Telehealth Services in Rehab
After the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, issues with in-person medical services quickly paved the way for telehealth services. Now telehealth, also know as virtual healthcare, continues to increase in popularity due to the ease of access and usability.
Those who formerly experienced barriers to treatment now have the walls broken down. You may be ready to finally enter recovery but don’t know much about telehealth. Exploring what telehealth is and how it works will help you feel comfortable to explore addiction treatment.
What Is Telehealth?
Telehealth, or telemedicine, is the digital form of healthcare. By utilizing technology, medical services are more accessible and convenient. Whether you need primary care, psychiatric care, therapy for mental health, or addiction counseling, telehealth has it all. Telehealth provides ongoing care and guidance during recovery from addiction and mental disorders. As a result, treatment is more accessible than ever before so everyone can get help.
The advancement of combining tech and medicine has opened exciting new avenues for professionals and individuals alike. Online health services vary but span many modalities. In general, telehealth can be asynchronous or synchronous. Most healthcare providers use a mixture of both.
What Is the Purpose of Telehealth?
If you haven’t heard of telehealth before or it has only recently come onto your radar, you’re not the only one. Before 2020, telehealth was much less used in the healthcare realm. When COVID-19 shut down in-person appointments, people worried about not being able to work and meet as normal. For the millions of Americans dependent on some form of medical care, the shift was panic-inducing.
Healthcare workers were at risk of not being able to make a living like so many others. Yet, the greatest problem was how individuals would keep receiving treatment, for both serious and ritual concerns. Telehealth exploded in use during this time, with a 556% increase during the early weeks of the pandemic. Now telehealth is the new normal. Depending on the situation, it can replace in-person services or as a complementary treatment service.
Types of Telehealth Services
Telehealth services vary but span many modalities. In general, telehealth can be asynchronous or synchronous. Most healthcare providers use a mixture of both. The different types of telehealth services include:
Synchronous Telehealth Services
Synchronous telehealth services are live or real-time communication between providers and individuals, or provider-to-provider. This option incorporates real-time interactions between both parties during a live session or appointment. In general, these are the most common form of telehealth services.
Examples of synchronous telehealth services include:
- Phone calls
- Video calls
- Video conference calls
Synchronous telehealth services provide a comprehensive approach to healthcare in a virtual setting. By participating in appoints over the phone, phone calls and video chats, or secure messaging, you can work with healthcare provides to achieve your wellness goals while staying safe and healthy.
Asynchronous Telehealth Services
Asynchronous telehealth services are delayed, ongoing discussions between parties without the expectation of an immediate response or live scheduling. Those using these services utilize back-and-forth communication through online or mobile messaging platforms. This allows clients the opportunity to send messages as needed that are reviewed by a clinician and responded to throughout the day. Depending on the specific arrangement with the healthcare provider, these messages may also be a topic of discussion during a synchronous meeting.
Examples of asynchronous telehealth services include:
- Emails
- Text messages
- Voice messages
- Video sharing
- Online healthcare portals
- Moblie healthcare apps
Services found under the umbrella of asynchronous care are forms of passive virtual care. In this category, people utilize technology for ongoing clinical care that provide flexible response times.
For instance, remote patient monitoring is passive telehealth. Medical records and other data are uploaded into a secure, online platform for each party to view on their own time. Often, mobile health apps collect medical data such as lab results for clinicians to review and respond when able.
What Are Other Ways People Can Utilize Telehealth?
Telehealth can provide far more avenues of communication than most people often realize. While some of these technologies have been used for a long time, others are still growing and developing. Along with the synchronous and asynchronous services mentioned, these are also part of telehealth:
- Photo, video, and audio sharing
- Digital health assessments
- Virtual symptom trackers
- Quizzes and questionnaires
- Appointment reminders
- Pop-up messages for medication management
Telehealth is a broad term for all digital or remote provision of healthcare. Essentially, all services that medical professionals provide in person are also provided through telehealth. People can receive diagnoses, consultations, treatment, and monitoring of various physical and mental health conditions through virtual options. What makes telehealth so incredible is how much more accessible it is making healthcare. Formerly, millions of people dealt with barriers to receiving help, many of which telehealth removes.
Who Provides Telehealth Services?
In the realm of healthcare, telehealth services are an innovative frontier that continues to evolve with advancements in technology. This modality of care delivery is not limited to one particular type of healthcare provider but spans across a broad spectrum of professionals. Our telehealth team at Spokane Heights Detox comprises a diverse group of highly skilled, compassionate individuals dedicated to delivering world-class care remotely.
- Primary care providers
- Psychiatrists
- Mental health counselors
- Social workers
- Opioid treatment providers
- Addiction counselors
- Case managers
- Peer workers
Telehealth providers include a diverse group of highly skilled, compassionate individuals dedicated to delivering world-class care remotely. From seasoned physicians and nurse practitioners who can diagnose and prescribe treatments, to therapists offering counseling and support groups in the digital space, telehealth providers can cover all aspects of healthcare.
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Accessing Virtual Healthcare Services
As noted, telehealth services are making quality care more available. Recent advancements in telehealth care have led to positive changes, and the tech continues to improve every day. Some developments in telehealth include:
- Remote educational training about medical topics
- Greater patient involvement in their health (for example, self-monitoring through apps)
- Increased communication between professionals and individuals
- Insurance provisions for telehealth
Each improvement works to make treatment more convenient, which can be the difference between someone’s deteriorating health versus their recovery. Virtual care management services span all aspects of health and wellness. Telehealth can look like routine prescription management, but also condition diagnosis, and even rehabilitation programs. Significantly, those struggling with addiction can utilize telehealth, too! Treatment is more flexible than ever before.
For example, delivery methods for both virtual care and online therapy sessions can vary. There are two common formats: online healthcare portals and virtual appointments. People may engage with each in a combination of asynchronous and synchronous care.
Digital Healthcare Portals
Online healthcare portals are effective tools for large primary care providers. They are especially common in hospital settings. This form of passive digital care management uses the latest technologies to provide ease of service. Through username- and password-protected patient portals accessible by clinicians, communication is shared asynchronously for later review. Moreover, both parties can evaluate health and treatment history, view test results, and communicate about their findings. Individuals can request medications or refills, schedule appointments, and benefit from the freedom of their time.
Virtual Appointments
Virtual appointments are synchronous alternatives to in-person meetings. These services still operate as live medical visits or therapy sessions but can happen from anywhere. As long as both parties have internet, there are no limits to the convenience of virtual meetings.
Individuals can even meet from the comfort of their home, or the office during their lunch break. Phone or video calls are popular formats. Virtual appointments can be scheduled between individuals and healthcare professionals. For instance, healthcare providers, substance use professionals, mental health professionals, and counselors alike are available for virtual treatment.
Oftentimes, people think telehealth services aren’t for behavioral or mental health conditions. In contrast, telehealth has almost no boundaries about who can receive treatment. Rest assured that you can get virtual care in recovery for addiction.
Is Virtual Drug Rehab and Therapy Safe?
Online telehealth services are safe and legitimate forms of treatment for addiction and mental health because they follow specific practices. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guarantees the safety of telehealth through its guidelines for patient protection. For instance, HIPAA requires compliance in areas of digital security, data collection and storage, and provider credentials.
Telemedicine providers are legally obligated to protect all confidential patient data and personal identifiable info (PII). Consequently, these regulations span all forms of virtual and in-person healthcare services. Other safeguards in place are provider/client agreements and upfront work to ensure total compliance. In this way, people with serious medical illness (SMI) and SUD are safe to receive services delivered through telehealth.
However, it’s still important that everyone seek help from licensed and credentialed providers. If you’re looking for addiction aid, make sure you go through an accredited treatment center. If you need dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders, look for a facility like Royal that incorporates healing for both.
Removing Barriers to Treatment With Virtual Healthcare Services
Virtual healthcare services services play a vital role in breaking down barriers to mental health and addiction treatment. By offering convenient, accessible healthcare options, telehealth services ensure that individuals in need can access quality care and mental health support.
Virtual healthcare services assist in removing barriers to treatment such as:
- Lack of access to appropriate services and providers in their area
- Stigma about having a mental illness or SUD
- Stigma around needing and seeking care
- Competing priorities like school, work, or caregiving
- No time for care with travel time
A huge issue with healthcare has always been that people in remote areas have trouble accessing quality treatment. In the past, someone who didn’t have the time, funds, or ability to travel may have never received help. Now, telehealth connects people with relevant treatment providers around the world. Individuals can use telehealth from home, private spaces in clinical settings, or anywhere in their community.
These online services utilize secure, private, and user-friendly platforms, connecting you to the help you require anytime, anywhere. By participating in virtual treatment services, you can benefit from the expertise of qualified counselors who will compassionately guide you through your recovery journey.
Virtual Care for Addiction and Mental Health
Virtual care exists for anyone battling mental illness, addiction, and substance abuse disorders (SUD). Telemedicine makes treatment far more attainable for anyone in this position. It does so by breaking down barriers to care that people in vulnerable situations face. To elaborate, people struggling with addiction deal with daily burdens. If they’re dependent on drugs, they need to keep taking more each time their last dose wears off. If they don’t, they’ll experience unignorable withdrawal symptoms. Sadly, one sign of addiction is knowing the substance is harming you but not being able to stop.
People with drug addictions are especially vulnerable for reasons stemming from their substance dependence. Oftentimes, they’re financially impoverished, have lost ties with friends and loved ones, and are just taking more to feel normal. Plus, the long-term use of drugs can have many damaging effects on one’s health. They may be facing physical ailments like chronic pain, digestive issues, tremors, or heavy limbs. Because drugs significantly alter one’s neurochemistry, they may have brain fogginess and confusion. On top of this, if they have co-occurring mental illness, they’re even more susceptible to staying trapped in their addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please reach out for help today.
What Are the Benefits of Telehealth for Addiction and Mental Health?
Addiction and mental illness often go hand-in-hand. Yet, people who struggle with either are frequently the ones who face restrictions in receiving care. Telemedicine has many benefits when it comes to addiction and mental health, including:
- Addresses the treatment gap
- Increases the accessibility and convenience of care
- Improves health outcomes
- Reduces existing health problems
- Shows people a new path they can take
Telehealth can be the treatment option that changes a person’s life for the better! Its many benefits open new doors for people to walk through, with their wellness on the other side. For this reason, a wide range of treatment providers are available through telehealth. People know they can reach more individuals, especially underserved populations if they expand their treatment options. Individuals might have limited to no opportunity to access them otherwise.
Telehealth Services at Royal Life Centers
Our telehealth services encompass a range of aftercare and outpatient treatment options, including partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient programs (OP). During these individualized programs, the focus is on virtual counseling sessions and support groups, facilitated by our experienced clinicians. We firmly believe that ongoing care is crucial, and our medical experts are dedicated to providing the same level of care, both virtually and in person.
Throughout our telehealth services, we prioritize dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders to address the symptoms of substance abuse and mental illness. Our virtual care for substance abuse and mental health concerns includes comprehensive medication management, therapy, and counseling services, all aimed at promoting healing and recovery.
In our outpatient levels of care, we also offer a telemedicine component, allowing individuals to receive virtual medication management services for medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Through remote meetings and monitoring, our guests can receive prescriptions to be filled at a local pharmacy, enabling them to follow a personalized at-home care plan.
Above all, prioritizing guests’ needs is our top goal. Our skilled clinicians provide virtual telehealth sessions as part of ongoing care. Our staff assists guests in managing their recovery from addiction and mental health disorders, no matter what their situation. If you realize Royal’s telehealth offerings make the difference in your ability to finally get help, don’t wait any longer. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.
Are you looking for help with addiction? Let us support you on the path to lasting recovery
Gaining Access to Royal’s Telehealth Services
Many individuals find it challenging to balance their work, school, or childcare responsibilities after completing inpatient treatment. Unfortunately, the stress of daily life often leads to worsened mental health and the risk of relapse. For many in recovery, accessing drug and alcohol rehab services may seem unattainable.
To alleviate the burden on those in early recovery, Royal Life Centers offers flexible treatment plans through our virtual rehab services. By providing online outpatient rehabilitation services, we enable our guests to easily incorporate medication management and therapy appointments into their busy schedules.
Accessing Royal Life Centers’ telehealth services for rehab is a streamlined admissions process. If you’re ready to make a lasting change and embark on the path to sobriety, our caring admissions team is available at all times to answer your call and assist you in beginning your journey toward recovery.
To expedite your entry into our telehealth rehab services, please complete our secure insurance verification form. By doing so, our admissions team will be better equipped to provide you with information about your potential coverage.
In-Person & Virtual Rehab Services Near Me
Royal Life Centers is a nationwide network of addiction treatment centers with locations in Washington State and Arizona. Our telehealth services are offered at each of our aftercare and outpatient rehab centers to ensure those recovering from addiction can receive the care they need to recover.
Following treatment at Spokane Heights, we offer remote addiction treatment services during our aftercare and outpatient programs at Cascade Heights. Our telehealth services provide access to flexible schedules and continuing care for guests participating in our treatment outpatient rehab center in Mead, Washington.
Alcohol and Drug Rehab Services in Washington State
At Royal Life Centers, our Washington rehab centers provide in-person and telehealth services at the following locations:
- Spokane Heights is our detox and inpatient treatment center in Spokane, Washington.
- Cascade Heights is our aftercare and outpatient treatment center in Mead, Washington.
- The Haven is our detoxification and inpatient treatment center in Lacey, Washington.
- Sound Recovery is our aftercare and outpatient treatment center in Lacey, Washington.
- Puget Sound is our detox and residential inpatient treatment center in Sumner, Washington.
Alcohol and Drug Rehab Services in Arizona
At Royal Life Centers, our Arizona rehab centers provide in-person and telehealth services at the following locations:
Seeking assistance is an important decision that will forever mark a significant turning point in your life’s journey. Embark on this transformative path and reach out to us at 888-907-0898. Our dedicated addiction treatment program awaits, offering you the opportunity to learn more. 0ur compassionate admissions team is available around the clock to answer any questions you may have about our treatment programs.
Looking for Telehealth Services in Rehab?
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please reach out to us to find out more about how our telehealth services can help. We work with most private insurance policies and offer affordable self-pay rates if you do not have insurance. Give us a call and we will figure out the best treatment plan for you or your loved one.
Because We Care.
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If you or someone you know has a substance use disorder,
we hope you’ll begin your journey with us at Royal Life Centers.
