The Effectiveness and Utility of Telebehavioral Health (Telehealth) Services

The uptake in the use of telebehavioral services since the start of COVID has been swift and is significantly transforming how these services are delivered. Mental health and SUD treatment services provided virtually are effective and serve as viable alternatives to in-person service delivery, but the research base for it is much more extensive for mental health than it is for SUD. For SUD care, patients confirm high levels of satisfaction with virtual services, while practitioners report more reluctance. Nonetheless, training has been shown to build practitioners’ skills, confidence, and competency. Using technology to facilitate sessions requires clinicians and peer support specialists to simulate real-time experiences that promote a therapeutic alliance or connection – this approach requires careful modification of the practitioner’s skills to ensure effectiveness.