After COVID, telehealth soared in popularity, even making its way into mental healthcare practices. In 2021, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) conducted a study and found that most Americans welcomed these alternative therapy options.
Now this innovative service is available at North Alabama’s mental healthcare leader.
Brianna Mitchell, LMSW, joined WellStone early this year, and is excited to serve clients across Madison and Cullman Counties. She has already begun providing therapy and assessments via online platforms. Experts consider this service option a win-win for clients and therapists alike.
“I enjoy having the flexibility of working remotely and being available to clients after the typical business hours,” said Mitchell. “As we all know, ‘life’ tends to happen after the traditional workday ends.”
Tele-therapy can be beneficial to clients, first and foremost by removing barriers that may stand in their way of receiving traditional care. Perhaps they have transportation issues or provide round-the-clock care to a loved one. It still gives them a trained, non-judgmental mental health professional, but with more flexible scheduling. Furthermore, they can receive therapy from the comfort of their own homes, or other designated therapy space, which can be especially helpful for individuals suffering from high levels of anxiety or related conditions.
To receive tele-therapy, clients must have online access to platforms like Zoom or Teams. Payment options are similar to those available with most WellStone programs, including private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and self-pay, with sliding fee scale. View this flier for full details on scheduling telehealth appointments.
“I have always wanted to work with an agency that offers a broad range of services,” said Mitchell. “Mental health and substance use became very important to me during my graduate studies. Having the skills and abilities to assess the needs of individuals and be a resource in various aspects drives me. Society has crippled people through stigmas and lack of available services and resources, so I want to bridge the gaps in mental health services.”
By providing mental health services virtually, Mitchell is doing just that right here at WellStone.
Of course, mental health treatment is very personalized. While one person may thrive in a tele-health situation, another may need that in-person connection. It’s all about finding the best fit for you, whether you are seeking therapy for a minor setback, major disruption, or simply to learn better coping skills.
And anyone who finds themselves in a mental health or substance use crisis shouldn’t wait for a therapy visit. Help is readily available through North Alabama’s continuum of crisis care, including the 988 Lifeline; Mobile Crisis Teams for adults and children; and WellStone Emergency Services (WES) for adults, with pediatric addition scheduled to open this fall.
To schedule telehealth therapy, please call WellStone’s access to care number at 256-705-6444.