Using Technology-Based Therapeutic Tools in Behavioral Health Services

Abstract

Introduction For decades, providers have recognized the promise of telemedicine for connecting patients outside the medical office to their clinical team members (Lustig, 2012). Telehealth benefits both clients and providers. For clients, especially those in rural areas who live far from their provider, telehealth increases access to care and reduces the client’s travel time (Avey & Hobbs, 2013; Beattie et al., 2009; Uscher-Pines et al., 2020). For clients who have mobility issues, telehealth is a way to receive regular, consistent care in their homes (Choi et al., 2014). For providers, telehealth can make visits more efficient, allowing them to see more patients in a shorter period of time and reducing costs associated with in-person care (Avey & Hobbs, 2013; Boggs et al., 2014). Providers identify other important benefits of telehealth as well, including incorporating therapy into the client’s daily life and being able to gain insight into the client’s living conditions (van der Vaart et al., 2014).