In today’s world of COVID-19, the ability to connect online to outpatient addiction treatment has become a lifeline to those recovering from drugs or alcohol. Virtual outpatient services are also beneficial to those who are working or who might have a family to take care of. Telehealth addiction services have been around for a while, but it is not until recently that this method has become more widely used.

The person who participates in virtual outpatient rehab has already passed through detox and is ready to learn more about the causes of their addiction, as they discover more about what brought them to abuse substances.

What is virtual outpatient rehab? Telehealth services are now be used for rehab from drugs and alcohol, once the client reaches the stage of outpatient care. Some of the situations that have benefited from this method of compassionate care combine addiction treatment with mental health services. You might be having one or some of the mental health issues that include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Borderline personality disorder
• PTSD
• and other issues

To participate in virtual outpatient rehab, you will need a computer, smartphone or tablet with an Internet connection and a camera. Headphones are preferred for privacy. Texting between you and your counselor may be an option, although they might not be available 24/7.

Virtual outpatient rehab offers privacy, security, licensed counselors, convenience and flexibility; sessions are not recorded, for HIPPA compliance. If you are working, you can schedule sessions that can fit your schedule. When you are busy caring for family members, virtual rehab fits within the available time, not requiring you to travel to the treatment center. This method has been shown to be effective in addiction counseling and therapy.

Therapy methods that can be accessed virtually include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and other therapies, such as EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). Coping skills are taught, as honesty, authenticity and self-esteem are examined. You will learn more about tackling anxiety and fear as well learning how to lessen stress. Virtual teletherapy can help you see how you increase your self-blame and tendency to enlarge problems. It can also help you, with a caring and professional counselor, see the sources of guilt, blame and shame.

Group meetings and support groups are accessed through virtual rehab as well, whether it is family therapy, a women’s or men’s group or another group. Caring and compassion are still part of the process, even though it is remote. You can gain new perspectives on your behavior, as you learn new skills for coping with the world and everyday life.

Virtual telehealth rehab has been shown to be effective and may even be more beneficial for those who do not have to travel to sessions. Increased accessibility gives you a chance to continue recovery and retain what you have learned. Making use of coping skills and methods, such as meditation and mindfulness, can serve you as you leave outpatient treatment and head to a sober life that is more positive.

Videoconferencing is a better method if you live far from the treatment center and are in a more rural area. Staying in touch and getting the support of your counselor or peers is an important lifeline to lasting sobriety.

Give us a call to learn more about virtual outpatient rehab and how it can fit into your life of recovery from addiction.