5 Post-COVID Changes to Therapy (5 years later)

Do you remember where you were when the whole COVID thing got real for you?

I do. Although the virus had been circulating for a few weeks, it was March when I realized it was going to really affect us. I was driving to work when the AM radio host goes, “The remaining NBA season is cancelled due to a new virus spreading across the nation.”

I couldn’t comprehend: no more basketball? If the NBA is willing to lose a billion dollars over a safety issue, I better take this thing seriously. 

This newsletter existed in my head before COVID, but the pandemic pushed me into getting something, anything off the ground to help more of us make it through. I rushed into sending out telehealth resources, assistance with helping others while we are also being affected by a crisis, and recommendations for specific tools for managing the new demand for therapy.

I can’t believe that’s 5 years ago! The old archive is gradually going live on workingphase.com (you can see it with the Black thumbnail WP x CMH Survival Guide)

Here are 5 ways our field has changed forever because of the pandemic:

1. Telehealth and Tele-Supervision

We’re more equipped, willing, and ready to engage with professionals whether or not we’re able to see them in person. This has increased access for people with functional or disabilities, caregiving responsibilities, or immunocompromised states.

This has also meant that therapists, who were already in very sedentary jobs, get even less movement on average during the workday than we did before 2020. So consider this a reminder to review your workstation and your chair, and make sure you are as comfortable as possible, to prevent long term repetitive motion or posture-related injuries. 

Telehealth has also led to fewer no-shows and cancellations, which benefits both the clients and the providers! 

2. The Interstate Counseling Compact

With more telehealth therapists, and the need for more of us to move across state lines, more states have been signing the ICC, which allows your license to be more useful in other states. Clients in states with fewer specialized therapists, are increasingly able to reach out to therapists in other places.

3. Online Therapist Communities