The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a swift and unexpected pivot to telehealth services for delivery of both physical health care as well as mental health and substance use disorder services. The pandemic also greatly exacerbated behavioral health needs, and the use of telehealth increased access to care. Surprisingly, no-show rates for behavioral health care plummeted. There have been other benefits and drawbacks. Today, providers and patients alike continue to adjust to this form of care delivery.
What works? What isn’t working? What unexpected solutions have emerged? What barriers to quality care remain, and how can we continue to reduce them?
Innovations in Telehealth in Behavioral Health During COVID-19 explores these questions and more. The report and an accompanying webinar were developed specifically for mental health and substance use disorder treatment providers. They were produced by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing with CHCF support and offer:
- Takeaways from interviewed providers on their major successes during the shift to telehealth
- Creative innovations to common barriers in care
- A look at how the efficacy of telehealth services for behavioral health conditions has differed among various populations
- A review of health equity, technology challenges, needs of special populations, and rising provider burnout
The report, a recording of the webinar, and slides can all be viewed on the website of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
