The following are reasons patients prefer telehealth.
Improved accessto providers. Clients have become more open to seeking mental health support in general now that it is more readily available. They can meet with providers from the comfort of their own homes.
Greater convenienceand flexibility to schedule visits. The availability of appointments during workday hours makes telehealth an attractive alternative. Not having to attend in-office appointments means clients no longer must request time off from work or seek extra child or elder care.
Reduced stress. Clients who were at risk of losing income from having to take time off from work or being absent altogether see substantial advantages with telehealth. Additionally, because clients no longer need to travel to in-person appointments, there is no need to rush, worry about traffic, or sit around waiting for appointments, which may also run late at times.
Schedule flexibility. Telehealth sessions in between in-person visits helps to compensate for schedule lapses in a typical office day, and continue to do so.
More billable hours outside of “regular” hours. Providing telehealth services using an integrated, secure system also means that providers can remain on call after hours for sessions that are billable, but that do not require them to be in an office setting.
Reduced no-show rates. Since clients are now able to attend their appointments on their own terms, in schedules that align with their own daily activities, they are less likely to cancel last minute or not show up at all.
Better continuity of care and improved compliance with follow-up visits. Offering telehealth services means that follow-up appointments can be more easily planned. Providers are better able to check in with clients remotely to discuss mental health and/or crisis concerns.
