Tele-Therapy: New Age Therapy for Young Adults During COVID-19

Co-Authors: Lindsey Cooper and Joanna Lilley

So, things have changed. Drastically. In just a few short weeks (or days). It has seeped into every area of our lives, including therapy. The dynamic and methods of therapy have shifted from predominantly formal in-office sessions, to mandatory intimate Zoom moments. This includes dropped calls and sharp technological learning curves which require us to lean on our Gen Z clients for collaboration and support.  There has been an equalization to the therapeutic relationship and alliance in a way that is unprecedented, and also an intimacy that could not occur in a traditional setting. In a nutshell, therapy changed drastically overnight. 

The landscape of tele-therapy is rapidly evolving.  As we continue to be isolated, it’s important for adolescents, young adults, and families to know that therapy is still accessible to them during this time.  For those who are fearing the unknown, or those who just need some human interaction and empathy, finding a tele-therapy provider is a lifeline during COVD-19.  

How Tele-therapy existed before COVD-19: 

• Limited usage of tele-therapy.  

  • Without social distancing in place, there was little need to access tele-therapy. More in-person providers were readily available for clients. 

  • The exception for young adults, being when in transition from high school to college maintaining the therapeutic relationship with their preexisting Mental Health Provider, within the limits of their licensure. 

• Coverage from insurance did not exist. 

  • Insurance providers did not cover costs unless through specific platforms created by insurance companies (ex. Aetna’s Teledoc).

• Stigma on the legitimacy of tele-therapy.

  • From a provider stance, traditional in-office psychotherapy and coaching was the norm. There were only rare occasions where, generally, it was considered an alternative for check-ins, temporary, or in the interest of the clients needs. 

  • Community and clients advocated for more in-person sessions rather than tele-therapy providers, except the example of the college student who is studying out-of-state and wanting to continue therapy with their home Therapist.

How Tele-therapy has shifted with COVD-19 : 

•  Tele-therapy is now the only option 

  • Throughout the globe social distancing and mandates Safer at Home protocols have been put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  It has resulted in all Therapists navigating working from home and providing tele-therapy. 

• Almost all insurance is covering the cost of tele-therapy. 

  • For the first time, insurance providers are seeing the necessity of tele-therapy for individuals seeking care. 

  • Check with your provider to note if your copay is waived, and if you are eligible to continue meeting with your current Therapist virtually. 

• Unique insight into the client experience

  • With clients at home and clinicians conducting sessions from home offices, we are viewing each other in a completely new way

  • Tele-therapy literally provides a screen into the homes and lives of the clients. We are learning information about them and observing their environment in a way that provides insight into their treatment plans and goals. 

  • Not only are we seeing their physical space, we are experiencing in a different capacity how our young adults cope with change in the moment. We are working together to implement skills around flexibility and adaptability under undesirable and unexpected circumstances. 

• Tele-therapy is effective!

  • There has been a drastic shift in the idea that tele-therapy is not as effective as “traditional” therapy. We are seeing clients address issues and implement skills immediately in their home environment. It will be interesting to see the shifts as we return to normal, and create our new normal. 

  • As we transition into a time of working remotely, we will soon discover the impact that tele-therapy has on clients. 

Young adults get a lot of flack for their reliance on the internet and social media. We are seeing a complete shift in how society as a whole is utilizing technology to stay connected during the COVD-19 pandemic. There is a lot we can learn and take with us as we move forward and utilize tele-therapy to help our clients. While there is a magic that happens when two humans sit in a room together and share the same energetic space, it is also possible via technology and the virtual world. There is a balancing act and this is something we can continue to learn during our social distancing and new adventures (for many) with tele-therapy. While there is no substitute, in my opinion, for face-to-face therapy, there is also a need being met now and that can be continued to meet as our world changes and shifts. 

If you or a loved one is in need of finding support, reach out to clinicians in your area.  Be safe! Any clinician that is still seeing clients in person is jeopardizing their own health, and as well the health and well being of their clients and their community. 

For questions or comments contact:

Lindsey Cooper-Berman at 714-812-0340 or via email. 

Joanna Lilley at 970-218-9958 or via email.