This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
What’s inclusive mental health? And what’s telehealth?
This article will break down these two concepts for you and argue that telehealth can help bring about more inclusive mental health through a variety of important ways. Indeed, now’s the time to take mental health care seriously.
So, read on to learn more!
Inclusive Mental Health
If you’re wondering about the word “inclusive” in “inclusive mental health,” think of “exclusive.” Inclusive is the opposite of exclusive. So, instead of excluding, inclusive mental health is all about including.
But why might this be an issue? Inclusive mental health is an important issue because many people have been excluded from traditional healthcare and/or had their identity and/or way of life mocked and not properly accommodated for.
People who have been excluded from mental health come from all walks of society: men, for example, have traditionally been made to believe that seeking help for mental health is “weak.” Meanwhile, transgender and LGBTQ people have often struggled to find adequate mental health treatment, particularly depending on where they live and what economic resources they may have.
Fortunately, there are more resources online than ever before for people looking for inclusive mental health options: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/inclusive-mental-health/
Telehealth
When you think of “telehealth,” think of “television” or “telescope.” Telehealth, like those devices, helps us get healthcare even when we aren’t in the same room as the doctor, thanks to phone and videocalling.
Telehealth has been on the rise for years and saw an especially large increase because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Now, however, many people are realizing that there are great benefits to telehealth, including convenience, cost, and more.
3 Ways that Telehealth Contributes to More Inclusive Mental Health
Read on for three key ways that telehealth contributes to more inclusive mental health!
Convenience
Whether you have a busy schedule, don’t live in a city, or have to take care of children, there are many reasons that may make it difficult for you to get into the physical office of a therapist or counselor.
Telehealth, however, frees you up much more to make it work. You can be at home, in the car, on vacation—it doesn’t really matter! You just need an internet connection, and it doesn’t get much more convenient than that.
Cost
Sometimes, health insurance plans don’t adequately cover mental healthcare. This means that you could have to shell out lots of money to get the mental health care you deserve, and this just isn’t possible for many people.
Fortunately, telehealth can be a much more affordable option than in-person care, and the same is true for mental healthcare. You can often find online therapy options that are half the price or even less than traditional in-person visits.
More Possibilities
When you look for mental healthcare options online, you have the entire internet at your disposal. You may be able to find the perfect licensed counselor for you and your needs. But if you’re only looking at the area where you happen to live, then you’re limited to the counselors in that geographic area.
Opening yourself up to telehealth can multiply your possibilities in no time.
Conclusion
Inclusive mental health is super important. Thankfully, it’s getting more attention and healthcare providers are working to be more inclusive all the time. Combined with telehealth, it’s never been easier to get the mental healthcare that you may need, regardless of who you are, where you come from, and how you identify.
You may be interested in: How to Create an Inclusive Workplace