The latest digital mental health technologies may help in providing seriously required psychological health services, mainly to the current pandemic. Currently, no one can dispute the current remote challenges and crises in mental health care due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before the epidemic, there were initially few psychiatrists, psychologists, including other health professionals, to address patients’ needs.
Approximately one out of five people are struggling with some form of mental or drug abuse disorder. Also, most health care systems across America are experiencing a significant drain regarding the costs to society, reduced productivity, medical disability expenses, and death rates. However, despite the increasing demand for digital mental health facilities, the actual number of health professionals offering these services is hardly stable.
According to a report published by the Health Resources and Services Administration in 2019, the allocation of workforces in specific behavioral health careers will be around 250,000 workers. These figures are not enough according to the projected demand in 2025.
Currently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approximates that about 110 million Americans are experiencing professional “mental health shortage.” Additionally, most new graduates prefer to work in larger cities. Therefore, many rural areas are experiencing a few available resources for patients in need. Although many of them may look for help from emergency hospitals and primary care doctors, it is often not as successful as obtaining advice from experts with specialized training in psychological health.
Surprisingly, telepsychiatry and telepsychology technologies are becoming popular, particularly in countries experiencing significant challenges while providing care to residents living in rural areas. Since the stigma against mental diseases is usually strong in many places, the ability to access these services privately at home is particularly popular.
Can Digital Mental Health Make an Impact?
Currently, the nation is facing a fast growth in the use of telephone therapy, video teleconferencing, and online-delivered text therapy. Additionally, new smartphone apps are emerging, all designed to address treatment for mental health issues. There are two types of digital mental health services, which include:
- Synchronous
It involves real-time communication between patients and health service providers through telephone conversations or webchat and video conferencing.
- Asynchronous
It involves any communication between clients and health providers, but it is not in real-time. Examples include email conversations, phone apps, accessing information, and any automated services using websites, among others.
At the moment, asynchronous services such as phone apps providing treatment services are still in the very initial stages of approval. Also, the jury is yet to conclude how effective they will become with many clients.
However, as the digital option becomes increasingly available, many psychiatrists and psychologists have begun using telehealth services. They use these services to manage patients who might otherwise face challenges accessing them.
Final Thoughts from the Recover
For now, digital remote technology is still in the relatively initial phases of making telemental health services more available to anyone in need. Whether or not digital mental health will make an impact, it can’t replace face-to-face treatment and interaction for many people.
However, its significant impact can still be a worthwhile option to avoid long distances travels while seeking help during emergency cases and even unexpected conditions such as the current pandemics.
Also, ensure to search the drug rehab directory to check whether the available centers provide digital mental health services.
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