We have changed how we do things at Midland Psychological Services, Gratiot Psychological Services, and Clinton County Medical Center Psychological Services to make sure the safety and well-being of our clients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With Gov. Whitmer’s executive orders to stop the virus’s spread in mind, we have taken a number of steps to make sure we can continue to provide our support without interruptions.
Introducing Telemedicine Services
As part of efforts to follow social distance rules and help slow the spread of the virus, we are excited to offer online counseling services.
We can provide traditional therapy services through a safe, HIPAA-compliant online platform with this method. This way, we can make sure our clients get the help they need while reducing health risks.
Benefits and Concerns of Online Counselling
One of the biggest advantages is the incredible convenience it offers, pandemic protocols in place or not. There are sessions that you can join from anywhere, like your living room, a quiet park, or even as you travel from your vehicle.
There’s no more need for fighting traffic or changing your plans to make time for long commutes. Patients and healthcare providers have each a flexibility in scheduling appointments around commitments.
For the trying COVID times, this has been a relief for many. Pandemic precautions and protocols luckily haven’t hindered access to mental health care. Telemedicine has also helped health providers to virtually reach out and treat more people than usual. This at a time when such services have been in demand in unforeseen numbers.
For many, the online format provides a level of comfort that in-person sessions can’t quite match. Being in a familiar environment can make it easier to open up and be vulnerable and honest during your sessions. There’s also a sense of privacy and anonymity that can help reduce any stigma you may feel.
Ever since mental health providers have transitioned many services like therapy sessions, support groups, and medication management to virtual platforms, people have been a bit skeptical about the success of this unique form of treatment delivery mode and whether it addresses the concerns as well as a traditional setting.
Some patients’ preference for in-person visits or unacceptability/low acceptance of telemedicine has especially come in the way of continuing treatment.
But a number of studies have shown that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy for treating the different types of mental health conditions out there like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, dementia, etc. So you can get suitable care from the safety and comfort of your own home.
More Safety Measures On-site
For clients coming to our Alma location at Gratiot Psychological Services, you can be sure that we have tightened up our cleaning procedures and changed the way our rooms are set up to make sure we follow the guidelines for social distance.
You can still make appointments in person here, but because of limited space and to protect the health of our providers, we are now only offering online counseling at our Midland and St. Johns locations.
Continuing Our Services Without Disruption
We want our current clients to get the same level of care over time. They can keep their appointments or change them as needed. We are also happy to take on new clients and referrals because we believe that no one should feel alone or without help during tough times.
Our move to telemedicine is in line with current health guidelines and our commitment to making mental health services available to everyone.
Please get in touch with us if you or someone you know could benefit from our services and would like to make an appointment with one of our care providers.
