Glossary > Healthcare > Telehealth Services > Teletherapy

Digital Therapy

Digital therapy, in the context of healthcare or teletherapy, refers to the provision of mental health services and counseling through online platforms or apps. This form of therapy allows patients to receive support from licensed therapists remotely via video calls, messages, or phone calls, without the need for in-person visits.

Example #1

John, who lives in a rural area with limited access to mental health services, uses a teletherapy app to have sessions with a psychologist from the comfort of his home.

Example #2

Sarah, a busy professional, schedules virtual therapy sessions during her lunch break using a telehealth platform.

Misuse

One potential misuse of digital therapy is unauthorized access to patient information. It is crucial to ensure that platforms are secure and compliant with privacy regulations to protect patients' sensitive data from unauthorized access or breaches. For example, if a teletherapy app fails to encrypt communication between the patient and therapist, it could lead to the exposure of private conversations, which can harm the individual's privacy and well-being.

Benefits

An essential benefit of digital therapy is increased accessibility to mental health services. Individuals who face barriers such as distance, mobility issues, or time constraints can still receive the support they need through digital platforms. For instance, remote therapy enables people in remote areas or those with hectic schedules to access therapy conveniently and regularly, promoting mental well-being.

Conclusion

Digital therapy offers a convenient and accessible way for individuals to seek mental health support, especially in situations where traditional in-person sessions may be challenging. However, it is vital to ensure that patient data is protected and platforms adhere to strict privacy and security standards to maintain consumer trust and confidentiality.

Last Modified: 4/30/2024