Summary:
«Prior studies have documented a rise in mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Decreased social interactions and physical exercise, threats to employment and economic security, and higher mortality rates created psychological distress for many people.»
«Numerous mental health care providers switched to providing virtual services during the pandemic, and both public and private insurers expanded coverage for that treatment. While the sharp increase in use of telehealth mental health services is known, the study is the first to show that the expansion of telehealth more than made up for the decline in in-person treatment, the Rand researchers said.»
“Our findings highlight a remarkable transition in the U.S. mental health system from in-person to virtual care,” Rand economist Christopher Whaley, the study’s senior author, said in a statement.»
Article written by Susan Kelly
09|01|2023
Source:
Health Care Dive
https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/telehealth-mental-health-JAMA-pandemic/639905/