by Daniayla Stein of CFG Health Network Systems, Inc.
View the entire newsletter for more articles: 2015 - NJAC County Biz - July
One of the best things about the Internet is its role as a source of connection. It connects us to friends and family through social media, connects us to goods and services through online shopping and websites and now, it can even connect us to our health care services.
What is Telemental Health?
Telemental health is the delivery of mental and behavioral health services through online videoconferencing. It’s one of the fastest growing applications of telemedicine, which is what it sounds like—health care supported or facilitated by technology.
People facing stress, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, or other psychological concerns can all benefit from telemental health care. These issues are commonly treated with therapy, counseling or medication—all of which are possible through videoconferencing.
It’s important for mental health issues to be addressed as early as possible. When left untreated, they become progressively worse and can eat away at quality of life for affected persons and their loved ones.
Mental health providers who offer online services include counselors, therapists, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and nurses with special training in psychiatry.
Where is Telemental Health Being Used?
Telemental health is already making waves across the healthcare system. You might have heard of it being used in outpatient clinics or hospitals in your area. And now, you can even access telemental health services from your own home through the use of secure online platforms.
What are the Benefits of Telemental Health?
- It’s convenient. Telemental health saves time on traveling to and from appointments. Both consumers and providers can connect from home, or any private space.
- It gives you options. One of the biggest limitations to mental health services is finding a provider in your area who fits with your needs and personality. With telemental health you are able to connect with any provider licensed in your state that means additional options for care.
- It’s flexible. With telemental health, the limits of traditional business hours, commutes and waiting rooms are no longer an issue. Fewer restrictions means less time spent on logistics—and more time actually engaging in your health care.
- It’s effective. Telemental health works. Clinical research¹,² has consistently found that telemental health works as well, or in some cases, better than traditional in-person care.
Privacy, Security, and Safety Online
Providers and healthcare organizations that offer care online have a duty to protect your personal information. Telemental health providers and consumers should ensure that the platform they are using is secure and HIPAA-compliant.³
Summing Up
As the technology continues to improve, you can expect to see more developments in the world of telemental health. It’s a proven means of expanding access to care, and now is the time to learn more.
¹Godleski, L., J. E. Nieves, A. Darkins, and L. Lehmann. “VA Telemental Health: Suicide Assessment.” Behavioral Sciences and the Law 26 (2008): 271–86.
²McGuinness, Teena M, PhD, CRNP, FAAN; Ellington, Erin, DNP, PMHNP-BC. (2011). Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services 49.2 (Feb 2011): 19-22.
³All telebehavioral health platforms must meet the standards for privacy and confidentiality set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996.