Introduction
Teletherapists are at the crossroads of rapidly evolving healthcare models and patient or client preferences. A recent study, “Choosing Or Losing In Behavioral Health: A Study Of Patients’ Experiences Selecting Telehealth Versus In-Person Care,” has recently shed light on whether clients and patients prefer telehealth only or in-person care (Sousa, 2023). Notably, the research highlights that approximately one-third of patients receiving therapy or medication visits reported that their clinicians, which include teletherapists, did not offer both modalities. Some patients could benefit from hybrid models, whereby the teletherapist offers telehealth augmented by in-person meetings at routine intervals. Such hybrid models can help solidify therapeutic bonds, meet client and patient preferences, and offer welcomed variety for some clinicians who work from home.
Moreover, 32% of patients queried claimed they did not typically receive their preferred modality, and 45% believed their clinicians did not consider their preferences. These findings underscore the urgent need for teletherapists to revisit and potentially recalibrate their approach to modality selection. It also suggests that teletherapists and those working in person may need to inquire about their clients’ and patients’ preferences more often.
Strategies for Teletherapists Seeking to Offer Scheduled In-Person Meetings
Teletherapists today have various options for developing hybrid practices, and some might be surprisingly beneficial for both parties. The remainder of this article offers several approaches to developing such services.
Travel-Based Solutions
1. Mobile Office Strategy. Creating a temporary mobile office with secure technology could be another avenue for teletherapists.
Considerations. Appropriate boundaries between personal and public meeting areas, zoning laws, accessibility, local licensure, and sanitation are important.
2. Renting an Office. Teletherapists might choose their favorite mountain village, beach town, or lakeside retreat as a meeting spot for in-person consultations. Depending on your type of practice, scheduling regular in-person meetings at predictable intervals may benefit both you and the people you serve. Think about the visiting doctor traveling to rural areas on horseback in yesteryear. Teletherapists using this model typically schedule in-person visits at a destination located a reasonable distance from some of their clients every three to six months. Locations can vary to include several locations throughout the year. Teletherapists can consider renting a colleague’s office for a day to offer in-person consultations at a distant location.
Considerations. Privacy, HIPAA compliance for document transfers and other technology uses, a written office lease, local licensure, and malpractice insurance are essential.
3. Use of Coworking Spaces. Renting a private, behavioral healthcare-designed room in coworking spaces is an option for teletherapists.
Considerations. Soundproofing and HIPAA-compliant network security.
Additional Thoughts for Teletherapists
Tax Benefits of Traveling for Work
You might eagerly anticipate routine travel to your preferred destination(s) while enjoying potential tax deductions. You may also find that offering such flexibility can strengthen rapport and increase your client or patient’s satisfaction with your services. Speak to your accountant to determine if this option will be financially feasible for your circumstance.
How to Find Suitable Locations
Local digital newspapers or professional association listings can be excellent resources for teletherapists seeking suitable office spaces. Hotel rooms are not likely to be considered acceptable
