When it comes to therapy, thoughts of sitting on a couch in an office setting come to mind. But what if there’s another way to consult a mental health professional in the comfort of your home, car or office?

For some patients, getting to therapy is tough. One major reason for this can be anxiety. Those with anxiety are often unable to leave their homes, so getting to therapy can be nearly impossible.

Living in rural areas can make finding a therapist difficult. Nearly 80 million Americans live in a mental health professional shortage area, according to the U.S. Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration.

City life also can offer challenges when it comes to getting therapy in general. According to the American Psychological Association, psychologists are plentiful in urban settings, but cost, transportation and time constraints may prohibit people from seeking mental health services.

At one point, these individuals were unable to get necessary assistance. But today’s patients are choosing to seek out other options when it comes to psychological health. That’s why a new type of therapy has grown in popularity.

Welcome to the world of telephone therapy -- where a therapist can meet with clients wherever there is a phone or video conference calling capabilities. This brilliant concept is changing the landscape of the mental health field.