Abstract

Abstract

Despite the staggering physical, economic, and societal costs of mental health conditions in the United States, there continues to be a significant gap in mental health service, as access lags behind the demand for them. The uneven distribution of mental health service providers contributes to this gap, making it necessary to incorporate novel approaches to the delivery of mental health services. Telepsychiatry has proven to be one of the more innovative approaches for improving access to mental health services. This article focuses on six challenges that have historically impeded larger-scale adoption of telepsychiatry: limited training, limitations of existing research, security and technology issues, clinical practice challenges, licensure, and reimbursement restrictions. The article discusses recent developments, ongoing advances, and future directions to overcoming these barriers. [Psychiatr Ann. 2019;49(2):82–88.]

The mental health field continues to experience a significant service gap. Despite an increase in demand for psychiatric services, access to care continues to lag. In this context, telepsychiatry, defined as the use of information and communication technologies to provide mental health services remotely via videoconferencing, has emerged as a method to enhance access to care. A large body of evidence supports the use of telepsychiatry as an effective, acceptable, and cost-efficient method of health care delivery that is equivalent to face-to face care.

Degree of service gap in correctional settings

A large percentage of inmates struggle with mental health conditions. However, access to appropriate psychiatric care within correctional settings has been limited due to a variety of factors, including the shortage of clinicians, the geographic locations of correctional settings, and financial issues. In addition, there are staffing and security requirements that can cause delays to care. 

The United States has been experiencing an “opioid epidemic” of crippling magnitude that has led the Government on October 26, 2017 to declare the opioid crisis “a public health emergency.”

The Burden of Mental Illness and Effectiveness of Telepsychiatry

As the need for mental health services continues to grow in the United States, physicians and healthcare facilities are increasingly leveraging technology to enhance access to care to patients.