Getting access to healthcare in remote communities is a problem that has plagued healthcare systems for years, and it’s not just an American problem; Australia, the UK, New Zealand, and other leaders in healthcare all struggle to front up enough rural doctors, nurses, managers, and support workers for rural communities.
Maybe there is an alternative to schemes or incentives that train rural healthcare workers, a much simpler solution to a pressing problem: telehealth.
The Rise of Teletherapy in the U.S.
The first thing that comes to mind for many is COVID-19, because the pandemic drove telehealth to the forefront–and for good reason, it was a vital tool to keep us all safe while still getting necessary care. The thing is, telehealth did not just spring up overnight; the second the pandemic hit, it can actually be traced back to the 1960s when a university in Nebraska installed a CCTV between two facilities to let patients talk to distant doctors.
These days, Telehealth looks more like family doctor appointments over the phone, video calls with therapists, or app-based platforms to manage health. It is a broad area that encompasses medical consultations, mental health therapy, remote monitoring, and wellness apps, making healthcare more accessible and flexible than ever before. Teletherapy, in particular, has become a cornerstone, allowing patients to connect with mental health professionals from virtually anywhere
In fact, the chances are you’ve used telehealth recently, with 37% of adults using telehealth in 2021 and likely more today.
A Lifeline for Remote and Rural Communities
No one wants to travel long distances for care, wait days for a specialist, or pay far more than what someone in a big city would, but these are the realities for patients in rural communities across America. Remote parts of the country sadly face elevated rates of Chronic Disease from conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and more.
Teletherapy is a pragmatic solution, connecting patients with mental health professionals without requiring long trips or time off work. It also allows for continuity of care, supporting chronic disease management through regular check-ins and counseling.
The trouble is, even with high telehealth usage, challenges remain, like unstable internet connections and limited access to devices. State governments and nonprofit organizations are implementing initiatives to expand broadband access, while community centers offer private telehealth spaces, and training programs help both patients and providers navigate digital platforms. By tackling these barriers, teletherapy can move closer to being a true lifeline rather than just a partial solution.
Finding Remote Providers
Being able to deliver care over the phone, on video call, or via a messenger is a skill, and for obvious reasons, it’s different from sitting opposite your patient. For many providers, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge to grow, learning how to diagnose without an exam or prescribe effectively online. These new skills can be picked up through trial and error, or honed with programmes like the doctorate in counseling online that are specifically designed to teach providers how to deliver care remotely.
