The negative views and stigma around mental and behavioral health keep many from seeking help. Telebehavorial health helps to reduce that stigma by giving people more ways to receive care.
Did you know that 1 in 5 people in the U.S. population have a diagnosable behavioral health condition, and 1 in 3 of those people are not currently having their psychiatric needs met?
Sometimes referred to as telemental health, telebehavioral health is more wide reaching in practice than telemental health, including care for substance use and other physical health disorders related to behavior, as well as mental health care for anxiety, depression and other related disorders.
Telemental health services vs. in-person care
A systematic review of data and telemental health services found that care through telemental health portals to be an effective form of care. It’s quality was found to have no difference in outcomes than in-person care. Individual plans for each patient still need to be made as every person has unique needs, desires and will benefit from care in different ways.
Advantages of telebehavioral health services include:
Helps to reduce stigma
The negative views and stigma around mental and behavioral health keep many from seeking help. Telebehavorial health helps to reduce that stigma by giving people more ways to receive care.
Patients can choose their communication preferences
It allows patients to choose how to interact with their provider (text messaging, phone services, video calling, apps etc.) in order for them to receive the most appropriate care that suits their health and situational needs.
More comfortable and better access
Some disorders can make it a challenge to leave the house and this allows patients to receive help even on days when it is difficult. It is useful for follow-ups and check-ins and gives better access to people in rural areas.
Your mental and physical health is extremely important. If you are struggling with your mental or behavioral health please seek help. Your life is important and you matter!
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