Using Telehealth to Improve Mental Health Care

At a time when technology shapes and drives almost every aspect of day-to-day life, the rise of telehealth services for mental health care is hardly surprising.

Telehealth refers, broadly, to the use of communication technologies and information exchange platforms – such as PCs, mobiles, tablets, and other digital devices – to access health care services remotely. Whether these are platforms used by doctors to manage patients’ health or those used by individuals to manage their healthcare, the full gamut of these solutions fall under telehealth.

Today, we take a look at how these services are revolutionising mental health care. We also examine how telehealth in this field benefits you too!

Telehealth is a beacon of hope against rising mental illnesses

In recent years, mental health issues have been on the rise. According to the renowned Black Dog Institute, one in five Australians, between the ages of 16-85, experience a mental illness in any year. It is against this backdrop that telehealth services for mental health care have arisen.

Added to this is the growing need for convenience and accessibility to mental health services, the proliferation of technology in the healthcare space, and the decline in the need for face-to-face contact.

The truth of the matter is that many individuals, nowadays, prefer to access mental health support remotely, from the comfort of their homes. It is also both discreet and personal, catering to the widespread need for both anonymity and personalised support. What are the other benefits of using telehealth to access mental health services?

Services are remotely accessible and are available 24/7

With telehealth services, you can access mental health support from almost anywhere, at any time. All you need is internet access and an internet-enabled device.

Unlike in the past, where patients had to make an appointment in advance and head out of their home, you can now reach out for help with a few taps or clicks on your phone or computer. This is especially crucial if you often feel suicidal, experience severe depression or frequent panic attacks.

Given that you can’t control how, when or where your mental illness affects you, having help on standby allows you to live your life as normally as possible. With telehealth services, you’re never forced to ‘get over it’ or ‘be positive’ – you can share your worries whenever you need to.

Customised mental health management programs

Another benefit you can expect from telehealth is customised support, tailored to your own needs and pace.

Depending on your telehealth service provider, you’ll be asked to take certain assessments, complete certain tasks, and will have all your medical information in one place, allowing you to better understand your condition and deal with it more effectively.

Fewer missed appointments

Another major benefit of using telehealth to access mental health care is that you no longer have to miss an appointment for any reason whatsoever. Even when getting out of bed seems overwhelming, you can get the help you need.

With regular appointments and frequent check-ins, you will find that you are able to manage your condition better and improve your outlook on life. While these changes may be slow and gradual, it is progress, nonetheless!

Your virtual healthcare provider will often work according to your convenience, and you will find that even in emergency cases, you will be able to reach out and receive the support you need.

Automate the prescription and billing process

With the right platforms, you can also automate prescription ordering and billing, eliminating some of the most common day-to-day worries.

In this way, you may not even need to leave your home to access any medicine or to make any healthcare-related payments. Depending on the type of support you’re receiving, you may even be able to schedule appointments with a therapist or psychiatrist in advance, giving you greater control over your mental health condition!

Access the best telehealth service to receive the mental health care you need

When it comes to your managing your mental health, there is no stone you should leave unturned. With telehealth services, you can now stay attuned to your needs without having to go out of your way.

At onPsych, we specialise in telehealth mental healthcare services. Find out more to access truly revolutionary support and caregiving!