In many ways, the future of mental healthcare is already here. The COVID-19 pandemic completely changed our ways of working and living; as a society, we are still dealing with its aftershocks. The pandemic took a toll on public health, with its aftermath not just affecting physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by 25% in 2020. 

To meet the rising demand for essential healthcare services such as therapy, barriers to telehealth were lifted during the height of the pandemic. While telehealth outpatient care visits have declined since their peak from March to August 2020, mental health and substance use services by telehealth have remained elevated. In fact, 36% of mental health and substance use visits are delivered virtually. 

Virtual care for mental health services has increased accessibility for patients who may not feel comfortable with in-person visits, live in rural areas, or struggle to find time in their schedule for therapy. As the need for behavioral healthcare services rises and the stigma around such care decreases, mental healthcare providers can expect to see larger caseloads. Yet a growing practice doesn’t have to mean a larger administrative burden. Integrated, intuitive behavioral software can help ensure that patient expectations are met while allowing your practice to scale sustainability.