The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a reassessment of healthcare practices, with in-person visits becoming less preferable. Therefore, telehealth offers a secure and efficient solution.
Post-pandemic, Statistics Canada reports that 72.8% of Canadians are likely to continue using the safety and convenience of virtual healthcare, opting for it over direct visits to addiction treatment centres.
The benefits of telehealth addiction treatment include increased accessibility, reduced risk of infectious disease transmission, and improved care coordination.
A Brief History
Before the pandemic, only 27% of addiction treatment centres contained telehealth capabilities. Furthermore, only 0.1% of people used this tool for treatment visits because of government restrictions. The pandemic forced a modification to these restrictions to provide easier access to treatment, causing telehealth to expand.
What is telehealth?
Telehealth (including telemedicine and virtual healthcare) uses virtual communication tools such as smartphone apps, videoconferencing, texting, and telephone to remotely connect individuals to mental health experts. This innovative approach to healthcare changed private addiction treatment, making it accessible and convenient for patients.
Generally, telehealth aims to provide more accessible healthcare:
- For those in more remote places or further away from healthcare facilities.
- To eliminate the spread of infectious disease.
- For better coordination of care between professionals.
- To allow people to better connect with medical personnel.
- For easier access to advice regarding the self-management of health.
This method of treatment also provides a way to improve and monitor health issues. For the mental health industry, telehealth was a conduit to facilitate counselling, online therapy, and medication management.
During post-pandemic, telehealth expanded access to online treatments, including therapy groups, psychoeducational groups, family sessions, psychiatry appointments, and case management.
How Telehealth Is Conducted
Telehealth services utilize a private online video conferencing system to maintain confidentiality. Experts provide clients with personalized access codes used throughout the treatment process.
At the Metamorphosis Centre for Change, our team members use call/messaging software or video chat to connect with clients individually. Our experts use conferencing apps and software for group therapy. While most clients prefer using smartphones, individuals can use any device.
If the client isn’t confident using technology, our team is happy to provide instructions on how to begin and get comfortable using the software.
Sessions are secure and pre-scheduled by expert clinicians. They are also HIPAA-compliant, and we ensure no one shares or stores personal information. The sessions are entirely encrypted.
How effective is virtual healthcare for online addiction treatment?
Professionals can conduct outpatient services utilizing virtual alcohol and drug rehabilitation. Those with mild to moderate substance abuse who receive a proper diagnosis/assessment from a qualified professional can access virtual services like:
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Medication for addiction treatment
- Addiction counselling
The effectiveness of this treatment depends on the addiction’s severity, the individual’s environment, technological comfort level, support network, and the point in their recovery. Also, it may not be advisable for every individual.
What are the benefits?
There are numerous advantages to telehealth treatments. These are as follows:
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- Eliminating the stigma associated with mental health. Many individuals do not want others to know they are struggling with addiction. Reasons include not wanting to be “labelled” by others, the individual being a private person, feeling concerned others will treat them differently, or a desire for increased independence.
- Anonymity. Often, those experiencing addictions feel shame. Shame prevents people from honestly self-reflecting and taking proactive steps towards treatment. Online support allows individuals to express themselves without concern that others will attach a face to a name. Telehealth also assists those with social anxiety or introverts.
- Continual supportSupport resources are available whenever needed. While you may only sometimes be able to connect to your support team, the chance you can find a support person to help you is greater. It eliminates feelings of being alone in the struggle, provided you can log into the network and be willing to converse.
- Expanded support network.Some people appreciate the continual availability of a support network whenever they experience temptation.
- Convenience.Telehealth is more convenient to those in remote locations, for busy individuals, or it can be a personal preference. Not everyone wants to travel to a treatment centre to deal with addictions. Telehealth allows you to receive treatment in the comfort of your own home.
- Safety. Some individuals enjoy the fact that they do not have to drive in poor weather conditions to their appointments. Since treatment can also coincide with other mental health issues, some may find it safer to experience therapy in the comfort of their homes.
- Saves time and money. By eliminating transportation costs or having to leave work as excuses not to continue recovery, more people commit to the process. Treatments prepare individuals to cope with life and allow people to establish a prevention plan.
- Insight into the person’s environment. Video treatment sessions can help professionals gain insight into a person’s daily life and environment.
- Recovery is tailored to the individual. Not everyone responds positively to the same things. Some people require different treatment styles or pacing to experience success. Telehealth allows patients to add additional support to treatment tailored to their needs. They can find treatment to suit their lifestyle and personal struggles.
- Allows for maintenance. People aren’t limited to phone calls or in-person meetings for support. Telehealth will enable patients to develop plans geared towards their success. Since recovery is a personal process, people can tailor their plans to various sources like online recovery forums, virtual meetings, social media groups, and sobriety apps.
Your Start to Recovery
The most challenging aspect of recovery is taking the first step and seeking help. Seeking help allows the person to admit they need assistance and that they cannot overcome addictions on their own. It surrounds the person with those who can physically help them increase their chances of success and who offer support and encouragement.
Metamorphosis Centre for Change
At our treatment centre, clients experience two weekly individual psychotherapy sessions from a Master’s level registered therapist. In addition, there is individual counselling with addiction counsellors.
Our therapists allow people to address deep trauma or unresolved issues that fuel addiction. Counsellors enable individuals to handle emotional distress, go through the workbook, and process unhealthy coping tactics on an ongoing basis.
Online/Hybrid Addiction Therapy
We also provide low-cost, short-term telehealth therapy to clients from our addiction treatment centre. Our programs are two weeks inpatient and two online. Patients have access to compassionate treatment specialists from their homes. Our telehealth services offer the following:
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- Scheduled group meetings
- Discussions on any device
- Allows clients to maintain recovery at their convenience
- Consultations
- Assessments
- Medication management
- Routine follow-ups
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To take advantage of our hybrid services, contact the Metamorphosis Centre for Change at 1-855-888-0212 or fill out our online form.
