May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and still a couple months off, but the annual restlessness of spring fever is already upon us, so maybe it’s a good time to reflect on how you’re feeling right now. If times are tough or you need help working through an issue, talk therapy is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Understandably, many people don’t know how, or if, therapy will help. To clear up any confusion, here are:
Five Things You May Not Know About Talk Therapy
- Therapy is proven to be effective.
Studies consistently prove that therapy is effective in producing long-term health improvements. In fact, more than 75% of patients who seek help with a mental health professional report feeling better after just three visits.
- Therapy helps with day-to-day challenges, too.
You don’t need to have severe mental health issues or suffer from a crisis to benefit from therapy. Everyone can feel better by talking to a caring professional, whether it’s to overcome trauma or just make better life decisions.
A therapist can help you work through daily challenges, make more productive choices, learn valuable life skills, and achieve dreams and goals. Because therapy can increase problem-solving skills and confidence, it can also help you feel stronger when facing challenges.
- Therapy improves overall health and well-being.
Being proactive about your mental health is essential for your long-term physical health, too. The American Heart Association recently noted that people who report positive mental health were more likely to have lower blood pressure, better blood sugar levels and fewer physical symptoms of stress, including migraines, digestive troubles and insomnia.
- More people use therapy than you may think.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought mental health to the forefront and increased the number of people reaching out for help. It’s estimated that 52.9 million American adults in 2020 experienced some mental health issues and almost half of those people (24.3 million) received mental health support. It’s clear that more people are recognizing the value of talk therapy as a proactive way to feel better and stay healthy.
- Virtual therapy is much more accessible.
Making an appointment for therapy can be a difficult first step for many people. Often, it can take weeks to get an appointment, and it may be hard to find the right therapist. With Hally® Virtual Visits, you can have your first appointment in less than a week and choose from a network of hundreds of licensed therapists. See the same therapist for every session, or switch at any time to find a better fit. Technology gives you easier, faster access to therapy from the comfort of home. Because it’s secure, easy to use and private, virtual therapy is becoming the new normal.
The best part? You can begin now!
Talk therapy and virtual visits are likely part of your health plan’s covered benefits through the new and improved Hally member account and MyChart mobile app*. It’s never been easier to check in with a doctor or therapist anytime, anywhere for your healthcare needs.
If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stressed or depressed, or you simply need someone to talk to, schedule a Hally Virtual Visit with a licensed therapist today.
To schedule an appointment, click here.
How do I get started?
If you’ve never used your virtual visits benefit before, first be sure you’ve created a Hally member account (for your health plan). If you haven’t already created a Hally member account, visit here to learn how to create your account and how to download the MyChart app. Then, you’ll need to register your free virtual visits account. You can register for this account and begin your first virtual visit in one of three ways:
- Visit hally.com/care, scroll down to Virtual Visits and click Get Started. Then sign in with your Hally member account username and password and follow the steps.
- Open the MyChart app on your mobile device and log into your Hally account. Under Find Care, choose Virtual Visits.
- Call (888) 912-0904.
Once you’ve registered, you and your covered family members are all set. When you’re ready to schedule your first appointment, simply visit hally.com/care or open your MyChart app and follow the same steps as above. It’s easy, and you’ll be chatting with a doctor or therapist in no time.
Any questions? Simply call us at the number on the back of your health plan ID card. Virtual visits are just one of the many ways we help you and your family live your healthiest lives. We’re here for you!
* All benefits aren’t available on all plans or to the general public. Call us at the number on the back of your health plan ID card to see if your plan includes the MDLIVE Virtual Visit benefit or other MDLIVE virtual visits.