Using telehealth platforms for mental health

What is telehealth, and how does it work?

​​As we adapt to living in a world with COVID-19, we can see an increasing need for telehealth technology in clinical healthcare services and care. It is not always possible nor convenient for patients to meet in-person within the restrictions of the pandemic or otherwise. As a result, telehealth platforms allow patients to connect with healthcare professionals from the comfort and safety of their own homes. With over 2 million US patients using telehealth in the past few months, it is increasingly popular to communicate within the healthcare sector. 

Using telemedicine technology, patients can use their laptops and mobile devices to create and attend appointments, receive treatment, and have remote monitoring if needed. Telehealth is also an excellent option for non-clinical services for businesses requiring training where medical education and provider training are necessary. Telehealth supports seamless clinical practices through its virtual service and provides many benefits for patients and users.

What is telemedicine in psychiatry?

Telemedicine, as the provision of healthcare services through online platforms, is often used in psychiatry practices due to its excellent accessibility and convenience for patients. Within the context of a psychiatric setting, telemedicine examples may include therapy between the clinical psychiatrist and their patient, psychiatric evaluations through video conferencing, messaging, or simply appointment scheduling. By having a direct online interaction, mental health consultations have become easier for psychiatrists and their patients.

In the broad scheme of things, there are various telehealth examples of its benefits, including providing primary care providers with mental health care expertise and integrative learning. Patients can effectively receive psychiatric mental healthcare treatment in an interactive format without overcoming physical obstacles. Their safety, privacy, and security can be maintained through the distance while receiving a high-quality healthcare service. As well as this, psychiatry education and evaluation can also develop further medication management and review information regarding psychiatry.  

Is telehealth effective for mental health?

The use of telemedicine technology, such as video conferencing, calls, and online messaging, has immense benefits and proven effectiveness for mental health. For instance;

1. It has revolutionized the way mental healthcare services are presented and perceived, and for many patients, it has become a sole provider for mental healthcare.
2. Telehealth provides an effective way for mental healthcare professionals to reach new clients
3. There are high retention rates for patients that use telehealth therapy platforms and mediums, primarily due to the reduced inconvenience barriers of accessing treatment.  
4. For certain behavioral health conditions, studies have indicated that telehealth options are just as effective as in-person care
5. This is also in addition to improvement in symptoms and patient satisfaction
6. There have been reports of high rates of quality of life with telehealth treatments
7. The use of telemedicine technology means telehealth can reach particularly isolated individuals or communities
8. Innovative and adaptable designs have provided individuals with greater flexibility for mental health treatment plans, with high engagement rates

Telehealth mental health counseling

Telehealth technology is excellent as a mental health counseling service due to its accessible nature that allows for a high degree of convenience for patients and users. With readily available online support, the ability to video conference, message, and call mean patients can feel assured with professional help within their reach at their fingertips. This is particularly useful for patients who may need counseling service at specific times or face particular anxieties or pressures to attend sessions in person. The use of telemedicine technology is a way to alleviate such obstacles and provide a frictionless option for patients to feel at ease when needing mental healthcare services.

Telehealth mental health counseling means that professional clinicians and healthcare workers can offer services to a broader range of potential clients and users. Online platforms and technology allow for therapists to connect with clients from nearly anywhere globally, with the only requirement being a stable internet connection. This is very useful for those who have busy schedules, limited mobility, or other personal reasons limiting their ability to use alternative services. Telehealth technology means mental healthcare services can be provided to all users, regardless of their background, whereabouts, or previous personal experiences with therapy.

Telehealth mental health benefits

There are various telehealth technology benefits to telehealth services and platforms for users, patients, and clinical healthcare professionals.

1. Due to its accessible nature, telehealth technology means individuals in isolated communities can receive high-quality treatment services
2. Telehealth allows for a broader scope of clients for healthcare professionals due to the virtual convenience of users being able to use its service regardless of location
3. There are heavily reduced costs associated with telehealth technology
4. Online mental healthcare services are just as effective as in-person care. Therefore, users will always have the same quality of care
5. Patient documents, measurements, and evaluations can be accessed all within one place
6. Information can be easily shared with providers without the expense of privacy
7. Particularly vulnerable patients can be monitored within their homes
8. There is high coordination of care between your primary provider and any specialists you see
9. Patients can receive virtual reminders for scheduled appointments and tests 

Telehealth for mental health during covid

Telehealth is a particularly brilliant service for providing mental healthcare during times of COVID-19, and as such, there has been an increase in use during the times of this pandemic.

1. Telehealth provides a way for mental healthcare professionals and patients to connect virtually and avoid the spread of COVID-19 by minimizing direct person-to-person exposure
2. Can provide more significant support for the increased demand for mental healthcare services, with its ease of use bringing in more extensive mental healthcare professional clientele
3. Telehealth provides closer support for individuals working from home, with online video conferencing, calling, and messaging allowing for increased follow-ups and communication
4. Eliminates the risk of spread to other healthcare workers
5. Removes the additional cost of childcare that may coincide with commuting to in-person visits
6. Allows easy access to peer support with group therapy sessions through online platforms, which also minimizes spread

By using telehealth services during COVID-19 times, patients and therapists can feel at ease from the comfort of their homes while providing high-quality care.  

Implementing telehealth in my business

When weighing up the benefits of implementing telemedicine technology in business, telehealth provides a way to support clients. Telehealth manages to fulfill the demand for a high-quality healthcare service that overcomes potential COVID-19 physical barriers and provides a multitude of cost and personal benefits.

Implementing telehealth into a business doesn’t have to be difficult either. In fact, with the right platform, it can be a seamless process that prioritizes business and patient needs to improve the state of online healthcare. Carepatron is a perfect starting place for your telehealth journey and ensures patient needs are met for your practice and benefit your growth in the telemedicine climate. As trusted by thousands of healthcare professionals, Carepatron is a great way to incorporate telehealth into your business by supporting clients with appointment scheduling, clinical documentation services, and note-taking software. Combining and creating a telemedicine documentation template allows for telehealth to be well integrated into your practice and ensures clients are receiving the utmost virtual care.

Further reading:

1. COVID-19 Telehealth Coverage Policies - CCHP

2. Notification of Enforcement Discretion for Telehealth