Using Mental Health Services in a Virtual Care Environment

Healthcare experienced many breakthroughs in 2020, not the least of which was expanding virtual mental health services using video visits, webchats, and even VR headsets. They all provided a lifeline for millions of patients who were stuck at home during the pandemic.

This digital shift also lessened the stigma around seeking treatment for mental health. In many ways, the barriers to treatment for mental health services started disappearing across the board. For example, many previously underserved populations or patients unable to attend in-person sessions due to physical limitations and disabilities finally got the care they needed.

This is great news. According to Accenture, fewer than half of adults with mental health conditions get help. Thanks to telemedicine, more than 53 million people could see more access to care and treatment.

Virtual services are good for providers, too. Doctors and therapists can worry less about geographic and physical barriers to serving patients. Plus, virtual tools enable clinicians to free up their time and schedules to work more effectively. The move toward online medicine will likely fuel more long-term positive effects than we can even imagine.

Why Accessible Mental Health Services are More Important Than Ever

All of these good outcomes couldn’t have come too soon. During COVID, the rise in mental health conditions among kids, teens, and adults was well-publicized and disheartening. As early as June 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that about 41% of people were self-reporting mental and behavioral health problems like anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

This isn’t shocking. Nearly everyone experienced extreme changes in their personal, social, and professional lives during the pandemic. Some lost loved ones; others lost jobs. Many struggled in ways they had never experienced before, including 11% of people who thought about ending their lives. But telemedicine offered people access to high-quality help.

Despite increased access to virtual mental health services and their associated benefits, some people remain wary about diving into telemedicine. Many people still believe face-to-face sessions are superior. Others feel awkward talking with therapists in a home-based setting. Some worry about confidentiality, especially since they’re discussing highly personal concerns over the internet. On top of that, some older patients feel uncomfortable using technology and are less likely to take advantage of virtual care services.

Fortunately, these issues can be overcome with patient education. Below are some important facts to know about virtual mental health treatment.

1. Online and in-person behavioral therapy are equally effective.

Virtual mental health services are incredibly convenient and more affordable than traditional office visits, but that doesn’t diminish their value. The only difference between virtual mental health services and those offered in person is the communication vehicle. Face-to-face treatment occurs in an office setting, whereas virtual therapies take place over devices like tablets, smartphones, and laptops. Virtual therapy offers other advantages, such as no commuting, time spent in waiting rooms, and more privacy.

2. Mental health services are available through independent virtual care providers.

Does insurance cover mental health care online? Often, yes. Many insurance providers now cover telemedicine in some of its forms, including virtual mental health treatment. Patients should contact their insurance carriers to confirm coverage, copays, deductibles, and other considerations.

Individuals without insurance coverage for telemedicine or mental health have other solutions to access affordable mental health services online, such as the Health Karma Virtual Care membership. Along with Virtual Primary Care, it offers its members unlimited access to behavioral health consultations, available 24/7 for immediate, in-the-moment support. Plus, you can forget about copays, deductible, and enrollment periods.

3. Telepsychiatry allows for medication prescription.

Licensed behavioral therapists cannot prescribe medication, regardless of whether they see patients in person or online. However, psychiatrists who use telemedicine can prescribe medications for people with behavioral or emotional health challenges. This allows access to prescriptions without the need for in-office visits.

Mental wellness has become more important than ever since the start of the pandemic. With virtual options available, more people can access care regardless of their situation — a true silver lining for the broader healthcare industry in 2021 and beyond.

Are you curious about how to find affordable mental healthcare for yourself or a family member? Consider our Virtual Care Membership, which includes mental health treatment and services.