Globally, there is a growing awareness about mental health, but millions of individuals are left to fend for themselves due to a lack of mental health specialists and treatment options.
One in four people worldwide may develop a mental or neurological disease at some time in their lives. Long-term neglect of mental disorders can be harmful to both the person and society, which is why the demand for affordable mental health services and treatments is soaring, particularly in rural regions where these issues are prevalent and access to care can be problematic.
Barriers to Receiving Mental Health Treatment
Unfortunately, several barriers keep those suffering from mental diseases from receiving care. The following are the most common:
Lack of access to care
Globally, more than 40% of nations lack a mental health policy, 30% do not have any form of mental health programs, and 25% lack mental health laws. As a result, millions of individuals no longer have access to mental health care.
Fear of judgment
The stigma surrounding mental health and fear of judgment from society are two more prevalent reasons why people do not seek therapy. Despite the fact that mental health is becoming more universally acknowledged and understood, the stigma and fear still linger, especially in areas where mental health education may be limited.
The Importance of Telehealth for Mental Health
It can be difficult to see a brighter future for mental health, especially when so many people need therapy but lack access to it or don’t realize how important it is to get care. It is important to recognize, however, that the emergence of telehealth has the potential to fundamentally alter how we see mental health and how people get care. Telehealth will offer several key advantages in terms of mental health.
Easily accessible mental treatment
There is no doubt that telehealth is a wonderful tool that allows for easily accessible mental care as it only requires that the patient has a solid internet connection and a laptop, computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera are all that is needed for telehealth to provide conveniently accessible treatment. No matter where they are, mental health practitioners may reach their patients because of telehealth’s ease of use.
For instance, someone in a rural or isolated place who would not typically have access to therapy may be helped by a mental health expert in an urban setting. Telehealth enables mental health experts to offer treatments in places where their care and resources would not otherwise be available.
Moreover, telehealth eliminates the need for patients to take time off of work or arrange childcare, which deters many individuals from seeking therapy in the first place. Patients and mental health professionals can “meet” virtually from any location.
Comfortable environment for patients to receive mental treatment
Some patients choose not to receive mental treatment because they worry about being recognized when attending appointments or waiting in the waiting area or because they have transportation or scheduling challenges, among other issues. This can exacerbate any mental disorder and be unpleasant, distressing, and anxiety-inducing.
Fortunately, all of this may be prevented with telehealth. Patients who use telehealth can get care from the convenience of their homes and benefit from flexible scheduling, including after-hours and weekends. Patients are far more likely to seek therapy because of telehealth’s comfort and privacy-preserving features.
Improved communication and monitoring
Telehealth allows for complete technological monitoring and communication. As a result, it is simple and comfortable for mental health practitioners to stay in constant contact with and follow up with their patients.
Mental health practitioners may easily assist patients in learning more about mental illness and how to discover additional treatment providers by sending them appointment reminders, coping mechanisms, mental health resources, and information. At the push of a button, all of this is possible.
Also, tools like remote patient sensors and telemedicine applications allow practitioners to keep track of the patient’s symptoms, which is a barrier when it comes to traditional treatments.
Learn more about how telehealth makes it convenient and safe to receive mental health care at home. RPMAHealthcare provides numerous secure and timely solutions and applications that are impressive and essential in helping revolutionize different healthcare sectors and provide care to those who need it the most.