Several people suffer from mental and emotional problems the world over. Counselors who offer services in the area of mental health have found their traditional ways of working disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, the health crisis has added to the stress of the general public, whereby there is more demand for psychological counseling. Holistic telehealth platforms like PACIFYR help keep mental health experts in the business and also provides a win-win situation for the counselors and consumers by acting as a discreet, easily accessible and price-effective interface.
The current crisis
The world has been in the grip of the COVID‐19 pandemic since early this year. The unprecedented crisis has disrupted economies and businesses in a way that it will take a long time to recover. Fear of the virus infection has changed the way we live, work and socialize overnight. Social distancing and hygienic practices have become the norm and a good number of people work and study remotely from home. Needlessly to say this new living pattern brings newer problems with it, such as the inability to physically connect with people, escalating domestic violence, less outlets for sports and physical interactions, apprehensions about doctor visits, etc. One breed of professionals who find their hands full in this difficult time is the psychologist.
Nearly 450 million people have one form of mental issue or the other. These range from mild anxiety and depression to acute schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. A good majority of cases go unaddressed simply because people who suffer mental and emotional problems do not open out about it. Reasons include societal stigma, lack of confidence and confidentiality, inability to find the appropriate therapist, etc. Psychologists have traditionally been attached to clinics and other medical institutions meaning patients have to take prior appointments to meet them.
Even as getting mentally unwell people to seek psychological counselling was a challenge, COVID-19 has only worsened the situation. As classes started becoming online, parents have to oversee their children’s studies at home in addition to managing domestic chores and official work. Lack of contact with grandparents or friends adds to the burden. There is less room for stress relief as well. Perception of disease or hypochondria is a new problem, especially among senior citizens. Even hospitals and clinics do not entertain bystanders which makes it difficult for the care of senior people. The biggest stress among workers are borne by healthcare professionals. They face the double pressure of work and domestic strains.
Counseling in the time of COVID-19
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is used to correct negative thoughts about the pandemic, including excessive fears of infection or frustration over maintaining social contacts during periods of quarantine. This can also help address COVID-related inactivity and loss of regular daily routines. Psychological counselors can help patients develop new skills to adapt more successfully to the newly arisen challenges before them, including using technology to build social support during social isolation. Therapists can use a holistic approach by attempting to understand the patient starting from childhood factors rather than focussing just on the present symptoms. Counselors can guide people on the need for eating a healthy and nutritious diet, to improve the immune system to function properly. Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and doing away with sugary drinks are essential to stay healthy. People must find time for regular exercise like yoga to stay fit.
However, the counselling situation is seemingly tough for providers and receivers until the pandemic is overcome. Or wait a minute, is it really so?
The world of opportunities that telehealth offers
A mental telehealth platform that allows easy access anywhere and anytime is just the right solution to address the issues of work that counselors face. By being part of such a platform, a counsellor – be it therapist, wellness coach, career guide, nutritionist or yoga instructor is immediately connected to a vast pool of people seeking their services. Gone is the worry of physical distancing in meetings, wearing protective face masks and gloves and resorting to often sanitizing of premises for fear of infection. By connecting online via text, audio or video chat, the psychological counsellor can capture verbal and non-verbal cues from the patient, boost his confidence to make him speak out and ask probing questions. Addressing mental health needs a holistic approach as know. One needs to examine the person in totality and look into not just emotional but also physical ailments if any.
The advantages of using a remote telehealth platform
A mobile Telehealth platform addresses the mental, emotional and wellness needs of people in a holistic, preventive and confidential manner. The PACIFYR solution provides access to a global pool of Counselors, Doctors, Therapists, Life Coaches and wellness experts like Nutritionists and Yoga experts by anyone, from any place and by any mobile device. Our Telehealth capabilities enable clients and providers to connect and deliver services via mobile device in real time with integrated payment and billing. Therapists and Counselors can deliver services in real-time with integrated payment and billing. The platform brings together patients, organizations if the services are at a corporate level, insurance companies, counseling providers and wellness associations. Availability of dedicated teams and its integration with enterprise systems is the outstanding feature of PACIFYR.
Benefits of PACIFYR app
PACIFYR will provide its technology platform to Licensed Professional Counselors to help them offer Telehealth services to those who need it.
- Enrol maximum members
- Add value to services for organizations being served by
- Offering member savings through Group Purchasing Advantage with respect to Telehealth and Insurance
- Adopting Telehealth by new Licensed Professional Counsellors (LPCs)
- Sharing resources, webinars, educational materials and blogs
- Growing business for LPCs
- Be a part of transforming care model
- Provide consultation on Counseling to more LPCs
- Help develop a better ecosystem connecting LPCs, institutions, employees, patients and caregivers.
PACIFYR – Benefits for Counselors at a Glance
- Manage clients using a comprehensive tele-health platform
- Scale business and grow more clients
- Lower operational costs and greater flexibility
- Access from anywhere
- Champion the fight against COVID-19 now and in near future
- Total transparency into Program Utilization and Effectiveness
- Real-time access to fellow counselors and therapists.
