Tips for a More Effective Therapy or Psychiatry Appointment
Telehealth (including teletherapy and telepsychiatry) makes it easier than ever to access mental health care from the comfort of your home, but a virtual visit still deserves the same care and attention as an in-person appointment. Whether you’re meeting with a therapist or a psychiatric provider, a little preparation can help you feel more confident and make sure you’re getting the most out of your time together.
What is Teletherapy or Telepsychiatry?
Teletherapy and telepsychiatry are forms of mental health care delivered through secure video or phone appointments, allowing you to connect with a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider from the comfort of your own home. Just like an in-person visit, these sessions provide a safe space to talk about your mental health, work through challenges, and receive support or medication management. Telehealth makes it easier to get consistent care, especially if you’re juggling a busy schedule, live in a rural area, or prefer the privacy and convenience of home-based treatment.
Are Teletherapy and Telepsychiatry Effective?
Teletherapy and telepsychiatry have been proven to be just as effective as in-person care for many mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. Research shows that virtual sessions can lead to meaningful improvements in symptoms, especially when patients stay engaged and consistent with treatment. For many people, the convenience of telehealth reduces barriers like transportation, time off work, or stigma, making it easier to attend regular appointments and stick with their care plan. With the right provider and a strong therapeutic connection, telehealth can offer the same high-quality support as a traditional office visit.
How to Maximize Your Telehealth Visit with a Therapist or Psychiatric Provider
Here are a few ways to make your Embrace Health telehealth visit as beneficial as possible:
1. Choose the Right Environment
Your setting matters. Find a quiet, private place where you won’t be interrupted. Let others in your home know you’ll be in a session and need privacy. Headphones can also help keep the conversation confidential and improve sound quality.
🪑 Tip: Sit somewhere comfortable, but avoid lying in bed unless you’re physically unwell—being upright can help you stay focused.
2. Check Your Tech Ahead of Time
Log in to your telehealth platform a few minutes early to make sure your camera, microphone, and internet connection are working. If you’re using a phone, plug it in or have a charger nearby.
⚠️ Technical issues can eat into valuable time. If something’s not working, don’t hesitate to call us. We’re here to help.
3. Come With a Focus
Take a moment before your session to reflect on how you’ve been feeling and what you’d like to talk about. You might jot down:
- Any mood changes, stressors, or symptoms
- How your medications are working (if applicable)
- Questions or concerns since your last visit
- Goals for therapy or treatment
4. Be Honest, Even if It’s Hard
You don’t need to “have it all together” in a session. Telehealth is a safe space to be open about what you’re really going through. The more honest you are, the better your provider can support you.
💬 It’s okay to say: “I don’t know where to start” or “I’m having trouble opening up.” Your provider will help guide the conversation.
5. Treat It Like Real Self-Care
After your session, give yourself a few minutes to breathe, reflect, or take a short walk. Therapy and psychiatry are real work, and it’s normal to feel a bit emotionally spent after a good session. Build in time to decompress if you can.
6. Stay Consistent
Healing takes time. Telehealth makes it easier to attend appointments regularly, even when life gets busy. The more consistent you are with sessions and follow-ups, the more you’ll see progress.
Consistency in therapy is key to making meaningful progress in your mental health journey. Regular sessions help build a strong relationship with your provider, allowing them to better understand your experiences, track patterns over time, and adjust treatment as needed. Just like physical health, mental health requires ongoing care—especially when working through challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions. Staying consistent with therapy creates space for lasting change by reinforcing healthy coping strategies, building self-awareness, and offering steady support when life gets tough.
Embrace Health Is Here for You
Whether you’re just starting your mental health journey or continuing care, our team is here to support you. We offer flexible appointment times and a patient-first approach, so you can get care that fits your life.
Need to schedule your next visit or have a question before your session?
📞Call us at 515-612-9583
📧 Email us at [email protected]
👤💻 Log in to your patient portal (for existing patients).
