Disparities in mental health access before and after transitioning to telehealth

ABSTRACT

Telehealth implementation has potential to reduce disparities in access to mental health care. We examined the number of mental health visits accessed and the visit format used (office, phone, or virtual) by patient demographics before and after a large health system's shift to telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients ages 6-17 accessed relatively fewer and female patients accessed relatively more mental health visits after the telehealth transition. Demographic variables were associated with visit format used, with rural residents, older adults, females, and White and Black/African American patients using a higher proportion of phone visits. Implications are discussed for the future implementation of telehealth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement This study found changes in the gender and age of patients accessing mental health services before and after a large health system began providing services remotely in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also found that phone calls were relatively preferred by certain demographic groups. These groups may be adversely affected by limitations on reimbursement for mental health services provided by phone. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)