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Introduction to telehealth for behavioral health care
Behavioral health — like other areas of health care — has changed significantly due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. It is now easier for mental health providers to offer and get reimbursed for telebehavioral health services. Telehealth can also make behavioral health services safer and more private and convenient for patients who can access care from their home.
When behavioral health care is delivered via telehealth it is sometimes referred to as telebehavioral health, telemental health, telepsychiatry, or telepsychology. Common types of telebehavioral care are individual therapy, online counseling, group therapy, and substance use disorder treatment.
Types of telebehavioral health
Individual teletherapy uses digital mental health tools to deliver one-on-one therapy and online counseling.
Group teletherapy is usually done online and offers added mental health benefits of community, reduced feelings of isolation, and new perspectives.
Virtual, telebehavioral health care can be part of an integrated approach to treating substance use disorders.