For many people in rural communities, getting mental health care is not simple. Distance, transportation challenges, provider shortages and limited local services can all make it harder for patients to get timely support. Telehealth can’t solve every access challenge, and it can’t replace every in-person service. But when implemented well, it can help connect patients to care that might otherwise be out of reach.
For example, a recent study found that telehealth helped rural patients access mental health care quickly and stay engaged at levels comparable to non-rural patients. Over a 12-week treatment period, rural patients experienced meaningful improvements in depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation.
High-quality telehealth can help extend the reach of care, support ongoing engagement and give patients another way to connect with providers when traditional access points are limited. But access alone isn’t enough. Telehealth programs need the right processes, safeguards and standards to support safety, coordination, patient engagement and accountability.
URAC’s Telehealth Accreditation helps organizations demonstrate their commitment to high-quality virtual care. The program supports organizations that provide care through digital technology and focuses on quality and coordination of care, access, safety, systems integrity and reliability, consumer protection and regulatory compliance.
- Learn more about URAC’s Telehealth Accreditation
- Read the full report
