Urgent Need: Increase in Accessible SUD Telehealth Treatment- 06/2021 Position Paper
Table of Contents
06/2021 SUD Telehealth Treatment Position Paper Summary:
Substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health telehealth treatment have become essential methods of providing healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, substance use disorder is on the rise, fueled by the social isolation and additional stress on individuals, families, and communities brought on by the pandemic.
In order to respond adequately to the need for substance use disorder treatment, telehealth treatment options must be accessible to clients. While the technological ability for providers to reach clients remotely can potentially make an extreme impact moving forward, clients need reliable and consistent access to the internet for telehealth to work effectively.
Our latest Position Paper, “An Evolution of Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment: The Post-Pandemic Need for Technological Change,” is a call for policymakers and advocates to push for improved broadband infrastructure and internet accessibility for all Ohioans.
While we need to research and learn more about telehealth-delivered treatment, telehealth has provided an opportunity for many clients, especially those who are most isolated or face disparities in healthcare accessibility, to gain access to treatment they otherwise would not have.
Read below and visit our Position Papers page to explore the rest of our releases!
Who Should Read This Position Paper?
At the Institute, our Position Papers are accessible and free to anyone looking to learn! However, we encourage the following groups to use this paper and the contents immediately to better improve behavioral healthcare for our communities:
- Mental health providers
- Policymakers
- Public health officials
- Insurance providers
- Managed care organizations
- Internet service providers and telecommunications companies
- Recovery groups and advocates
What’s Inside?
- Takeaways and action items.
- Learn more about the impact of COVID-19 on substance use disorders.
- More about telehealth and remotely delivered healthcare services.
- Telehealth accessibility.
- Broadband Internet.
- Supporting Resources and References
- Example: American Psychological Association
Feedback & Questions
The Institute of Family & Community Impact, an initiative of OhioGuidestone, understands all of our work is informed by the communities we serve. Have questions about who we are or what we do? Or have a suggestion for a future Position Paper topic? Visit our FAQ page or contact us today.
