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Programs that allow mental health professionals to use telecommunications technology including video conferencing, online chat or a phone call to provide psychotherapeutic services including crisis intervention, a mental health assessment and treatment for patients who are having difficulty coping with a traumatic experience, a health crisis or other problems, but are unable to participate in an in-person session or prefer an alternative. Use of telemental health services has a number of benefits such as making access to mental health services available to people who live in rural or remote areas where counselors may be scarce; eliminating a client's need for transportation and any travel-related costs; and making it easier for patients to make time for appointments without having to take time off from work.