Telehealth for addiction treatment is becoming a more and more common option for those in recovery. From simple text message reminders to video counseling sessions, this type of treatment has become a vital tool during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it can continue to be used beyond the end of the epidemic.
Addiction treatment telehealth can take on many forms, including computerized screening and assessment applications, text messaging motivational messages, mobile apps for recovery support, web-based or virtual chats, videoconferencing, and even telephone-based posttreatment recovery supports. Some of these telehealth services have been shown to improve access to substance use disorder (SUD) care and produce similar outcomes as in-person visits.
According to a study conducted by California treatment centers, telehealth was most commonly used for intensive outpatient programs, individual therapy sessions, and group counseling. It was less often used for withdrawal management, intake assessments, and drug testing. The study also noted that insurance coverage for telehealth services was varied and could be a barrier to use.
It is important to remember that telehealth for addiction treatment requires a high level of trust between the patient and provider. Ensure that the provider you choose is HIPAA compliant, and ask what security measures will be in place for your information. For more information on telehealth, the Center for Connected Health Policy maintains a collection of telehealth laws and reimbursement policies by state. This article was written by Amanda Mark, PhD, and originally published on May 22, 2019 at MentalHealthAmerica. telehealth for addiction