instead of visiting an office?

Convenience

We all lead busy lives, and many would say they spend too much time in the car.After having 2+ hour commutes when I lived outside of Washington, DC, less time in the car was certainly a priority for me when we moved to Florida.After commuting to work, running errands all day, or carting the kids to soccer practice, who wants to spend more time in the car to visit their therapist?Technology allows sessions to happen in the comfort of your own home, in your car (NOT while driving!), or even on your lunch break, It’s much easier to squeeze 45 minutes into your schedule without needing to account for the drive time.

Access

For those who live in heavily populated areas, like Pinellas County, this may not be an issue as there are many therapists to choose from.Unfortunately, those people who live further out are forced to choose either a long drive to meet with someone, or possibly just forgoing treatment altogether for lack of options.Online therapy opens up access to therapists from anywhere across the state.

Confidentiality

The things patients choose to share in therapy are intimate and deserve to be kept absolutely secret.With in-person treatment, patients may have concerns about running into someone they know in the waiting room, or what to say if they meet their therapist out in public.With online treatment, there is no waiting room, and you can choose a therapist hundreds of miles away if you never want to see their face in public.When choosing an online therapist, make sure they are using a HIPAA compliant service (not Skype), to ensure maximum confidentiality on the technology end.

Different from Face to Face

I was skeptical at first because there is so much that comes from being in the room with someone.When I meet with a patient in my physical office, I can see their nonverbal reaction to our discussion, or I can provide a comforting touch when needed.While some of this is lost online, I’ve found that it’s absolutely possible to develop a strong therapeutic relationship, and there are even some benefits.Being “with” a patient in their house can provide them a sense of comfort they never would find at my office.It also allows for treatment to happen in their “real world,” so the things we discuss in therapy can carry over more easily into their daily life.Additionally, instead of coming up with a helpful task to do after session,I can be there while a patient walks through the process of doing the task, helping them address any obstacles that may arise.The more I’ve learned about online therapy, the more excited I’ve become to add it to my own practice.If you think it sounds intriguing or you have questions you’d like to discuss, please feel free to send me an e-mail (kevin@hydepsychology.com) or give me a call (727-498-1809). And if you’re ready to take the plunge, set up an appointment for a free 30 minute consultation. I look forward to meeting you!

What is the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist

I am often asked whether I am a psychologist or psychiatrist. Even after six years of graduate school and becoming a licensed psychologist, there are family members who ask me to clarify the distinction. This is a good example of how most people only have a vague understanding of the mental health field, and that we have a long way to go in our efforts to increase education and reduce stigma. So, what IS the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Psychologist

Let’s start with me. As already mentioned, I am a psychologist. What this means is that I went through four years of intense classroom instruction on mental disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, ADHD, autism etc.), various models for treating mental health issues, biological composition of the brain, psychological testing, and standards for ethical practice. While taking classes, future psychologists are also working with patients while under supervision to learn and refine therapy and testing skills. After those four years, the students must go through a rigorous match process to be selected for their one-year internship. Internship often requires moving across the country, and involves a regular 40 hour week working directly with patients in therapy and testing, along with continued supervision. Not to mention somewhere along the way, they need to squeeze in completing a dissertation! After internship is complete, only then will the student be considered a doctor. However, they are still not able to use the term “psychologist” until they complete another supervised year of practice (post-doctoral residency), and pass both a national licensure examination and a state specific test of laws and regulations. Once licensed, psychologists are able to practice independently and provide therapy, testing, and consultation services.

Psychiatrist

Psychiatry is another specialty within the mental health field. It is very common for psychologists and psychiatrists to collaborate on patient care, to ensure the best outcomes for the patient. To become a psychiatrist, one must first complete everything that is involved with medical school. They begin with learning the general medical knowledge that every medical doctor must know to competently treat patients. They learn anatomy and physiology of the entire body, about the many illnesses that affect us (e.g., cancer, sprains, influenza, seizures etc.), and the proper treatments for those disorders. Somewhere along the way, medical students must decide whether they want to pursue a specialty practice, such as psychiatry or radiology, or if they want to remain a generalist who can serve as a primary care physician. Those who elect psychiatry as their specialty begin to focus on patients with mental health disorders and providing the best research supported medical treatment. In many cases, this involves prescribing medication (e.g., Lexapro for depression or anxiety, Seroquel for schizophrenia, Depakote for bipolar disorder etc.). While some psychiatrists also provide talk therapy, most will tell you that another mental health professional can provide more optimal treatment in that arena.In very basic terms, psychologist = talking about making behavioral changes to improve mental health; psychiatrist = medication to improve mental health. While some feel there is a rivalry between the professions, I have nothing but the utmost respect for every psychiatrist I have encountered. For most mental health diagnoses, research indicates that a combination of behavioral strategies and medication produce the best outcomes. Nobody gains anything from unwarranted turf wars, least of all the people who need us most, our patients. I am more than happy to speak with your primary care provider or psychiatrist if you feel it would improve your care.For a free 30 minute consultation, schedule today!For additional information:American Psychological AssociationAmerican Psychiatric Association