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What is TeleMental Health, & is it right for you?

3/27/2020

Telemental health is a hot topic that a lot of people are wondering about as we continue working to #FlattenTheCurve and reduce the spread of COVID-19. We’re hear to answer some basic questions about how Bethel Haven uses telemental health and if it is a good fit for you!

What is Telemental Health?
Telemental Health is technology used to provide behavioral health services from a distance. Counselors as Bethel Haven that provide telemental health use a secure video platform to have “face-to-face” sessions with their clients. While we cannot use video chat tools like FaceTime, our counselors can provide easy-to-follow links to use the secure platforms. For a counselor to provide a telemental health session, they have obtained extra training to ensure they understand the technology, feel capable provide quality care in this way, and understand how to maintain your safety and comfort while using this different kind of method.

Is Telemental Health a Good Fit for Me?
Here are some considerations when deciding if telemental health is right for you:

Are you comfortable using technology? While we might be able to assume you are tech savvy if you are reading our blog, it is important to think about how comfortable you are navigating different technology.
Do you have concerns related to language or hearing? It’s important to consider if a language barrier or hearing concern could impact your connection with your counselor. If English is your second language and you sometimes have trouble with different words or if you struggle to hear others clearly and your technology has a muffled microphone, it could spell disaster!
Will you have a private place for sessions? Just like when you are in the office, having a private place to “go” for counseling is important. If you do not have access to a room by yourself for the time of your session, your confidentiality is compromised.
Can you come to the office for occasional physical session? While current practice encourages social distancing and sheltering in place, in general, many counselors require occasional face-to-face sessions in the physical office and/or a face-to-face intake session. While telehealth is a great option if you do not have services in your area or move to a different city in the state, it is important to check your counselors policy on this.
Do you have concerns about telemental health? If you have any concerns about telemental health being a good fit for you or if you are interested in starting a telemental health journey, we are here for you! If you are a current client, have a detailed discussion with your counselor so you can make an informed decision. If you are interested in a new client appointment, feel free to give us a call at 706.310.9046 whenever works for you!

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How To Talk To Kids About COVID-19

3/14/2020

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Watching the news and seeing the talk on social media regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) is enough to work any adult into a state of anxiety - now imagine how it feels for a child to be hearing and seeing all of this! We’d like to share a few thoughts on how to have conversations with the children in your life regarding the coronavirus to help you navigate this uncertain time

1.CHECK YOURSELF. Before you engage in any conversation about the coronavirus, be sure that you are coming from a place of peace and calm. Children feed off of our emotional state. Your calm demeanor and presence can help your child regulate his or her emotional state - a process known as coregulation. Do what you need to do to cope well and take care of yourself, whether that’s through prayer, meditation, exercise, hobbies, or other healthy habits.

2. BRING IT UP. Don’t be afraid to have a conversation about COVID-19 with your kids. Rachel Ehmke with the Child Mind Institute writes, “Kids worry more when they are kept in the dark.” Bringing up the topic won’t create more fear and worry - it will actually help ease it (if handled appropriately).

3. LISTEN FIRST. Your kids, whether they go to private school, public school, or are homeschooled, have more than likely heard about the coronavirus from classmates, friends, adults, and the media. Start by asking them what they already know. It can be as simple as:
“Have you heard anything about the coronavirus?”
“What have you heard?”
It’s important to listen to their thoughts and feelings, so that you know where to start in addressing their concerns.

4. CONSIDER DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL. When answering your child’s questions, keep his or her developmental level in mind. If your child is very young (toddler age) chronologically and/or developmentally, keep your language simple and concise. School-age children will be able to understand more, but they think in concrete terms. Therefore, simplicity and clarity are key. It's always a good idea to ask your child to repeat back to you what they heard you say. This helps you assess whether or not your child has understood you clearly.

On a related note - avoid watching the news or having intense conversations about COVID-19 while kids are within earshot. You never know what bits of information (or misinformation) they hear and misunderstand.

5. EMPOWER. Teach your kids strategies to help them stay mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy. Our kids’ mental health is strengthened by routine, so try to keep their schedule as consistent as possible. Remind them that when they feel worried, they can talk to you and that you will do your best to help. Teach them tools such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation and use fun activities to reduce anxiety. And of course, reinforce personal hygiene! All of these strategies will empower your kids and give them confidence amidst the coronavirus craziness!

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help, hope, healing

What is TeleMental Health, & is it right for you?

How To Talk To Kids About COVID-19

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