Telepsychology is becoming a necessary and valuable means of providing therapy today due to the Coronavirus and the necessary shelter in place orders and social distancing.  In order to adapt to our new social order and still be viable, I have been learning about how to move beyond the four walls of my  office and be accessible to reach those of you I’ve helped before as well as potential new patients,  through electronic devices since the established practice of meeting in my office face-to-face cannot take place at this time.
Telepsychology is defined as “the provision of psychological services using telecommunication technologies (Joint Task Force for the Development of Telepsychology Guidelines for Psychologists, 2013, APA website)
Why Telepsychology:  The Benefits:
It allows you to stay connected, so you don’t have to give up the benefits of therapy.
It is possible to create a different, and confidential (*with limitations, so please read my Informed Consent form), and remote relationship based on many of the same qualities as being in the room.
Talking to a licensed professional can help alleviate your psychological distress due to fears, and worries, often heighted by the continual onslaught of news coverage which is both needed to help educate and raise awareness to best to protect oneself, hearing the risks and recommendations, along with realistic and creative ideas for managing one’s  daily existence (i.e., making one’s own mask or hand sanitizer).  Yet, knowing the need to take additional precautions when in public can also unintentionally add to one’s discomfort, especially if one’s health is at risk due to underlying medical issues, or due to age, or possibly lacking the necessary protective resources.
Equipment needed for Telehealth Therapy:   
Chances are, you already have at home all the  necessary equipment.
The most essential equipment includes either a computer, smartphone, tablet and a quiet space for talking, listening, and reflecting.
Before Starting Telepsychology – Your Emotional and Mental Check-in
First, pay attention to yourself. What are you noticing that is different?
Are you –
- Irritable or moodier – whether it expresses itself in being angrier to sadder
- Anxious or fearful
- Having bodily distress – whether felt as a stomachache, headache, lethargic or having less energy or another symptom
- Less able to concentrate or focus
- Sleeping more or sleeping less
- Eating more or eating less
- Consuming  more alcohol or self-medicating
- Disturbing dreams
If you find yourself deviating from how you used to act, think, or feel, that it may be time to consider therapy by phone or telehealth psychology.
No doubt, the Coronavirus has led to heighted  fears due to so many unpredictable factors and because so much is still new, unfamiliar and scary.
At this time, all of us have the potential to be affected and impacted by the news and social media stories aired.
And, if you tend to keep negative feelings to yourself, or try to dismiss them despite their ability to be upsetting, it can lead to them being expressed in various unwanted behaviors such as becoming argumentative and lashing out at others to withdrawing and isolating.
Remember: it’s understandable to have moments of feeling anxious, sad, lonely, etc., Feelings are what makes us Human. 
However, it’s knowing if you can be in control of them or if these feelings are in control of you.  If you find yourself struggling, consider telehealth psychotherapy.
Yet, therapy is based on a willingness to work together and will be co-constructed by the talking relationship that develops between patient and therapist.
I welcome your call and all your questions before we begin to make sure I am the right therapist for you So, please contact me.
Dr Andrea Corn
PsyD@DrAndreaCorn.com 954-942-3344
