The coronavirus pandemic impacted the mental healthcare field considerably. Not only are more people experiencing mental health issues as a result of stay-at-home orders, but it’s also limited people’s ability to visit their therapists due to social distancing guidelines. As a result, we’ve seen a drastic increase in the use of telehealth therapies.
It’s been such an effective solution that many believe it will remain available even after life returns to normal. That’s why you need to understand how telehealth and top mental health software benefit patients and how treatments will evolve.
Benefits of Telehealth Therapy
Eliminates the hassle for patients.
Most patients have other obligations they must attend to, and it’s challenging to take time out of their day for an appointment. Whether it’s work, getting stuck in traffic, or having to care for children or elderly parents, countless issues can prevent patients from getting the care they need. With telehealth options, they have more flexibility and fewer hurdles to make the appointment on time.
Increases revenue for your practice.
By offering telehealth options, doctors can reduce their overhead costs and earn more money for the practice. Since more patients are opting to schedule appointments remotely, doctors can downsize their offices and staff without reducing efficiency. Doctors can also extend their hours and accept appointments from their home office for more billable hours. Offering this type of service can even attract new clients if competing practices don’t offer it.
Removes the stigma of receiving treatment.
Although sentiments are shifting across the country, many people choose not to receive treatments because of the negative perception surrounding mental health. Telehealth is a helpful way to remove that stigma and make it easier for people to reach out to providers. They can talk with a doctor from the comfort of their own home, which may persuade more people to accept your help.
How Telehealth is Shaping the Future of Therapy
Telehealth has led to a dramatic shift in the way doctors and patients approach therapy to the point that the American Psychological Association has created guidelines for the practice. Understanding the changes its caused ensures your equipped to help patients in this new landscape.
Implementing new technologies.
Doctors will continue to use the top mental health software available, but they’ll also have to learn to use newer tools. Artificial intelligence helps build quantitative profiles based on the Outcome Rating Scale approach. More common technology such as smartphone apps and internet-based support groups will also be featured more prominently in therapy options.
Increased access for patients.
Due to COVID-19, the Office of Civil Rights loosened HIPAA restrictions around telehealth therapy, and many insurance providers now cover it. That’s made it easier for doctors to provide the care their patients need remotely. While there is uncertainty as to whether these changes are here to stay, one thing is for sure: telehealth makes it easier for people to schedule and attend their appointments.
More adaptable solutions are available.
Using the top mental health software options, telehealth gives doctors more freedom in deciding on the best course of action for their patients. That could include a combination of in-person visits, virtual video calls, text-based interactions, and remote patient monitoring. All of these tools are available to help you provide the best therapy possible for your patients.
How MyOutcomes Makes Telehealth Easier
Our award-winning team has pioneered the use of advanced reporting metrics for mental healthcare providers. Our intuitive top mental health software simplifies in-person and telehealth outcome reporting to produce real-time feedback that allows you to make more informed decisions and improve the quality of care you provide. Visit us online to learn more about how we can help.