Telehealth is Transforming Behavioral Health Treatment in America
When we talk about expanding access to behavioral health care in America, we must acknowledge one of the greatest game-changers of the 21st century: telehealth. Telehealth is not just a convenient alternative; it's a revolution in how we treat mental health and addiction. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated its adoption, and now we find ourselves at a pivotal moment—one full of potential to transform the future of behavioral health care. But we must ask ourselves: Will we embrace this opportunity fully, or will we let it slip through our fingers?
There are undeniable advantages to incorporating telehealth into behavioral health care, such as increased access, convenience, and privacy. Telehealth eliminates many of the geographic and logistical barriers that historically kept people from receiving care. For example, a study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that telehealth use for mental health services increased by more than 50% during the pandemic, demonstrating its crucial role in maintaining continuity of care (Ramsay et al., 2021). Telehealth also offers patients the ability to receive care from the comfort of their own homes, an important factor for those facing stigma or privacy concerns.
However, it’s important to recognize that telehealth is not without its limitations. A significant gap exists between those who have access to the technology required for telehealth services—such as smartphones, computers, and reliable internet connections—and those who do not. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly one in five rural Americans report not having reliable broadband access, a challenge that disproportionately affects lower-income and rural populations (Pew Research Center, 2021). Additionally, telehealth may not always be suitable for individuals with more complex needs or those requiring hands-on care, such as those dealing with severe mental health crises or substance use disorders. In these cases, in-person care may still be necessary to provide the depth of intervention required.
Telehealth also forms part of the broader digital revolution in behavioral health care. Digital applications, including mental health apps, mood trackers, wellness platforms, and virtual therapeutic tools, can further enhance access to care. These tools can complement telehealth services by providing individuals with resources between sessions and offering real-time monitoring of symptoms. Studies show that apps and digital platforms can help users manage stress, improve coping skills, and track progress, contributing to better overall mental health outcomes (Firth et al., 2017). As technology continues to evolve, the integration of these digital solutions into care can empower individuals to take a more active role in managing their behavioral health.
By combining telehealth with digital tools, we can create a more accessible, personalized, and effective model for behavioral health care. These solutions allow patients to receive care that fits their lives, offering a level of convenience and flexibility that traditional, in-person care alone cannot provide. The potential to reach underserved populations, including those in rural areas, low-income individuals, and people with limited mobility, makes this approach a critical part of the future of mental health care.
Telehealth is here to stay, and it is undoubtedly changing the game for behavioral health care in America. I encourage you to explore these options and help us think of innovative ways to ensure behavioral health care is accessible to all, no matter where they live or the challenges they face.
References
Firth, J., Torous, J., Nicholas, J., et al. (2017). The Efficacy of Mobile Mental Health Apps for Depression and Anxiety in a College Student Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 5(7), e86. https://doi.org/10.2196/mhealth.7183
Pew Research Center. (2021). Digital Divide Persists Even as Lower-Income Americans Make Gains in Tech Access. www.pewresearch.org
Ramsay, C. L., Harris, D., & Harris, M. (2021). The Impact of Telehealth on Mental Health During COVID-19: A Review. JAMA Psychiatry, 78(9), 949-956. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.2566
By: Carley DeRoche
Executive Director