Tele-mental Healthcare as the “New Normal”: Revisiting the Nuances

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a significant rise in the demand for mental health services. Technology advancement and pandemic restrictions have revolutionised the mental health field with mental health professionals adapting and shifting towards online platforms. Recent research suggests that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for various mental health conditions. Online psychotherapy isn’t a new practice, rather it has been used during pre-covid times with caution. Several studies have proven the effectiveness of telemental health indicating that both clients and providers who use telehealth generally view it favourably. Online psychotherapy and telemedicine could be more approachable, convenient while increasing access to out-of-state professionals. Online therapy and tele-consultation have its strengths as well as challenges including flexibility in scheduling, convenience, saving time from commuting to and from appointments, enhancing vulnerability and disclosure. However, it has its own set of challenges and ethical concerns, particularly revolving around privacy and confidentiality in the digital space. This symposium will highlight the strengths and challenges of telemental health based on empirical researches and personal experiences of psychotherapists and psychiatrists. With increasing onus over the providers, it becomes important to discuss and address the new demands. It will enable the mental health practitioners to be more equipped and competent to continue offering telehealth as demand for mental health services grows, particularly services offered virtually. Finally, the symposium glances at the future of tele mental healthcare in the light of the recent guidelines and what it possibly holds for service providers.