A virtual model of care, telehealth uses modern communication technology to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients, providing access to those who, for whatever reason, may not be able to participate in more traditional forms of treatment or medical care.
At Lennox CMCH, we understand that everyone should be afforded the opportunity to get treatment for substance abuse and addiction, even if they don’t have access to our facility. That’s why we offer telehealth for addiction treatment, an option designed to help those who may not otherwise receive treatment. If you or a loved one is managing a mild substance use issue or you’re in early recovery, telehealth programs can deliver the structure, accountability, and clinical expertise you need to move forward.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth refers to the use of technology to deliver healthcare services remotely. This is often done using video conferencing, secure messaging, phone calls, and secure apps in some cases.
Much like going in-person to a doctor’s office or treatment facility, telehealth provides many of those same services remotely. As it relates to addiction treatment specifically, telehealth can be used for conducting therapy sessions, medical evaluations, medication management, support groups, and educational programming.
While telehealth was in existence before the Covid-19 pandemic, it was rapidly adopted by more medical practices than ever during the pandemic. As a result, telehealth has gone from a convenient alternative to a universal and effective model of care.
Is Telehealth As Effective As “Regular” Treatment?
While telehealth may not be for everyone, it can be just as effective as in-person treatment for many people. This is especially true when there is buy-in from all parties involved. Addiction treatment as a whole is only as effective as the effort put in. For many people, telehealth can provide the same level of benefit as traditional treatment as long as they put in the effort and remain committed to the program.
Telehealth isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. But for the right person, it can be a game-changer in achieving and maintaining sobriety.
Who Telehealth Serves?
While telehealth may not be best suited for everyone, it may be particularly helpful for the following demographic groups:
People living in rural or underserved areas may not have access to specialized treatment facilities (or even basic medical facilities). Prior to telehealth, their options may have been to drive long distances for care or book appointments weeks or months out. Telehealth allows these people to access vital services from the comfort of their home, wherever they may live.
Not everyone has access to public transportation or access to a car at any time. Households with only one vehicle may have to contend with multiple people needing to share that one car. People who aren’t licensed to drive may need to rely upon the schedule of someone else in order to get a ride. Telehealth allows people to transcend lack of transportation as a significant barrier to receiving addiction treatment.
Those who are physically disabled, immunocompromised, or dealing with chronic illnesses can also face barriers when it comes to accessing in-person care. For these people, telehealth allows them to get the care they need without compromising their health or safety.
Not all addictions require residential or high-intensity outpatient care. For people with mild to moderate substance use disorders, or those who are stepping down from more intensive treatment, telehealth offers an excellent way to continue receiving support, therapy, and accountability while allowing them to stick to life commitments.
Benefits of Telehealth Addiction Treatment
At Lennox CMHC, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful telehealth can be in helping people recover. Benefits of this form of treatment include:
One of (if not the biggest) benefits of telehealth is that it makes treatment available to those who may not have previously been able to access these services. All a person needs is a phone line or internet connection, and they can have access to telehealth.
Whether you live in a remote environment, don’t have access to reliable transportation, are dealing with mental or physical challenges, have a schedule or responsibilities that don’t allow you to take time off, or simply prefer remote treatment, telehealth provides access to vital services.
Telehealth not only provides access to those who may not have otherwise had access, but it typically does so at a much more affordable cost. Since telehealth removes many of the more expensive overhead costs (such as travel, meals, and facility use), telehealth can be more affordable than traditional programs. As a result of its growing popularity during the Covid-19, many insurance plans now cover telehealth for both mental health and substance abuse treatment.
For some, walking into a treatment center can be intimidating. There’s social stigma, uncertainty, and fear of judgment. Telehealth can feel less intrusive, creating a gentler introduction to the recovery process. Being able to engage from the safety of home often gives people the confidence they need to take the first step.
Challenges of Telehealth Addiction Treatment
While telehealth offers numerous advantages, it’s important to be realistic about its limitations.
When you enter a treatment facility, privacy is a top priority. At home (or in a remote setting), that may not always be the case. People in shared living spaces might struggle to find a quiet, confidential place to participate in therapy or support groups. This can hinder open communication and reduce the effectiveness of treatment.
At Lennox CMHC, we provide tips and resources to help clients create safe, distraction-free zones for their sessions, but this aspect still requires effort and planning on the client’s part. It’s imperative to secure a private space where a treatment session won’t be interrupted by children, pets, phone calls, or other visitors.
For as helpful as telehealth is, and for as far as the technology has come, in-person treatment still offers a level of immersion and connection that’s hard to replicate. Residential settings build camaraderie through shared experiences, spontaneous interactions, and therapeutic activities like yoga, art therapy, or group outings.
With telehealth, these elements are more structured and may feel less personal. While some people thrive in remote settings, others may miss out on the community and experiential components of recovery. It may also deprive the individual of the opportunity to grow and push themselves past their comfort zone.
Who among us hasn’t had a situation come up where their internet goes out at an inopportune time? While technology is generally reliable for the most part, any sort of technological failure or interruption can disrupt care.
While there’s no way to completely prevent any sort of technological hiccups, we at Lennox CMHC offer technical support and walk clients through setup so that they feel confident and prepared for each session.
Another subtle but significant challenge with telehealth is that it can be harder to establish a strong relationship with the therapist or counselor. Body language, eye contact, and shared physical presence can all contribute to a sense of connection and trust. While connections and relationships can be built remotely, some people may feel more disconnected or emotionally distant during virtual sessions. This could impact their level of engagement or comfort in sharing openly.
Heal with Addiction Treatment at Lennox CMHC
If you’re considering telehealth for addiction treatment, Lennox Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) is here to help. We offer comprehensive, person-centered telehealth programs designed to support your recovery journey, whether you’re just starting out or continuing care after inpatient treatment.
Our telehealth services include:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) management, when appropriate
- Case management to help with housing, employment, and other resources
- Crisis support and relapse prevention planning
- Educational workshops and life skills training
Our clinical team is experienced in delivering remote care that’s compassionate, evidence-based, and tailored to your unique needs. We recognize the courage it takes to ask for help. We’re committed to walking alongside you every step of the way, whether in person or online.
Whether you live in a rural community, struggle with transportation, or simply feel more comfortable getting care from home, telehealth can be a lifeline to the recovery support you deserve. If you’re ready to explore telehealth addiction treatment, contact us today.