More People Using Phone Therapy To Fight DepressionCHARLOTTE, NC- More people are dialing in - using phone therapy to deal with depression. Charlotte-based counselor Vivian Carol is the first to admit that phone therapy isn't for everyone, but 40 percent of her clients have never seen her or her office. "Some people just feel fear about "going" to a therapist and so they feel safer in their own home with their own telephone," said Carol. A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggest that phone therapy encourages more depressed patients to get help. Therapist Kristen McClure opts not to council by phone, but says some patients can benefit from it. "People who have social anxieties and agoraphobia won't leave their home for any reason," said McClure. For clients always on the go, experts say phone therapy offers the convenience of doing a session in your home, office or even in your car. Carol says she can accommodate busy work and travel schedules, even clients who re-locate out-of-state. "Some people don't want anyone to know they're seeing a therapist. Some people don't want to be seen walking into a therapist's office," said Carol. The study also proved that phone sessions could be just as effective as a face-to-face visit. McClure disagrees, saying body language speaks loudly. "If you have the choice of face-to-face, live therapy, it's a better choice," said McClure. Some therapists charge less for phone counseling, but insurance companies will not cover it. A growing number of companies are also offering online counseling -by Skype or live chat. |
Most PopularWhat's On TonightFull Schedule
8:00
bones
9:00
the following
|
Most Popular