A recent report by the AHA Market Scan Trailblazers, sponsored by Iris Telehealth, examines how telehealth enhances access to behavioral healthcare amid a persistent crisis in the U.S. mental health system. According to the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis at the Health Resources and Services Administration, an estimated 23% of U.S. adults are expected to experience a mental illness in 2024, yet almost half of these individuals do not receive necessary treatment. Factors contributing to this gap include workforce shortages on the provider side and persistent stigma associated with mental health issues among patients.
Read More
In response, hospitals and health systems are increasingly adopting telehealth solutions to address these challenges. Telehealth technology enables patients and clinicians to connect without the need for in-person visits, allowing individuals in rural areas to access treatment without the burden of long-distance travel or fear of being seen entering a mental health facility. This virtual approach not only helps health systems better serve patients in remote locations but also provides clinicians with valuable insights into their patients' home environments. The option for remote work also aids in staff recruitment and retention.
The report features case studies from two AHA member organizations demonstrating successful implementation of telehealth. Emplify Health Behavioral Health in Green Bay, Wisconsin, introduced virtual services during the pandemic to meet rising community demands, resulting in a notable decrease in wait times for appointments following referrals. Similarly, CommonSpirit Health, based in Chicago, has faced increasing demand for behavioral healthcare within its Mountain Region, covering Colorado, Utah, and western Kansas. To tackle workforce shortages and geographic barriers, CommonSpirit's Mountain Region team has established partnerships with local educational institutions to build talent pipelines and collaborated with a telehealth organization to offer inpatient psychiatric consultations and medication management services.