Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
lundi 4 mai 2020
Why My 10+ Year Love Affair With Self Tanner Hasn't Stopped While Social-Distancing
Like many of you reading this right now, I've been social distancing for three weeks and counting. I've been outside four times in the past week, and, in that time, I haven't spoken to anyone else face-to-face, in the flesh, but my partner. So why would I bother going to the effort of self-tanning while social-distancing? There are a few reasons, but the main one being, because I f*cking can.
I've been a self-tan devotee since I was about 14 years old. In my teens, I was a competitive Irish dancer, which meant spray tans and slapping on Fake Bake Flawless Darker Liquid was a regular part of my routine. Faux tan was my uniform (no, seriously, it was a competing essential), and while the product takes up a much smaller portion of my schedule now, it's still very much a part of my life (thankfully, I use a lot less of the stuff now), whether I'm social distancing or not.
Here I am, declaring that: I, Tori Crowther, am still dedicating one evening a week to exfoliating away old tan, re-applying a fresh layer, and begging my boyfriend to tan my back. Then, I put on an old pair of PJs, and let my tan marinate for eight hours while I get some kip, before washing it off the next morning. All so I can feel just a smidgen better about myself for the week ahead. This is, based on what I've seen on Instagram lately, I don't think I'm alone.
"Tan takes us emotionally and psychologically to a happy place. It reminds us of honeymoons, holidays, hot summer days, and long-lasting memories of special occasions."
Why do I do it? The first reason is for the control. I may not be able to control the fact that I can't commute to work, see friends and family, or even sit at a park bench, but I can control my beauty routine. It's no secret that humans find comfort in routine and structure. If, before all this, you regularly spent a portion of your day styling your hair, following a skincare routine, or applying a layer of self-tanner, continuing to do so might just bring a sense of normalcy to this new normal. It certainly has to mine.
The second reason is because it makes me feel good. I prefer the way I look when I have a light, bronzed glow. "Tan takes us emotionally and psychologically to a happy place. It reminds us of honeymoons, holidays, hot summer days, and long lasting memories of special occasions," says Marc Elrick, founder of Tan Luxe. And I agree. Because while I won"t be attending holidays or special family occasions in person for a period of time, I can still embrace the pre-rituals of these events. No one said we can't get all dressed up and join the family for a virtual Sunday dinner.
My relationship to self-tan was the same back in 2012 after I suffered an accident that pretty much left me housebound (though not to the same extent as self-isolation) for months. I vividly remember (once I was well enough, of course), my mom taking me to get a spray tan to cheer me up. There was no special occasion, she just knew it would perk me up. And guess what? It truly did. I've held that gesture close to my heart ever since.
Lastly, self-tanning takes up time. And right now, anything that takes up a portion of my time in the evening is a positive in my opinion. I take my sweet time, I use new products (which is also part of my job as beauty editor - win win), and I enjoy every second of it.
And I'm not the only one who feels this way, either: According to Elrick, in March, Tan-Luxe had its best month ever despite the pandemic. Whatever the reason, people want to continue their tanning rituals despite not attending after-work events, boozy brunches at the weekend, or going on dates.
So, may we continue to self-tan ourselves, only to sit in our favorite joggers, and eat all of the biscuits while re-watching Louis Theroux's best documentaries. You'll know you're a golden goddess underneath that sweatshirt - and that's what really matters.
14 Ways Our Editors Are Practicing Self-Care During Social Distancing
We're almost through with week two of social distancing - although that timeline is a little different for everyone - and it's safe to say it's been quite the adjustment. Naturally, we're going through a stressful period and spending an increased amount of time indoors doesn't help, but many of us are trying to make the best of it by focusing our energy on self-care.
Self-care looks a little different for everyone. For some, it's following along to workout videos from their bedroom; for others, it's cooking a big homemade meal, painting their nails a different color every day, or lying in bed and binge-watching Tiger King.
It's important to take some extra "me" time right now. Ahead, a few of our editors shared how they're keeping busy and practicing self-care with beauty from the comfort of their homes.
14 Ways Our Editors Are Practicing Self-Care During Social Distancing
We're almost through with week two of social distancing - although that timeline is a little different for everyone - and it's safe to say it's been quite the adjustment. Naturally, we're going through a stressful period and spending an increased amount of time indoors doesn't help, but many of us are trying to make the best of it by focusing our energy on self-care.
Self-care looks a little different for everyone. For some, it's following along to workout videos from their bedroom; for others, it's cooking a big homemade meal, painting their nails a different color every day, or lying in bed and binge-watching Tiger King.
It's important to take some extra "me" time right now. Ahead, a few of our editors shared how they're keeping busy and practicing self-care with beauty from the comfort of their homes.
Here's What All Those Oddly Shaped Attachments For Your Blow Dryer Actually Do
Hair styling has become a pretty complex process these days. We have such easy access to hundreds of tools and gadgets that use intricate technologies to make styling that much easier, with hair dryers specifically being their own beast. Buying a hair dryer today doesn't just mean you're buying something that'll simply get your hair from soaking wet to dry in 20 minutes or less, considering so many of them come with attachments that have specific jobs like reducing frizz, detangling, smoothing, and even straightening.
With all of the oddly shaped attachments that come pre-packaged with hair dryers, have you ever asked yourself what they actually do? So have we - and we even did a little investigating to unscramble the puzzle. From concentrators to picks to diffusers and some of the more uncommon accoutrements, follow our nozzle know-how guide for all the details - and we're not just blowing hot air.
5 Things Professional Piercers Want You to Know About "Snake Bite" Piercings
After spending a mind-numbing amount of time browsing the internet for the latest in beauty, it can be difficult to keep up with all the trends on your explore page. It's the same story for piercings, which seem to change at the whim of your favorite influencers, but odds are if you haven't heard of "snake bite" piercings, you've definitely seen them. More appropriately known as "paired lip piercings," these trendy body mods are done on either side of the lower lip, mimicking the pronged marks of a snake bite (minus the venom).
Usually done with small rings or studs, their unique design is perfect for anyone who wants to try something a little bit more unexpected. If you're looking to enhance a more edgy aesthetic, these piercings will do the job, but there's still a lot to consider before walking into the studio. To get the look, find the perfect jewelry, and help your piercings heal correctly, take these piercers' advice on what to know about snake-bite piercings.
Here's What All Those Oddly Shaped Attachments For Your Blow Dryer Actually Do
Hair styling has become a pretty complex process these days. We have such easy access to hundreds of tools and gadgets that use intricate technologies to make styling that much easier, with hair dryers specifically being their own beast. Buying a hair dryer today doesn't just mean you're buying something that'll simply get your hair from soaking wet to dry in 20 minutes or less, considering so many of them come with attachments that have specific jobs like reducing frizz, detangling, smoothing, and even straightening.
With all of the oddly shaped attachments that come pre-packaged with hair dryers, have you ever asked yourself what they actually do? So have we - and we even did a little investigating to unscramble the puzzle. From concentrators to picks to diffusers and some of the more uncommon accoutrements, follow our nozzle know-how guide for all the details - and we're not just blowing hot air.
5 Things Professional Piercers Want You to Know About "Snake Bite" Piercings
After spending a mind-numbing amount of time browsing the internet for the latest in beauty, it can be difficult to keep up with all the trends on your explore page. It's the same story for piercings, which seem to change at the whim of your favorite influencers, but odds are if you haven't heard of "snake bite" piercings, you've definitely seen them. More appropriately known as "paired lip piercings," these trendy body mods are done on either side of the lower lip, mimicking the pronged marks of a snake bite (minus the venom).
Usually done with small rings or studs, their unique design is perfect for anyone who wants to try something a little bit more unexpected. If you're looking to enhance a more edgy aesthetic, these piercings will do the job, but there's still a lot to consider before walking into the studio. To get the look, find the perfect jewelry, and help your piercings heal correctly, take these piercers' advice on what to know about snake-bite piercings.
7 Teacher-Recommended Ways to Keep Kids Motivated While Virtually Learning
Now that social-distancing orders - and by extension, homeschooling - are in full swing, parents are finding themselves playing teacher while also holding down full-time jobs. Although there are a lot of perils that come with virtual learning - technical difficulties with Zoom, anyone?! - making sure your children stay on track educationally is a top priority. Along with keeping your kids on a consistent schedule and ensuring they're spending the right amount of time on their work, keeping little ones focused is certainly key.
In order to help parents navigate these unusual times as much as possible, we tapped educators with experience teaching both kids big and small to get their best tips for helping students stay motivated at home. Ahead, find a slew of helpful recommendations designed to make your day productive and keep you relatively sane.
And if you're looking for more ways to keep your squad engaged, check out these free online learning resources or these videos designed to get little ones up and moving.
John Krasinski Teamed Up With Oprah, Steven Spielberg, and More For a Virtual Graduation
Throw your caps in the air because John Krasinski just celebrated the class of 2020 with a graduation party unlike any I've seen before. At 8 p.m. PT on May 3, John released the sixth episode of his series Some Good News on his YouTube channel, and after sharing some heartwarming updates from around the world, John got his party on with a few famous faces. "To everyone who has been inspired by @somegoodnews . . . get ready to meet the class of 2020 and see what real inspiration is," John captioned an Instagram post sharing the graduation video.
"I believe that failure is an opportunity to move yourself in a different direction."
From kindergarten through to college and grad school, all of the 2020 graduates and their families were welcome to take part in the festivities. John even invited a few class speakers from around the globe to share their words of wisdom with their fellow graduates before welcoming the commencement speakers onto the screen.
Instead of just one speaker, John invited Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Malala Yousafzai, and Jon Stewart to share their words of wisdom with the graduating class. "There have been several times in my life, Amanda, when things didn't go the way I wanted," Oprah told one graduate before she went on to describe how she landed her now famous talk show. "I believe that failure is an opportunity to move yourself in a different direction. It gets better because you learn the lessons from the first time."
Relive the full virtual graduation here to see what advice John's other celebrity friends have to share. Congratulations to the class of 2020!
John Krasinski Teamed Up With Oprah, Steven Spielberg, and More For a Virtual Graduation
Throw your caps in the air because John Krasinski just celebrated the class of 2020 with a graduation party unlike any I've seen before. At 8 p.m. PT on May 3, John released the sixth episode of his series Some Good News on his YouTube channel, and after sharing some heartwarming updates from around the world, John got his party on with a few famous faces. "To everyone who has been inspired by @somegoodnews . . . get ready to meet the class of 2020 and see what real inspiration is," John captioned an Instagram post sharing the graduation video.
"I believe that failure is an opportunity to move yourself in a different direction."
From kindergarten through to college and grad school, all of the 2020 graduates and their families were welcome to take part in the festivities. John even invited a few class speakers from around the globe to share their words of wisdom with their fellow graduates before welcoming the commencement speakers onto the screen.
Instead of just one speaker, John invited Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Malala Yousafzai, and Jon Stewart to share their words of wisdom with the graduating class. "There have been several times in my life, Amanda, when things didn't go the way I wanted," Oprah told one graduate before she went on to describe how she landed her now famous talk show. "I believe that failure is an opportunity to move yourself in a different direction. It gets better because you learn the lessons from the first time."
Relive the full virtual graduation here to see what advice John's other celebrity friends have to share. Congratulations to the class of 2020!
What Has 26 Grams of Protein?! Trader Joe's Veggie Burger
I'm just going to carry a box of these Trader Joe's Hi-Protein Veggie Burgers in my purse. That way, anytime someone asks me, "How do you get enough protein if you don't eat meat?" (for the gazillionth time), I'll just whip out these bad boys.
This veggie burger has 26 grams of protein! In one 260-calorie patty! Plus it's vegan and low in carbs - just 12 grams! One patty also offers 40 percent of your daily iron, which is the second question I get asked.
Made from pea protein and black beans, these veggie burgers are not only an easy way to get a hefty dose of protein, but they also taste great. They're not superflavorful, so you might want to add spices, sauce, or Trader Joe's vegan pesto.
How much do they cost?
For $3, you get two individually wrapped patties. That's such a steal considering the only other high-protein vegan veggie burger I've ever found, the frozen Beyond Beef Beast Burgers with 23 grams of protein, cost $5 for a two-pack.
How long do you cook them for?
You definitely need to take the time to cook these right. Baking them in the oven for 10 minutes per side is recommended, but you can also pan fry them on the stove. Both yield crispy edges, which is what you want. Otherwise, if you microwave these, you'll end up with soft mushiness that just falls apart.
Enjoy these patties traditionally on a bun, or add cut-up pieces to salads, cooked quinoa, burritos, soups, or pizza. The possibilities are endless!
Prices and products may vary by Trader Joe's location.
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
What Has 26 Grams of Protein?! Trader Joe's Veggie Burger
I'm just going to carry a box of these Trader Joe's Hi-Protein Veggie Burgers in my purse. That way, anytime someone asks me, "How do you get enough protein if you don't eat meat?" (for the gazillionth time), I'll just whip out these bad boys.
This veggie burger has 26 grams of protein! In one 260-calorie patty! Plus it's vegan and low in carbs - just 12 grams! One patty also offers 40 percent of your daily iron, which is the second question I get asked.
Made from pea protein and black beans, these veggie burgers are not only an easy way to get a hefty dose of protein, but they also taste great. They're not superflavorful, so you might want to add spices, sauce, or Trader Joe's vegan pesto.
How much do they cost?
For $3, you get two individually wrapped patties. That's such a steal considering the only other high-protein vegan veggie burger I've ever found, the frozen Beyond Beef Beast Burgers with 23 grams of protein, cost $5 for a two-pack.
How long do you cook them for?
You definitely need to take the time to cook these right. Baking them in the oven for 10 minutes per side is recommended, but you can also pan fry them on the stove. Both yield crispy edges, which is what you want. Otherwise, if you microwave these, you'll end up with soft mushiness that just falls apart.
Enjoy these patties traditionally on a bun, or add cut-up pieces to salads, cooked quinoa, burritos, soups, or pizza. The possibilities are endless!
Prices and products may vary by Trader Joe's location.
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
20 Thoughtful Gifts to Send 2020 Graduates
This year, graduates won't get to attend ceremonies, which is definitely tough. To show a college or high-school senior that you're thinking of them, sending a gift is a thoughtful idea. Everyone loves a little surprise showing up on their doorstep.
This is a pivotal time in a person's life. There are so many actual, tangible objects a graduate needs to set up their future. If you want to gift them something cool, we curated a collection of presents we know they'll truly enjoy. They're both useful and fun, so you're guaranteed to succeed.
Please Take 5 Minutes to Appreciate Tom Hanks' Moving Graduation Speech For the Class of 2020
Image Source: Getty / Kevork Djansezian
In addition to delivering an epic Saturday Night Live monologue and joining Michelle Obama's #VotingSquad, America's dad Tom Hanks has recently been instilling hope in people across the country as we all continue to adjust to life amidst the coronavirus outbreak. On Saturday, the graduating class of 2020 at Wright University, located in Dayton, Ohio, received an unexpected surprise from Hanks himself to extend that hope just a little further.
"Congratulations to you chosen ones . . . You are the chosen ones because of a fate unimagined when you began your Wright State adventures," Tom said in a virtual commencement speech shared to Wright University's Twitter account. "You started in the olden times, in a world back before the Great Pandemic of 2020. You will talk of those earlier years in your lives in just that way."
"You will be enlightened in ways your degree from Wright State never held in promise. You will have made it through a time of great sacrifice and great need."
Tom then went on to explain that this time we're living through will mark a signficant turn in the lives of this year's graduating class, not just academically but historically as a whole. "Part of your lives will forever be identified as 'before,'" Tom said. "In the same way other generations tell time like 'that was before the war,' or 'that was before the internet,' or 'that was before Beyoncé.' The word 'before' is going to carry great weight with you."
Hanks went on to point out that, in addition to everything they learned in their classes, the class of 2020 would be taking with them something unprecedented yet invaluable. "You will be enlightened in ways your degree from Wright State never held in promise," he added. "You will have made it through a time of great sacrifice and great need. And no one will be more fresh to the task of restarting our normalcy than you, you chosen ones." Watch Tom's moving speech ahead.
Mr. @TomHanks has a special message for the Wright State University Class of 2020: https://t.co/2ciZnRWizs
- Wright State University (Dayton, OH) (@wrightstate) May 2, 2020
20 Thoughtful Gifts to Send 2020 Graduates
This year, graduates won't get to attend ceremonies, which is definitely tough. To show a college or high-school senior that you're thinking of them, sending a gift is a thoughtful idea. Everyone loves a little surprise showing up on their doorstep.
This is a pivotal time in a person's life. There are so many actual, tangible objects a graduate needs to set up their future. If you want to gift them something cool, we curated a collection of presents we know they'll truly enjoy. They're both useful and fun, so you're guaranteed to succeed.
20 Thoughtful Gifts to Send 2020 Graduates
This year, graduates won't get to attend ceremonies, which is definitely tough. To show a college or high-school senior that you're thinking of them, sending a gift is a thoughtful idea. Everyone loves a little surprise showing up on their doorstep.
This is a pivotal time in a person's life. There are so many actual, tangible objects a graduate needs to set up their future. If you want to gift them something cool, we curated a collection of presents we know they'll truly enjoy. They're both useful and fun, so you're guaranteed to succeed.
Please Take 5 Minutes to Appreciate Tom Hanks' Moving Graduation Speech For the Class of 2020
Image Source: Getty / Kevork Djansezian
In addition to delivering an epic Saturday Night Live monologue and joining Michelle Obama's #VotingSquad, America's dad Tom Hanks has recently been instilling hope in people across the country as we all continue to adjust to life amidst the coronavirus outbreak. On Sunday, the graduating class of 2020 at Wright University, located in Dayton, Ohio, received an unexpected surprise from Hanks himself to extend that hope just a little further.
"Congratulations to you chosen ones . . . You are the chosen ones because of a fate unimagined when you began your Wright State adventures," Tom said in a virtual commencement speech shared to Wright University's Twitter account on Sunday. "You started in the olden times, in a world back before the Great Pandemic of 2020. You will talk of those earlier years in your lives in just that way."
"You will be enlightened in ways your degree from Wright State never held in promise. You will have made it through a time of great sacrifice and great need."
Tom then went on to explain that this time we're living through will mark a signficant turn in the lives of this year's graduating class, not just academically but historically as a whole. "Part of your lives will forever be identified as 'before,'" Tom said. "In the same way other generations tell time like 'that was before the war,' or 'that was before the internet,' or 'that was before Beyoncé.' The word 'before' is going to carry great weight with you."
Hanks went on to point out that, in addition to everything they learned in their classes, the class of 2020 would be taking with them something unprecedented yet invaluable. "You will be enlightened in ways your degree from Wright State never held in promise," he added. "You will have made it through a time of great sacrifice and great need. And no one will be more fresh to the task of restarting our normalcy than you, you chosen ones." Watch Tom's moving speech ahead.
Mr. @TomHanks has a special message for the Wright State University Class of 2020: https://t.co/2ciZnRWizs
- Wright State University (Dayton, OH) (@wrightstate) May 2, 2020
Everything You Need to Know Before You Sign Up For Online Therapy Amid the Novel Coronavirus Outbreak
Due to the implementation of social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders across the US, nonessential businesses closed their doors - and that included private practices run by therapists. At a time when being isolated and the novel coronavirus pandemic itself can both cause anxiety and stress, not being able to go to scheduled face-to-face therapy appointments is a problem, especially for those with mental illness. That's where teletherapy comes in.
Teletherapy is exactly how it sounds. Simply put, it's the act of receiving therapy by phone or video call from a therapist who is licensed in your state. Each state has its own licensing board for therapists, and during this time, some are permitting therapists to practice across state lines - many therapists POPSUGAR spoke to have verified this. It also depends on what type of license a therapist has. Here, you can find a state-by-state rundown of emergency waivers and actions announced, as released by the American Psychological Association.
Some states are also making it easier to get temporarily licensed in order to accommodate therapy across state borders. Sheina Schochet, LMHC, for instance, who's licensed in New York and Florida, said she recently received a temporary license lasting 180 days to practice therapy in New Jersey. Regardless, those conducting therapy should check in with their individual state's licensing board for more information.
Teletherapy Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak: HIPAA, Insurance, and Growth
Teletherapy and HIPAA
Typically, teletherapy sessions need to be conducted with technology that's compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA); in other words, through platforms that guarantee privacy for the client's information. For instance, my therapist uses a platform called Doxy for video sessions, and there are other services such as Zoom for Healthcare and Updox. Basically, you can't just pull up FaceTime.
"There could be legal trouble in general from not using HIPAA-compliant devices and technologies to use and disclose patient health information," Alissa Smith, a partner at the international law firm Dorsey and Whitney who represents different organizations and workers in the healthcare industry, told POPSUGAR. "Because mental health information is more sensitive and protected, the stakes are higher, and providers should exercise even greater caution to protect the information."
That being said, due to the national emergency declared, HIPAA rules have been waived on telehealth, making it easier to communicate with patients through personal devices and apps that aren't HIPAA compliant, such as FaceTime and Google Hangouts. Therapy sessions are included in this, according to Smith. "HIPAA applies to all healthcare providers, so the waivers also apply to all healthcare providers, including therapists," she said. "However, if states have more restrictive privacy and security requirements for mental health and substance abuse treatment providers, then the state law would continue to apply."
That was echoed by Mary Jo Monahan, MSW, LCSW, the CEO of the Association of Social Work Boards, which works with all of the licensure boards throughout the United States and in Canada. If teletherapy rules instated by individual state boards are more restrictive than HIPAA, those rules should be followed, she said. As a regulator, Monahan said she would not encourage any therapist to use technology that is not HIPAA compliant. "If anything, during an emergency when people are distraught and vulnerable, therapists have to be at their best and their most competent, and practicing safely," she told POPSUGAR. When in doubt, a therapist should check with their state licensing board during this time.
Is Training Required For Teletherapy?
Additionally, in order to practice teletherapy ethically and, as Monahan said, competently, it's generally encouraged to have some sort of training. For instance, Natalie Jones, PsyD, a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) and psychotherapist in California, told POPSUGAR that she received a teletherapy certification through continuing education. Getting extra training in teletherapy is simple for licensed mental health providers to do, Dr. Jones said, "and if not a certification, it's at least in your best interest to be well-versed in the requirements of teletherapy." Note: Dr. Jones said she uses Zoom and Skype business accounts that are HIPAA compliant as well as Google Voice for phone calls, which is also HIPAA compliant.
For therapists who work under behavioral health services like Talkspace and AbleTo, for instance, conducting sessions using new technologies is something they go over before working with clients. Talkspace offers video therapy sessions along with text, audio, and video messaging, and AbleTo offers video and phone calls with therapists during eight-week programs, which individuals have access to through their health benefits. Those administering therapy should be checking with their licensing board to see if there are any training requirements specific to their state at this time.
Is Teletherapy Covered by Insurance?
Therapists are not always affiliated with insurance carriers and therefore do not take insurance for their services, so be sure to check if a therapist takes your insurance or not first. If your therapist takes insurance, you will be charged a copay, coinsurance, or the full contracted rate if you need to meet the deductible, Dr. Jones said. If you do not have health insurance, you will be paying for your sessions up front in full (out of pocket).
If a therapist doesn't accept your insurance and your insurance company has out-of-network benefits, you will also be paying the full rate out of pocket, but you can send your therapy bills to your insurance company for reimbursement. Depending on your plan, your insurance should reimburse up to 80 percent of the cost. Your therapist will give you a form that typically has your diagnosis, their tax identification number, the charge of the session, and a billing code. According to Monahan, there are two separate codes for face-to-face therapy and for teletherapy. These codes are important for reimbursement purposes and they are the same for psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers giving therapy, according to the American Psychological Association.
Whether or not teletherapy is covered - and how much is covered - depends on your individual insurance and your state's policy. Slate reported in March that 37 states have telehealth parity laws ensuring that private insurance companies cover telehealth services the exact way they'd cover in-person services. Through Medicaid, 21 states offer coverage for telehealth services as they would for in-person services, Slate also reported. As for Medicare, telehealth wasn't available for coverage unless seniors on the plan lived in a rural area. Now, under this national emergency, Medicare is waiving that requirement and making it easier to get access to and coverage for telehealth in general.
Some insurances, according to Dr. Jones, also only cover teletherapy if you receive it from a mental health professional with a specific type of license. She explained they may not cover interns who are practicing under a licensed therapist, or they may not cover the cost of sessions based on the type of therapy provided, such as marital counseling. It depends on the underwriting of the policy. It's also important to note that certain insurance companies don't consider sessions via phone to be teletherapy. As ICANotes states, "some insurers will cover therapy over the phone, even though Medicare and Medicaid require a video element." Again, due to the current crisis, it's best to check, since some providers may have plans in place in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic that offer more flexibility for coverage.
Kayla Murphy, MHC-LP, told POPSUGAR that the New York City and Long Island private practice she works for, Family and Personal Counseling, now offers a sliding scale for clients who can't afford their usual copay due to the pandemic. If a therapist offers payment on a sliding scale, that means you and the therapist work out the cost of the session ahead of time depending on what you can afford. Dr. Jones, who started offering teletherapy in 2017, said she charges her clients the same amount of money for teletherapy as she does for in-person sessions. You should speak with your therapist, or prospective therapist, about rates during this time.
The Rise in Teletherapy
Telehealth visits in general in the US surged by 50 percent this past March, according to research from Frost and Sullivan consultants, and an increase of teletherapy sessions seems to be trending as well. Talkspace has seen an increase of about 250 new therapist applicants a day as of late March when POPSUGAR spoke with Amy Cirbus, PhD, LMHC, LPC, director of clinical content at Talkspace. And, since mid-February, Talkspace, which is currently offering a COVID-19 anxiety management program to subscribers, has also seen a major increase in people seeking therapy - user volume is up over 65 percent year-over-year. AbleTo, according to a spokesperson, has seen a 30 percent uptick in engagement and people scheduling appointments compared to the beginning of March. Dr. Jones and Murphy both said that their client numbers have gone up.
Is Teletherapy Beneficial Right Now?
Teletherapy has been shown to be as effective if not more effective than face-to-face therapy in the long run. However, it depends on your personal preference and relationship with your therapist - that's something that the majority of mental health professionals POPSUGAR spoke to for this article stressed.
Nothing beats human contact face to face, Dr. Jones said, but having access to therapists via phone or video during the coronavirus pandemic is particularly convenient and crucial for her clients. "Since we're in a time of crisis, I definitely think that people should reach out and look for therapy online," Dr. Jones noted, adding that we should be putting our mental health needs first.
Reena Pande, MD, chief medical officer at AbleTo, pointed to the fact that with this crisis, "we very much expect there to be an uptick in the levels of anxiety, feelings of social isolation, fear in the context of all the ambiguity and the concerns about people's health." Social isolation and loneliness in particular, she told POPSUGAR, have an impact on our mental health, and this pandemic can cause stressors in many aspects of people's lives, including family dynamics, health and safety, or financial stability. "I think it's a combo of anxiety and fear married to issues that will arise from isolation and loneliness that together will be problematic for so many individuals," she explained. That's why access to teletherapy is so imperative.
"You don't need to be in the same room to feel the empathy that a therapist can give you," Dr. Pande said. "So I think that relationship can be strong no matter what."
Next Steps to Signing Up For Teletherapy
If you're interested, here are some steps you may want to take:
- Read up on the different types of mental health professionals.
- If you regularly go to therapy, ask your therapist if they're offering teletherapy, and what types they offer.
- If you need to find a therapist, use resources like Psychology Today, and make sure that the therapist you're considering is licensed in your state and that they have had experience using teletherapy before. (As Monahan said, "You don't want someone learning on you.")
- Consider tele-mental health platforms either individually (Talkspace, for example) or through your health plan (AbleTo, for instance).
- Speak to your health insurance provider on reimbursements and coverage options during this time.
- See if organizations in your community or elsewhere are offering mental health services for free. You'll find some of those options ahead.
- Read up on mental health management tips from trusted resources like the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Free Mental Health Services During This Time
Many private practices or teletherapy platforms are offering discounts amid the pandemic, but it's also worth checking for free services, whether they be full therapy sessions, messaging with a licensed therapist, or hotlines you can call. Some services are designated to specific states. For instance, New York City has a COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline manned by mental health professionals at 1-844-863-9314. BetterHelp, in partnership with Thoughtful Human, is offering anyone who needs it one month of free messaging, phone, or video sessions with a licensed therapist (free from whenever you sign up).
Talkspace is offering a free month of services to a limited number of healthcare workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic through its Unlimited Messaging Plus plan, which includes text, video, and audio messaging with a licensed therapist. According to a spokesperson, as of now and through donations, Talkspace is able to extend this offer to at least 2,100 healthcare workers. They can sign up through the Talkspace app by providing their NPI and/or work badge for verification. Check out a full list of free services here.
Experts we spoke to stressed that, during this time, communicating with a therapist online is still only considered teletherapy if you have ongoing sessions via phone or video. But, they said that services such as hotlines, texting, or audio messaging can still provide therapeutic benefits amid this pandemic. It's up to you and what you're comfortable with. No matter which avenue you choose, be sure to take care of your wellbeing.
Everything You Need to Know Before You Sign Up For Online Therapy Amid the Novel Coronavirus Outbreak
Due to the implementation of social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders across the US, nonessential businesses closed their doors - and that included private practices run by therapists. At a time when being isolated and the novel coronavirus pandemic itself can both cause anxiety and stress, not being able to go to scheduled face-to-face therapy appointments is a problem, especially for those with mental illness. That's where teletherapy comes in.
Teletherapy is exactly how it sounds. Simply put, it's the act of receiving therapy by phone or video call from a therapist who is licensed in your state. Each state has its own licensing board for therapists, and during this time, some are permitting therapists to practice across state lines - many therapists POPSUGAR spoke to have verified this. It also depends on what type of license a therapist has. Here, you can find a state-by-state rundown of emergency waivers and actions announced, as released by the American Psychological Association.
Some states are also making it easier to get temporarily licensed in order to accommodate therapy across state borders. Sheina Schochet, LMHC, for instance, who's licensed in New York and Florida, said she recently received a temporary license lasting 180 days to practice therapy in New Jersey. Regardless, those conducting therapy should check in with their individual state's licensing board for more information.
Teletherapy Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak: HIPAA, Insurance, and Growth
Teletherapy and HIPAA
Typically, teletherapy sessions need to be conducted with technology that's compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA); in other words, through platforms that guarantee privacy for the client's information. For instance, my therapist uses a platform called Doxy for video sessions, and there are other services such as Zoom for Healthcare and Updox. Basically, you can't just pull up FaceTime.
"There could be legal trouble in general from not using HIPAA-compliant devices and technologies to use and disclose patient health information," Alissa Smith, a partner at the international law firm Dorsey and Whitney who represents different organizations and workers in the healthcare industry, told POPSUGAR. "Because mental health information is more sensitive and protected, the stakes are higher, and providers should exercise even greater caution to protect the information."
That being said, due to the national emergency declared, HIPAA rules have been waived on telehealth, making it easier to communicate with patients through personal devices and apps that aren't HIPAA compliant, such as FaceTime and Google Hangouts. Therapy sessions are included in this, according to Smith. "HIPAA applies to all healthcare providers, so the waivers also apply to all healthcare providers, including therapists," she said. "However, if states have more restrictive privacy and security requirements for mental health and substance abuse treatment providers, then the state law would continue to apply."
That was echoed by Mary Jo Monahan, MSW, LCSW, the CEO of the Association of Social Work Boards, which works with all of the licensure boards throughout the United States and in Canada. If teletherapy rules instated by individual state boards are more restrictive than HIPAA, those rules should be followed, she said. As a regulator, Monahan said she would not encourage any therapist to use technology that is not HIPAA compliant. "If anything, during an emergency when people are distraught and vulnerable, therapists have to be at their best and their most competent, and practicing safely," she told POPSUGAR. When in doubt, a therapist should check with their state licensing board during this time.
Is Training Required For Teletherapy?
Additionally, in order to practice teletherapy ethically and, as Monahan said, competently, it's generally encouraged to have some sort of training. For instance, Natalie Jones, PsyD, a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) and psychotherapist in California, told POPSUGAR that she received a teletherapy certification through continuing education. Getting extra training in teletherapy is simple for licensed mental health providers to do, Dr. Jones said, "and if not a certification, it's at least in your best interest to be well-versed in the requirements of teletherapy." Note: Dr. Jones said she uses Zoom and Skype business accounts that are HIPAA compliant as well as Google Voice for phone calls, which is also HIPAA compliant.
For therapists who work under behavioral health services like Talkspace and AbleTo, for instance, conducting sessions using new technologies is something they go over before working with clients. Talkspace offers video therapy sessions along with text, audio, and video messaging, and AbleTo offers video and phone calls with therapists during eight-week programs, which individuals have access to through their health benefits. Those administering therapy should be checking with their licensing board to see if there are any training requirements specific to their state at this time.
Is Teletherapy Covered by Insurance?
Therapists are not always affiliated with insurance carriers and therefore do not take insurance for their services, so be sure to check if a therapist takes your insurance or not first. If your therapist takes insurance, you will be charged a copay, coinsurance, or the full contracted rate if you need to meet the deductible, Dr. Jones said. If you do not have health insurance, you will be paying for your sessions up front in full (out of pocket).
If a therapist doesn't accept your insurance and your insurance company has out-of-network benefits, you will also be paying the full rate out of pocket, but you can send your therapy bills to your insurance company for reimbursement. Depending on your plan, your insurance should reimburse up to 80 percent of the cost. Your therapist will give you a form that typically has your diagnosis, their tax identification number, the charge of the session, and a billing code. According to Monahan, there are two separate codes for face-to-face therapy and for teletherapy. These codes are important for reimbursement purposes and they are the same for psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers giving therapy, according to the American Psychological Association.
Whether or not teletherapy is covered - and how much is covered - depends on your individual insurance and your state's policy. Slate reported in March that 37 states have telehealth parity laws ensuring that private insurance companies cover telehealth services the exact way they'd cover in-person services. Through Medicaid, 21 states offer coverage for telehealth services as they would for in-person services, Slate also reported. As for Medicare, telehealth wasn't available for coverage unless seniors on the plan lived in a rural area. Now, under this national emergency, Medicare is waiving that requirement and making it easier to get access to and coverage for telehealth in general.
Some insurances, according to Dr. Jones, also only cover teletherapy if you receive it from a mental health professional with a specific type of license. She explained they may not cover interns who are practicing under a licensed therapist, or they may not cover the cost of sessions based on the type of therapy provided, such as marital counseling. It depends on the underwriting of the policy. It's also important to note that certain insurance companies don't consider sessions via phone to be teletherapy. As ICANotes states, "some insurers will cover therapy over the phone, even though Medicare and Medicaid require a video element." Again, due to the current crisis, it's best to check, since some providers may have plans in place in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic that offer more flexibility for coverage.
Kayla Murphy, MHC-LP, told POPSUGAR that the New York City and Long Island private practice she works for, Family and Personal Counseling, now offers a sliding scale for clients who can't afford their usual copay due to the pandemic. If a therapist offers payment on a sliding scale, that means you and the therapist work out the cost of the session ahead of time depending on what you can afford. Dr. Jones, who started offering teletherapy in 2017, said she charges her clients the same amount of money for teletherapy as she does for in-person sessions. You should speak with your therapist, or prospective therapist, about rates during this time.
The Rise in Teletherapy
Telehealth visits in general in the US surged by 50 percent this past March, according to research from Frost and Sullivan consultants, and an increase of teletherapy sessions seems to be trending as well. Talkspace has seen an increase of about 250 new therapist applicants a day as of late March when POPSUGAR spoke with Amy Cirbus, PhD, LMHC, LPC, director of clinical content at Talkspace. And, since mid-February, Talkspace, which is currently offering a COVID-19 anxiety management program to subscribers, has also seen a major increase in people seeking therapy - user volume is up over 65 percent year-over-year. AbleTo, according to a spokesperson, has seen a 30 percent uptick in engagement and people scheduling appointments compared to the beginning of March. Dr. Jones and Murphy both said that their client numbers have gone up.
Is Teletherapy Beneficial Right Now?
Teletherapy has been shown to be as effective if not more effective than face-to-face therapy in the long run. However, it depends on your personal preference and relationship with your therapist - that's something that the majority of mental health professionals POPSUGAR spoke to for this article stressed.
Nothing beats human contact face to face, Dr. Jones said, but having access to therapists via phone or video during the coronavirus pandemic is particularly convenient and crucial for her clients. "Since we're in a time of crisis, I definitely think that people should reach out and look for therapy online," Dr. Jones noted, adding that we should be putting our mental health needs first.
Reena Pande, MD, chief medical officer at AbleTo, pointed to the fact that with this crisis, "we very much expect there to be an uptick in the levels of anxiety, feelings of social isolation, fear in the context of all the ambiguity and the concerns about people's health." Social isolation and loneliness in particular, she told POPSUGAR, have an impact on our mental health, and this pandemic can cause stressors in many aspects of people's lives, including family dynamics, health and safety, or financial stability. "I think it's a combo of anxiety and fear married to issues that will arise from isolation and loneliness that together will be problematic for so many individuals," she explained. That's why access to teletherapy is so imperative.
"You don't need to be in the same room to feel the empathy that a therapist can give you," Dr. Pande said. "So I think that relationship can be strong no matter what."
Next Steps to Signing Up For Teletherapy
If you're interested, here are some steps you may want to take:
- Read up on the different types of mental health professionals.
- If you regularly go to therapy, ask your therapist if they're offering teletherapy, and what types they offer.
- If you need to find a therapist, use resources like Psychology Today, and make sure that the therapist you're considering is licensed in your state and that they have had experience using teletherapy before. (As Monahan said, "You don't want someone learning on you.")
- Consider tele-mental health platforms either individually (Talkspace, for example) or through your health plan (AbleTo, for instance).
- Speak to your health insurance provider on reimbursements and coverage options during this time.
- See if organizations in your community or elsewhere are offering mental health services for free. You'll find some of those options ahead.
- Read up on mental health management tips from trusted resources like the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Free Mental Health Services During This Time
Many private practices or teletherapy platforms are offering discounts amid the pandemic, but it's also worth checking for free services, whether they be full therapy sessions, messaging with a licensed therapist, or hotlines you can call. Some services are designated to specific states. For instance, New York City has a COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline manned by mental health professionals at 1-844-863-9314. BetterHelp, in partnership with Thoughtful Human, is offering anyone who needs it one month of free messaging, phone, or video sessions with a licensed therapist (free from whenever you sign up).
Talkspace is offering a free month of services to a limited number of healthcare workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic through its Unlimited Messaging Plus plan, which includes text, video, and audio messaging with a licensed therapist. According to a spokesperson, as of now and through donations, Talkspace is able to extend this offer to at least 2,100 healthcare workers. They can sign up through the Talkspace app by providing their NPI and/or work badge for verification. Check out a full list of free services here.
Experts we spoke to stressed that, during this time, communicating with a therapist online is still only considered teletherapy if you have ongoing sessions via phone or video. But, they said that services such as hotlines, texting, or audio messaging can still provide therapeutic benefits amid this pandemic. It's up to you and what you're comfortable with. No matter which avenue you choose, be sure to take care of your wellbeing.
Just 40 Times Michael Jordan Seemed to Walk on Air
Michael Jordan is arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, and when you take just one look at his game, you can see why. The new ESPN documentary The Last Dance follows the five-time NBA Most Valuable Player as he plays his final season with the Chicago Bulls, and the series features stunning footage of Jordan raining down dunks and soaring through the air like gravity doesn't exist. (There are also present-day interviews with the players and high-profile fans like Barack Obama and Justin Timberlake.) If you just can't get enough, keep reading to see more of those magical moments throughout his career.
Just 40 Times Michael Jordan Seemed to Walk on Air
Michael Jordan is arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, and when you take just one look at his game, you can see why. The new ESPN documentary The Last Dance follows the five-time NBA Most Valuable Player as he plays his final season with the Chicago Bulls, and the series features stunning footage of Jordan raining down dunks and soaring through the air like gravity doesn't exist. (There are also present-day interviews with the players and high-profile fans like Barack Obama and Justin Timberlake.) If you just can't get enough, keep reading to see more of those magical moments throughout his career.
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