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Although telehealth existed before COVID-19, it accounted for less than 1% of outpatient visits. During the global pandemic, telehealth use skyrocketed. Today, video or phone visits for mental health and substance use continue to rise.
In a survey conducted by the American Psychology Association, 96% of psychologists who responded said that telehealth is therapeutically effective. The number of clinicians using telehealth with at least some patients has grown from 33% in 2020 to 50% in 2021. Research shows that online therapy for various mental health conditions can be just as effective as in-person therapy.
Securing child care or transportation for an office visit may not be feasible for everyone, and in some instances, a mental health condition may make it difficult to leave home.
Virtual care may not be the right choice for people experiencing severe or complex symptoms of mental health or substance use conditions; those may require urgent and direct care.
Employees and their dependents enrolled in the Asante Health Plan can find providers and treatment options through Regence by going to regence.com.
If you have any questions, email Asante Benefits or call (541) 789-4551. You can also submit a case in the Ask HR section of myHR.
Suicide prevention line now three digits
To address the rising need for suicide prevention and support those in crisis, a national dialing code of 988 went live July 1 for America’s suicide prevention and mental health crisis lifeline.
The new three-digit dialing code is free to use and confidential. People who call or text 988, or chat on 988lifeline.org, will be connected to trained counselors who are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network.
If you have a question, please contact the author or relevant department directly.
