Behavioral health has changed drastically in the past few decades. American mental health services have undergone rigorous changes as technology and medicine continues to grow, with our therapeutic solutions rapidly following suit. Common issues such as no-show appointments and anxiety over counselors has been reduced thanks to telemedicine — HIPAA compliant video conferencing software is new technology that allows patients the freedom to get the care they need without the common hurdles that can get in the way of treatment. Below I’ll list the advantages of telemedicine and what conferencing solutions can do for you.
Mental Health In America
Mental illness affects a large portion of the American population. A recent survey found that diagnosable mental illness is found in as high as 35% of the chronically ill population, ranging from chronic anxiety disorder to bipolar disorder. One in five children is estimated to have or have had a debilitating mental illness, according to American federal statistics. Despite these high numbers, seeking out help can be a difficult endeavor.
Why Don’t More Seek Out Mental Health Services?
One of the most common reasons mental health services can be difficult for patients to obtain are time budgeting and common social stigmas. It’s not always easy to book an appointment for illness if you have other obligations or are concerned about discrimination, which can be made easier from the comfort of your own home. A study found that it was more common for patients to attend telehealth conferences than face-to-face appointments, at 92% to 85%, respectively. When it comes to availability, twenty-two states have passed laws requiring insurance carriers to cover telehealth and it’s expected more will follow. But what exactly does telemedicine do for you?
Telemedicine Trends And The Benefits Of Telehealth
The telehealth market is constantly expanding to accommodate the demand and shows no signs of slowing down. HIPAA compliant video conferencing software has been shown to decrease dropped appointments and improve customer satisfaction. A study in telepsychiatry showed that telehealth appointments were less likely than traditional appointments to be canceled at 3.5% to 4.5%. Customers also emphasized their increased freedom, as well as privacy, as the reasons why telemedicine video appealed to them. Telehealth solutions are vast, providing patients with independence and affordability like never before. If you’re finding it difficult to keep up with appointments, look into telemedicine — it could just be what you’re looking for.
