Benefits of Telehealth

Why use telehealth?

There are several reasons why someone may be unable to attend therapy in a traditional office setting. They may have mobility or transportation barriers. Perhaps they live in a rural area where the closest care is too far away. Or, in a situation like the one we are facing today, where we need to stay home in order to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

When these barriers prevent in person mental health care, telehealth is a beneficial opportunity to gain access to care. Telehealth is a term for medical and mental health care provided through an online platform. It utilizes HIPAA compliant programs that allow providers to connect with clients via video-conferencing when face-to-face services are inaccessible. Telehealth is especially useful in maintaining continuity of care when it may otherwise be interrupted. 

The Effectiveness of Telehealth

Telehealth has been shown to be highly effective as a mental health treatment service delivery platform. Research shows that, when done with the proper planning and implementation, telehealth is equivalent to face-to-face treatment in relation to treatment effectiveness, quality of care, client satisfaction, and client privacy and confidentiality. Telehealth has also been shown to be effective for populations of children, adolescents, and adults. Some research even suggests that telecommunication might be preferable for some populations. 

At Sunfield Center we value seeing families, children and adults face-to-face; however, we know how effective telehealth can be when in person appointments are not an option. We understand the importance of making treatment available to those who need it, and therefore utilize telehealth as a way to remain accessible to families. 

How do I prepare for telehealth sessions?

At Sunfield Center, we use a HIPPA compliant video-conferencing program. Since confidentiality is a top priority, it is important to find a quiet and private place to engage in your therapy sessions. A bedroom or home-office space with minimal distractions may work out well for both adults and children.  If you or your child often move around or have a hard time sitting still, consider pointing the camera at a large space, so that the clinician will be able to see you no matter where you move in the room. 

Conclusion

Telehealth options have widened the scope and accessibility of mental health care in our communities and abroad. The benefits seem plentiful, and will likely only expand over time. We are glad that we are able to continue to provide treatment and support to our families during this difficult time.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2020). Child & Adolescent Telepsychiatry Participant Arrangement. https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/telepsychiatry/toolkit/child-adolescent/participant-arrangement          

American Psychiatric Association. (2020). What is Telepsychiatry? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-telepsychiatry

 Langarizadeh, M., Tabatabaei, M., Tavakol, K., Naghipour, M., Rostami, A., and Moghbeli, F. (2017). Telemental health care, an effective alternative to conventional mental care: A systematic review. Acta Informatica Medica 25(4), 240-246.