Telehealth and Mental Health: A Game Changer for Employee Support

The healthcare industry has transformed in the last five years and at the helm of this change is telehealth. Once considered a convenience or an alternative care option, telehealth has rapidly become a mainstream method for delivering healthcare services. The shift was accelerated by the Covid 19 pandemic, however, the benefits of telehealth have been long lasting and far reaching. Mental health services have particularly benefitted from the telehealth format and can now be offered so conveniently to employees. Let’s take a look at some of the key advantages:

Convenience and Accessibility

Patients can now access care without leaving their homes. This is particularly beneficial for rural communities where people have not had access to specialists and medical services. Telehealth eliminates travel, allowing people to connect with their providers from anywhere. In addition, individuals with mobility issues can get help without the added stress of travel. This can encourage the disabled or elderly to connect with their providers sooner rather than later. But the most obvious is for busy families, telehealth makes it possible for them to get their care worked into their busy work and school schedules. This is particularly helpful in mental health where for a period of time, the appointments can be on a weekly basis. Telehealth makes it possible for people to work those appointments into their schedules while saving travel time and reducing stress and offering even more privacy than if they went to an office. Not only is it convenient but many individuals find it is more comfortable to talk with a provider from one’s own home.

Cost Effective Care

Telehealth has reduced the cost of healthcare in several ways.

• Reduced travel expenses – with virtual appointments there is no gas expense, no parking fees, no time off work. All of these factors save the client money.
• Lower Operational Expenses – Providers can save on facilities expense, utilities, and staffing. Sometimes these savings can make lower fees possible for the customer.
• Response time improved – clients can access their providers in a timely manner which decreases crisis, ER visits, and ensures timely response to the clients’ concerns.

Improved Patient Outcomes

Telehealth has contributed to improved patient outcomes in several ways.

• Early intervention: Because telehealth gives quicker and more consistent access to providers, people are much more likely to seek care early when a problem starts. This makes it possible for intervention to happen early and prevent complications or the problem getting worse. This also improves the long-term outcome of care.
• Better chronic condition management: There are many mental health conditions that require regular monitoring. Frequent check-ins and quick adjustments can prevent crisis and hospitalizations. This means the individual receiving care is likely to improve over time with intensive support that is made more possible by telehealth services.
• Mental Health: Mental health services in particular have seen an uptick in use since telehealth provides even more comfort and anonymity for those who hesitate to seek in person treatment. The comfort of one’s own home and the privacy it provides encourages and supports people reaching out for help in a timely manner.

Increased Patient Engagement

Telehealth has promoted people taking a proactive role in their own healthcare. With portals for communication, the patient can get information and share information easily with their providers. They can get real time feedback and support during visits and between visits. Fostering better communication creates more informed patients, who then engage with making the lifestyle changes needed.

Expanded Reach of Specialist Care

People who have not had access to mental health providers due to geographical location can now get care. In addition, if they have specialist needs, for instance an EMDR trained therapist, they can access these specialists with telehealth.

Final Thoughts

Telehealth is a fundamental shift in how healthcare services are delivered and we can safely say it is here to stay. The convenience, cost savings, and improved patient outcomes it provides makes it a valuable tool especially in mental health. Many people who hesitated to get the help they needed due to lack of understanding or information, now can pursue that help from the privacy of their own home. They can attend their appointments from the comfort of their own homes and communicate with the therapist through communication portals in between appointments if needed. They can get access to specialists no matter where they live. And their stress levels are reduced along with their expenses. Telehealth in mental health is the game changer!