Telehealth, also known as telemedicine or teletherapy, allows people to receive care from a provider without going to their office in person. Patients can use a smartphone, computer, or tablet with internet access to connect to a provider online. It is a way to increase access to healthcare services like screening, assessment, therapy, support groups, and medication management.
Telehealth has been used in clinical settings for over 60 years (via phone) and has been studied for over 20 years. Using telehealth to access mental health services, like therapy or seeing a psychiatrist for medication management, has been growing in popularity in recent years–especially among people who have Medicaid and Medicare insurance.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people using telehealth for mental health services doubled from 14% to 28% between 2016 and 2019 of all people in treatment for mental health issues.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Using telehealth to access therapy, psychiatric medication management, or group therapy has many advantages. Ultimately, choosing online mental health services over in-person is a matter of personal preference.
Some common reasons why people may use telehealth:
- Accessibility: Telehealth eliminates the need to travel, making it more convenient for those with disabilities, as well as people who are managing chronic illnesses or health conditions that make it difficult to leave home or travel to a therapist's office.
- Availability: Telehealth increases the availability of mental health services, especially for people who live in rural or underserved areas, and can accommodate those with busy schedules or childcare responsibilities that make it difficult to attend in-person therapy sessions.
- Safety: Telehealth reduces the risk of exposure to contagious illnesses such COVID-19, making it a safer option for both patients and clinicians.
- Saves time: Telehealth appointments can often be scheduled and completed more quickly than in-person appointments.
- Cost-effective: Telehealth may be less expensive than in-person visits, especially when considering travel and time off work.
- Comfort: Telehealth allows patients to receive care from the comfort of their own home, reducing stress and anxiety associated with visiting healthcare facilities.
- Stigma-free: Telehealth is more private, and can reduce a patient's concerns about stigma or privacy associated with receiving therapy in person.
Using your smartphone, computer, or tablet, you would access your telehealth therapy or a telehealth medication management video appointment provider at a pre-determined time and day. These appointments are facilitated through our secure, HIPAA compliant platform to protect your privacy and confidentiality.
As with in-person appointments, during the session, the provider asks questions to evaluate the patient's needs and presents treatment options to meet their goals.
As with in-person appointments, during the session, the provider asks questions to evaluate the patient's needs and presents treatment options to meet their goals.
The National Center for Health Research found no difference in patient satisfaction scores between in-person and online therapy.
Online therapy offers greater flexibility and convenience. It can be a more accessible option for individuals with mobility or transportation issues, who live in remote areas, or have busy schedules. Accessing therapy via telehealth can also offer greater anonymity and privacy, which can be important for individuals who feel uncomfortable or stigmatized seeking therapy in person.
This flexibility and privacy provide patients with high levels of comfort with the therapy process and the opportunity to be more consistent with their care. Patients who are more consistent and engaged in their care often yield positive treatment outcomes.
Medicaid coverage for online therapy and medication management varies by state, as each state has its own Medicaid program. However, some states have expanded their telehealth coverage in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and may cover online therapy sessions.
Medicare may cover therapy and medication management via telehealth, depending on the specific plan and additional factors. It's always best to check with the insurance provider to determine if online therapy is covered under the specific plan.
Individuals can begin therapy at Brave Health after completing an initial mental health assessment. In just one hour, our therapists will carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s health and well-being, helping to create a tailor-made treatment plan that specifically caters to their individual needs.
