While there is still a long way to go, our nation has come a long way in creating and delivering effective treatment services for those struggling with mental health. Decades of effort have gone into making treatment more efficient and accessible for individuals across the United States. Fortunately, treatment centers are becoming more readily available and research strategies are improving. As a result, many people have found recovery from their mental health and/or substance use disorder (SUD).
Then came the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no question that the pandemic — and enforced social distancing and consequent isolation — made both treatment and recovery seem less attainable. Thankfully, telehealth services worked to bridge the gap for individuals in need of treatment. Patients were allowed to remain socially distant and still receive essential treatment services.
Now that the height of the pandemic has reached its end, what does the future look like for telehealth services?
What Is Telehealth?
Telehealth, also known as telemedicine, is an alternative to in-person treatment. It is a remote, online treatment service that requires little else but an internet connection. There is a variety of types of care individuals can receive through telehealth services. For individuals who struggle with mental health or substance use disorders (SUDs), here are just a few examples of what telehealth can offer:
- Both group and individual services
- The opportunity to connect with or chat with one’s healthcare provider (or therapist) remotely
- Mental health services for depression, anxiety, stress and other conditions
- Alcohol and drug assessments, evaluations, and sessions
- Education about mental health and addiction-related topics
- The opportunity to foster accountability for self and others by engaging in continuing treatment services, such as alumni groups
- Medication management
Understanding the Need for Telehealth in Addiction and Mental Health Treatment
Although telehealth is not necessarily a new treatment option, it has become more widely adopted by treatment centers due to recent events, namely the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only did telehealth help prevent the spread of the virus, but it also offered more readily available mental health services. Such services, to no one’s surprise, were in higher demand than ever during this time.
In the last few years, the pandemic brought about significant rises in mental health conditions and associated symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted various surveys among individuals ages 18 and older across the United States. Results from these studies concluded that as early as June 2020, “40% of U.S. adults reported struggling with mental health and/or substance use.” Additionally, of those surveyed, nearly 41% of participants reported experiencing at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition, including, but not limited to:
- Anxiety-related disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Trauma and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to the pandemic
- Increased substance use to cope with stress
- Heightened suicidal ideation
The Future of Telehealth for Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health Disorders
Telehealth has given countless individuals an opportunity to face and overcome mental health disorders and substance use disorders from the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, it has created a safe space for individuals to seek refuge from feelings of isolation and loneliness — pandemic-related or otherwise. Now that the pandemic has slowed, will telehealth remain?
Every healthcare and treatment facility has different policies and procedures regarding the future of its telehealth services. In general, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services worked diligently to make telehealth as accessible as possible during the pandemic. Similarly, they recognize that many telehealth flexibilities are temporary and will taper off as the pandemic nears its end.
However, that does not mean that telehealth services will disappear entirely. After all, telehealth has made treatment more accessible and affordable across the nation. To understand the prevalence of telehealth post-pandemic, we must recognize that every treatment facility will navigate it differently. For the most part, effective treatment is individualized and intentional. In these areas, telehealth has its disadvantages. However, when it comes to matters of accessibility and convenience, telehealth services definitely deserve their place in mental healthcare.
Telehealth at ABHC
We at Associated Behavioral Health Care (ABHC) understood the rise in mental health and substance use problems as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is why we expanded our mental, behavioral, substance use and medication management services with the utilization of telehealth.
Associated Behavioral Health Care also recognizes the National Center for Biotechnology (NCBI) conclusion that “telemental health care can provide effective and adaptable solutions to the care of mental illnesses universally.” We believe in a balance of telehealth services and in-person outpatient services. This helps us ensure that our patients receive the support and treatment they need to sustain long-term recovery.
Though we do not what the future holds, we do recognize the power of telehealth not just for both physical needs but mental health needs as well. We understand that these services are valuable tools that can help us feel connected and resolve feelings of anxiety and loneliness.
Due to the increased availability of telehealth services during the pandemic, the use of these services may remain prevalent even once the pandemic nears its end. Associated Behavioral Health Care (ABHC) is a comprehensive treatment facility that recognizes telehealth as an invaluable treatment service for individuals seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. Post-pandemic, we encourage the use of telehealth services to bridge the gap of accessibility for outpatient sessions. For more information, call (844) 335-7384.