Technology Comes to the Rescue to Address the Growing Mental Health Concerns

Historically, technology has been grossly underutilized in the world of mental health. Specialized interventions and tools such as virtual reality, biofeedback, digitizing of assessment instruments, and interpretive and report writing software have been used for many years but are not integrated into standard practice for many clinicians.

The public health crisis of COVID-19 launched the world of telemedicine into overdrive. As many of us are acutely aware, COVID-19 has resulted in a multitude of undesired consequences including exacerbation of pre-existing mental health conditions and first-time experiences for many of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and acute stress reactions. Fortunately, the rapid adoption of telemedicine allowed individuals improved virtual access to mental health providers.

Across the behavioral health landscape, effective enforcement of parity laws from a state and federal level, as well as consistent reimbursement for master’s level mental health providers are a few of the largest barriers in terms of ensuring individuals have timely access to quality care.

Health systems typically have a lack of organized discrete data points related to behavioral health. 

Following the onset of COVID-19, several state and federal stakeholders in healthcare have paid particular attention to mandating parity for mental health and substance abuse services, however historically provider reimbursements are skewed against mental health which leads to difficulties in accessing care, poor economic stability for mental health providers and organizations, and contributes to poor patient outcomes.

Applied artificial intelligence (AI) is receiving attention from several fields in healthcare but is of particular interest to further explore through the behavioral health lens. It has recently been explored in clinical prediction related to high risk diagnoses such as depression, dementia, and suicide risk. The utilization of AI technology in behavioral health requires additional discovery and must be viewed differently than other specialties due to the stigma of mental health and risks associated with potential misinterpretation or misapplication of information.

As healthcare evolves and transitions to view patients as a “whole person,” and recognizes the bidirectional relationship between physical and mental health, appropriately collecting, accessing, and utilizing data to predict high risk situations, predict potential readmissions, or extended hospital lengths of stay become increasingly important for both patient care and hospital related performance goals. Investing in behavioral health clinicians and informatics specialists with insight into clinical prediction and risk models for those with mental health conditions or those at risk of developing mental health conditions will better serve to meet the goals of a health system.

“Covid-19 Has Offered Is A Clear Lens Into The Crisis Of Mental Illness Across Our Nation. Mental Health Concerns Are Agnostic To Social Class, Job Title, Race, Age, Or Disability Level”

It is unlikely that the utilization of telemedicine in the practice of behavioral health will decrease, in fact many clinicians and patients who were previously skeptical of utilizing virtual platforms for therapeutic interventions have now seen the practicality and ease of access this form of connection offers. For many, particularly in the private practice space, this can also contribute to decreased overhead costs associated with their practice.

Whether you have been in the industry 30 years or are considering a career in healthcare leadership or behavioral health, it is encouraged that you recruit individuals with solid clinical skillsets who are trained in accredited programs and evidence-based interventions. Individuals who are agile in their processes, data driven in their decision making, and track the impact of interventions on the patients and organizations they serve, will be an invaluable addition to the team.

COVID-19 has been and remains to be a horrific pandemic that has taken lives, businesses, and peace of mind for many. However, what COVID-19 has offered is a clear lens into the crisis of mental illness across our nation. Mental health concerns are agnostic to social class, job title, race, age, or disability level. It must be a priority to care for our own mental health and the mental health of the patients, employees, and communities we serve.