Videophone and Internet-based Counseling: Who Benefits? One more video from our archives, this one from 2007, featuring Sharon introducing the concept of online/virtual/videophone counseling. It’s hard to believe 16 years have flown by since we brought online counseling sessions to the Deaf community for the first time in 2003. Thanks to Sorenson for distributing the first videophones to the Deaf community, which made this possible.

Transcript: For some time now, people have been asking if it’s possible to use the videophone (VP) or virtual for psychological services. We’ve been using this new modality of counseling for a while here at ASC. When most people think of counseling, they envision the counselor and client sitting down together in the same room. Videophone or internet-based counseling is different. It’s actually not a new idea though. Starting in the 1950’s, the military used telehealth technology to provide counseling services to remote bases where there were no counselors available. So, the idea of telehealth counseling is not new, but it is somewhat new in the Deaf community. We’re seeing it slowly being made more available. My experience with videophone counseling has been very positive. It’s a nice option for many people.

One example is people who live far away, or in another state where there are no good Deaf services available, can benefit from videophone counseling. Second, other people may live far away, but prefer not to see their local Deaf counselor because they already know the counselor or don’t feel comfortable with that counselor or they just prefer to work with someone outside their community. Virtual counseling is a nice option. A third example is people who can’t drive or who don’t have a car, who may be sick or too weak to travel, or who can’t afford to buy gas. They can also benefit from videophone access to counseling. Fourth, people who may feel anxious or uncomfortable about going into a counselor’s office, but who do want to start counseling, can do online sessions to start with, then perhaps go to the office for sessions. Finally, many people are very busy these days and find it hard to fit an appointment into their schedules, due to time conflicts or wanting to spend evenings with their families. They can set up videophone counseling sessions during their lunch or break times at work.

There are some differences between in-office counseling sessions and VP or online sessions. In the former, the counselor can see the client’s full body, how they walk, if they are limping, if they have vision issues or a limited range of vision. Body language is obvious. With VP counseling, it’s possible for the counselor to overlook or not realize some things. A client might have Usher Syndrome, for instance, but see well enough to communciate easily via VP, and never share this with the counselor. Someone might have difficulty walking, but it’s not apparent to the counselor through the VP. That’s why it’s especially important to share information with the counselor.

Overall, I’ve found VP counseling to be such a nice option. It’s perfect for people who have no local options for in-office counseling sessions. Thank you.

(video description: Sharon is sitting in an armchair and signing.)

Resources:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/mental-health-services-deaf-1046719

https://deafcounseling.com/understanding-deaf-people-in-counseling-contexts/

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ASL/English: The first part of the table lists psychology-related English words and the percentages of Deaf people who recognize them. Without going in-depth about this, the main points are that any clinicians working with Deaf people need to know that more Deaf people will recognize these words in ASL. If an assessment involves any written tests or even interpreters, it’s important that the right words are used, otherwise the tests results won’t be valid.

Deaf Friends: Further down the table, 61% of the Deaf respondents identified their Deaf friends as the people from whom they get the most information about psychology-related terms. This makes sense, if you consider that most Deaf people have hearing parents and siblings, and very few of these families provide equal communication access. Today, we might see more Deaf people getting their information from vlogs and blogs, the same way many people relied on their friends at Deaf clubs for information.

Causes of Mental Health Problems: A powerful message here: 39-54% of respondents indicated family problems, upbringing, and poor communication as primary causes of mental health problems. If 90% of Deaf people have hearing parents, we can assume that for the majority of families, communication is not in ASL, something that may be related to later mental health issues. Only 8% cited being Deaf as a cause of mental health problems. This is a clear message that the majority of Deaf people have a positive view of being Deaf when it comes to mental health.

Deaf or Hearing Therapists/Counselors: Not surprisingly, 72% of respondents preferred Deaf therapists over hearing therapists. Even though it isn’t indicated if the respondents were given a choice between Deaf therapists and ASL-fluent hearing therapists, the numbers speak loudly. Our own experience as psychotherapists has been that Deaf clients report feeling relieved to be able to work with psychotherapists who are Deaf and who “get” the Deaf experience. Given this, why aren’t Deaf-oriented gradaute programs in mental health and psychology recruiting and admitting more Deaf students? And why aren’t more community mental health agencies seeking Deaf professionals?

Take a look at the table and let us know what you think of the numbers. What do they mean, particularly in 2008? What, if any, changes would you predict today in Deaf people’s knowledge and views related to mental health?

REFERENCE:

Steinberg, A.G., Sullivan, V.J., & Loew, R.C. (1998). Cultural and Linguistic Barriers to Mental Health Service Access: The Deaf Consumer’s Perspective. American Journal of Psychiatry, 155(7),982-984

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Stick Out Your Tongue: Now Science Daily has published research findings that just might change the picture for people in need of anti-depressant medication. A simple taste test might be able to tell if someone is depressed and which medication would be the most helpful. Studies show that the neurotransmitters, serotonin and noradrenaline (both of which are related to depression), and people’s moods can affect their ability to recognize different tastes. Changes in the levels of these chemicals impact how well people can identify the tastes of bitter, sweet, and sour. If a simple taste test can pinpoint which chemical levels may need adjusting, doctors would be able to pick the best anti-depressant medication right away, instead of having to guess and cross their fingers.

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For more information, check SDYCS’ webpage and click on “Employment Opportunities” in blue at the top of the page for more information and a listing of qualifications for the position. We always need more Deaf leaders. This is a great opportunity for a Deaf person who is interested in working with Deaf people in the mental health field!

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Some people disagree that PSDs are the best way for people to cope with mental health issues, believing that it encourages an unhealthy dependence. What do you think?

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Sold: In the news this week, the Florida-based National Deaf Academy (NDA) has been purchased by Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. (PSI). A residential treatment program for Deaf children, adolescents, and adults in need of intensive psychiatric care, NDA is one of the few inpatient programs in the United States that specifically serves the Deaf community. With the purchase of NDA, PSI now runs 61 psychiatric inpatient programs in 27 states.

Good news? Bad news? Does anyone know?

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