Breaking Mental Health Barriers From Inside

Therapy through the phone and other aspects of maintaining mental health in today's world.

November 5, 2020

AUSTIN –– Human interaction has changed drastically within the past decade with social media becoming the driving force for communication and connection. Lately, COVID-19 has also forced many to adjust to a new way of associating with others.

Mental health practices have been altered due to the lack of direct physical contact. Most therapy and recovery assistance programs have been moved online. Capital Area Counseling for example, has implemented practices using various telehealth services for patients to use like GoToMeeting.com, said therapist Melanie Kelner.

Instead of going to an actual office or Alcohol Anonymous meeting, people are logging in to get the help they need to manage their mental health.

Amy Berg sitting outside on her front porch in South Austin

Amy Berg, 37, has been in treatment programs and therapy off and on since her early twenties. She currently has therapy every Tuesday morning at 10am on FaceTime.

One of her main concerns is the negative effects that solitude can have on an addict. Her most recent addiction was kratom, which is commonly used as a method to withdraw from drugs like heroin.

Being in a familiar environment like her kitchen or living room does not make it any easier for her because she says it lacks the intimacy as well as the logistics of using a phone to talk to someone about personal topics.

“It’s weird because there’s an energetic exchange when you’re in the same room with somebody, “There’s a lot of things, like when I’m upset and something comes up, I think it’s harder for the therapist to read body language.”

Having to adjust to an unfamiliar routine can be challenging to someone who is trying to better themselves. Therapy and recovery through a screen adds another layer to undertake. During an uncertain time recovery can feel even more complicated. Many people are in new territory and may feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable even more than they would in traditional therapy practices.

Larkin Cummings is the Director for the Center of Students in Recovery at UT Austin, since the pandemic they have taken steps to expand their services to virtual spaces.

“Navigating college life during a pandemic would understandably be challenging, for any student. Students are learning to balance academics, extracurricular activities, jobs and financial concerns, social lives and social pressures,” said Cummings.

The Center for Students in Recovery have added virtual recovery-supportive programming including peer support group meetings, group workshops, as well as sober social activities, and service opportunities.

Cummings added that even though this year has been taxing for most, people in recovery now have a new way of coping.

“In this way, students in recovery have learned a set of skills that support them in rising to the unique challenges of this year.”

“I think the telehealth services to some extent have been a lifesaver,” said Dr. Diana DiNitto, a professor of Alcohol Studies and Education at the University of Texas. “Not everyone can get to a treatment center, even in the best of times.”

For example, People who live in remote or rural areas may not have reliable transportation. Some also may not want to go to a meeting in their area because they don’t want to be recognized. Additionally, Covid has limited the number of people in public spaces.

Although telehealth services can be convenient, Dr. DiNitto stresses the importance of making connections through recovery. “You see people who have recovered and that it’s possible.”

Being able to see others who have completed substance abuse programs is essential to recovery, said DiNitto. “It’s an isolating illness, we often try to connect to other people and that human connection is so important. I think that's one of the successes of the 12 step program.”

Jennifer Brown outside of her home in East Austin

Jennifer Brown, 38, is one of those success stories and has been an AA sponsor for over four years.

“When I first got sober there was a lot of emphasis on physically going to a meeting, to have a physical place to go was huge,” said Brown. It took Brown about a year to complete the 12 Step Program.

Brown compared isolation to being underwater. “I would always drink at home, with nobody to keep track of me, that's what I would do.

Being a sponsor has been more demanding according to Brown since she currently sponsors two women.

Brown is trying her best to handle what comes with sustaining her own recovery while sponsoring others,“If I put this in perspective because of the world I’m in, this is adequate. This has to be fine.”

Despite the dissatisfaction, Berg is still committed to online therapy.