TELEHEALTH

Telehealth or telemedicine has been in use for decades and continues to be a highly desired healthcare modality by both clinicians and clients. Telehealth has been proven to be a safe and effective management method for many clinical conditions. Virtual care has the ability to expand healthcare for vulnerable populations, populations in rural areas, and those that may have difficulty accessing transportation. Several studies have shown that the quality of healthcare services delivered via telehealth is similar to that of a traditional face-to-face (FTF) visit. In the mental health field in particular, telehealth delivers a superior product, with better outcomes and higher consumer satisfaction than FTF visits (American Telemedicine Association, 2021). It is important for clinicians to understand the historical context of telehealth, as well as its capabilities, guidelines, and technological considerations in order to better prepare themselves for this alternative healthcare delivery method.