The COVID-19 Pandemic caused a ripple effect of change. It sped up the event of telehealth meeting mental health in the form of virtual visits, and the results have been incredibly positive.
The Kaiser Family Foundation says, “Telehealth has played an outsized role [in] meeting mental health needs during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” The role has been so significant that “some private payers have improved coverage for mental health and substance use, removing pre-pandemic restrictions on coverage for these services via telehealth.”
Today, telehealth options are making mental health and substance use care options more readily accessible.
Using Telehealth to Meet Mental Health Needs
Telehealth options, ranging from phone to virtual video visits, provide a safe and convenient way to access mental and behavioral health care anywhere. Thanks to the pandemic forcing the use of socially distanced and off-site healthcare methods, there has been massive growth in the availability and use of virtual medicine.
Mobile visits allow patients to attend appointments without taking time off work, arranging childcare, and securing transportation—all vital factors in a successful long-term treatment plan.
Telehealth is now used to provide access to:
- Mental health screenings
- One-on-one therapy
- Group therapy
- Text or chat-based therapy
- Addiction counseling
- Medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders
- Medication prescribing and monitoring
- Anxiety and depression monitoring
- Referrals
What To Expect
Most telehealth visits are video calls conducted on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Some behavioral health appointments may include voice calls, text messages, or online chat. Depending on the service provider, their customized smartphone app may also be used for behavioral telehealth care. Some providers leverage outside apps, such as mood trackers or meditation guides, for supplemental care.
You can expect your service providers or clinician to bring you up to speed on the tools you’ll need for a virtual visit. You’ll usually receive a link when it’s time for your visit. These links typically allow for tech testing before the visit, so you can log in hours or days early to ensure your device’s audio, camera, and microphone work.
Virtual Visit Tips
Virtual appointments and classes are convenient. They allow you to save on travel time and expenses, childcare, and, sometimes, taking an entire day off work. You can make the most of virtual visits with these tips:
#1: Create Space
Designate a space for telehealth. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It can be the corner of your bedroom, living room sofa, or even your car. The goal is to create a dedicated space with everything you need to participate in a video call with minimal distractions and the kind of privacy you desire.
#2: Telehealth Preparation
Preparing for a video visit isn’t drastically different from the traditional preparation of an in-person visit. Thanks to less focus on travel, you have more time to focus on your needs. For example:
- Relax before your visit with a warm cup of tea or a hot cup of coffee
- Take time for a quick snack if you’re feeling foggy or low on energy
- Have any material you may need for the visit nearby
- Jot down questions you want to ask
- Stay on-task during your visit by outlining your thoughts before the visit starts
- Have a notebook or second screen ready to take notes during your telehealth session
#3: Confirm Your Connection
Virtual sessions depend on a solid internet connection. Take time before your scheduled visit to test your internet connection. If you’re connecting from a mobile device, ensure you are in a location where the signal will not be interrupted.
#4: Test Your Tech
Virtual visits also depend on working tech. Be sure your computer, tablet, or cell phone has working audio, video, and microphone. Most virtual visit programs allow you to test these features before joining a call. Be sure it’s all working before your visit to maximize time.
If you’re using a wireless device, ensure it has a full charge. Always keep a charging cord nearby, just in case.
Telehealth DUI Classes
The rise in telehealth has positively impacted the options for substance use and abuse help. Counseling, therapy, and treatment plans are now more accessible.
For people dealing with a DUI, the court-ordered classes required to reinstate a driver’s license are now more accessible than ever. DUI classes have gone virtual, and Absolute Advocacy is a leader in pioneering and continually innovating telehealth solutions in North Carolina for our clients. Contact us today for customized virtual solutions if you need help with a DUI!