Telehealth is “a collection of means or methods for enhancing health care, public health, and health education delivery and support using telecommunications technologies” (Telehealth Resource Center).

People have become open to technology-based solutions. Telehealth is appealing to younger populations as they are more receptive to technology-based health services.

Studies show that 66% of Americans are willing to have online sessions with their provider using secure messaging and video platforms.

Greater Access to Mental Health Services

There is a large mental health provider shortage in the United States. This is especially true in underserved and rural communities. Telehealth services close this gap. Clients transitioning from in-patient to out-patient care can also benefit from telehealth so that they don’t lose touch with their provider during the transition period.

Flexible and Timely Care

Telehealth allows you to work from home, while traveling, or serve clients who can’t come to your physical practice. Clients can sometimes only see you during unconventional hours or on weekends. Telehealth allows you to set your hours of operation or work from any location. Being able to access care in a timely and flexible way makes a positive difference in client outcomes.

Reduced Cancellations and No-Shows

In the United States, clients cancel 15 to 20 percent of scheduled visits last-minute or don’t show up at all. Losing one in five scheduled appointments adds up to a significant loss of revenue over one year. Telehealth allows you to reschedule right away to reduce missed appointments. This protects your revenue and ensures clients receive the consistent care they need.

Proactive Forward-Thinking Practice

Many providers want to create a modern, competitive practice. Telehealth allows them to be proactive instead of reactive to new modes of treatment delivery. This technology is approaching mainstream adoption and every practice is going to need to implement it  to some degree.

Retain Clients After Location or Schedule Changes

There’s nothing more difficult for a client than having to start over. Building rapport with a new provider takes time. Telehealth allows you to keep clients if they must change locations or schedules.

If you’re licensed in the state your client lives in, you can treat them virtually from any location. Being able to adapt to any of these changes also increases accountability for the client. When you can have sessions from nearly any time or location, there are fewer reasons to not show up for an appointment.

Features of Tele-Counseling

At TherapySites, we provide this technology through our Tele-Counseling platform. Tele-Counseling is a secure HIPAA- and HITECH-compliant telehealth video counseling platform. It gives you the ability to interact with clients from virtually anywhere.

• HIPAA Compliant: Tele-Counseling offers a completely HIPAA- and HITECH-compliant software with the ability to interact with clients from virtually anywhere.
• Video Sessions and Messaging: Through the portal, you will be able to interact with a client, share documents and message.
• E-Sign Documents: Easily send PDFs to your clients that can be signed online without ever having to print out a form. Once the document is signed, it will be stored in a HIPAA compliant portal and can be sent back to you by your client.
• Online Scheduling: Allow your clients to view available appointment times and book sessions online. All of your appointments will appear on the same calendar.
• Email and SMS/Text Reminders: These notifications are sent automatically giving you peace of mind knowing that your clients are being reminded of upcoming appointments.

Thinking About Telehealth?

If so, Therapy Sites is here to help. Our customer care team would love to schedule a quick call with you to talk about what we can do to support your practice and get you up and running quickly.