The Effectiveness and Utility of Telebehavioral (Telehealth) Services: The Future is Here

This webinar was supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with assistance from The Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council of RI, the National Frontier and Rural Telehealth Education Center, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals. 

The uptake in the use of telebehavioral services since the start of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) has been swift and may significantly transform how behavioral health services are delivered. This is encouraging, as the research base for assessing and treating mental health conditions virtually is extensive and over 60 years old. However, for substance use disorders (SUDs), the research is less extensive and more recent. Mental health and SUD treatment services provided virtually are effective and serve as viable alternatives to in-person service delivery. Patients confirm high levels of satisfaction with telebehavioral health, while practitioners report more reluctance. Nonetheless, training has been shown to build practitioners’ skills, confidence, and competency. This webinar will include a brief review of: telebehavioral health research and its efficacy; strategies that promote skill development; and resources related to guidelines, privacy/security, and confidentiality rules/regulations. Finally, the virtualization of behavioral health services post PHE will be highlighted.

CEU information:  This webinar has been approved for a total of 1.5 contact hours through the RI Certification Board for Chemical Dependency Professionals and Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (The RICB is an IC&RC affiliate).