Exploring The Impact of Technology on Counseling Practices
In our post-COVID-19 pandemic era, the use of digital technology has drastically changed the way mental healthcare is delivered today.
At the time, for patients who could not attend in-person counseling sessions during periods of quarantine lockdown, the availability of video calling and conferencing technologies to connect with their therapists virtually was a godsend. So much so that in the advent of COVID-19, a funny thing happened. The convenience of digital communication was felt so strongly by so many during this period, that some patients still prefer to utilize telehealth technology to this day, rather than attending appointments in person.
So, as we turned to digital counseling practices during quarantine lockdowns, it is important to ask – in what other ways did technology impact mental healthcare treatment during this time? And, just as importantly, how likely are we to continue to use these methods in the future?
Stay with us as we explore.
COVID and Counseling: How Digital Technology Lent a Helping Hand
Undoubtedly, video calling during COVID-19 was an essential tool to help keep us all connected (albeit, virtually) during quarantine. But, the rise of video consultation was not the only way digital technology influenced counseling practices during lockdowns. The development of apps and software known as mental health trackers also greatly assisted many therapy patients.
Commonly referred to as mood trackers, these apps can be customized to track various aspects of your life and habits, and, most importantly, help you visualize how these factors can impact your mental health. You can track your sleep cycles, your diet and exercise, and also, how you are feeling at that specific moment. This can help uncover important trends and connections between our daily activities and behaviors, and our mental well-being.
Other programs, such as virtual coaching apps, have also proved very useful to some patients. While, arguably, they cannot fully replace human connection, the affordability of virtual counseling software has made this form of emotional support more accessible for many people. In a time where many of us struggled mentally during periods of intense social isolation, the development of these types of technologies proved indispensable. And, likely, these technology-driven counseling practices are here to stay.
Counseling and Technology Today: What are the Continued Impacts?
Without a doubt, the best thing about enforced quarantine has been the fact that we, as a society, could rise above the challenges imposed by social distancing. Humans are, if nothing else, a resilient and resourceful bunch. When times get tough, we find ways to make it through.
The development of telehealth technologies – or telemedicine, in other words – made excellent use of the digital tools we had at our disposal to provide essential services during an unprecedented time. Fast forward to the present, and even now, in our post-COVID day and age, why wouldn’t you Facetime your doctor when you’re not well enough to make it into the clinic? Or, if you’re time-poor – a video consultation with your therapist can save you the hassle of a lengthy commute.
So, is digital therapy here to stay? In short, the answer is yes. Admittedly, it is just too convenient for many of us to give up. Further, there are the cost-saving benefits. With therapy fees constantly on the rise, digital technology can make mental health support way more accessible. Can’t afford the hefty out-of-pocket costs to see a therapist? Try a virtual coach. With customizable and personalized conversations, it’s almost as good as the real thing. In addition to this, it is also wonderful to see that seeking out this type of support is becoming more accepted. Virtual counseling removes some of the fear, stigma, and shame from seeing a therapist. This is because, for one thing, you can attend virtual counseling sessions from the comfort and privacy of your own home – away from prying eyes. Further, digital therapy services are easy to seek out. It simply takes a quick search on your smartphone’s app store to find virtual programs that can help you through tough times. Best yet, digital technologies have made counseling services more intuned with younger people. As digital natives, being able to access help in a format that comes naturally to them is ideal. For this reason, it can be said that the impact technology has had – and continues to have – in the mental healthcare space, is, on the whole, overwhelmingly positive.
Deepa Mahar is an independent blogger and admin of DeepAdvices who is exploring the beauty of the blog writing from a variety of subjects and books to health, science and others. She believes the blog would be helpful to the reader in the context of knowledge. She is post-graduated with a degree of Biotechnology.
