Telehealth and Behavioral Health: Making Care More Accessible
Access to behavioral health care can be affected by many factors, including distance, transportation, scheduling and mobility. For patients who may have difficulty getting to the health center for every appropriate visit, telehealth can provide another way to stay connected with their care team.
Lac Vieux Desert Health Center offers telehealth services that allow patients to meet with participating healthcare providers using a computer, smartphone or tablet. Behavioral health professionals are also part of LVDHC’s telehealth team, giving patients an additional option for accessing mental health care when a virtual appointment is appropriate.
What Is a Telehealth Appointment?
A telehealth appointment is a healthcare visit that takes place remotely rather than with the patient and provider in the same room.
At LVDHC, patients can participate from a remote location, such as their home, using a computer, smartphone or tablet. LVDHC’s telehealth service is HIPAA-compliant to help protect the privacy and confidentiality of patient information and communications.
Telehealth may be appropriate for certain follow-up appointments, medication questions, care plan discussions and behavioral health visits. Your provider can help determine whether a virtual appointment is appropriate for your individual needs.
How Telehealth Can Support Behavioral Health Care
For some patients, making regular trips to a healthcare facility can be challenging. This can be especially true for people living in rural communities, those with limited transportation or mobility, and patients balancing work, school or family responsibilities.
Telehealth can help reduce some of those barriers by allowing appropriate appointments to take place remotely.
Behavioral health visits can also involve personal conversations. Some patients may appreciate being able to speak with their provider from a familiar, private setting.
Telehealth is not necessarily right for every patient or every situation. Some appointments may be better suited for in-person care. The goal is to provide patients with options that support their healthcare needs.
Behavioral Health Services at LVDHC
Lac Vieux Desert Health Center’s Behavioral Health Department provides an integrated approach to outpatient mental health and substance use services for patients of all ages.
Services include:
- Individual counseling
- Family and marital counseling
- Art therapy
- Mental health services
- Substance abuse services
- Alcohol and drug education
- Relapse prevention
- Smoking cessation
- Case management
- Cultural counseling
The Behavioral Health team works with patients based on their individual circumstances and can coordinate with other health center services when appropriate.
For someone looking for behavioral health support or searching online for a therapist or telehealth therapist, contacting LVDHC is a good way to learn more about available services and whether a virtual appointment may be appropriate.
How Do Telehealth Appointments Work?
LVDHC has a straightforward process for scheduling and joining a telehealth appointment.
To schedule, call (906) 358-4599 and speak with a Patient Services Representative.
Patients typically receive an invitation email on the morning of their appointment. For early morning appointments, the invitation may arrive the day before. The email contains the appointment time and a link to the provider’s virtual waiting room.
When it is time for the appointment, patients can use the link to enter the waiting room and connect with their provider.
If the invitation does not appear in your inbox, check your spam or junk folder. If you still cannot locate it, contact LVDHC for assistance.
Preparing for Your Telehealth Visit
Taking a few simple steps before your appointment can help make the experience more comfortable and minimize technical interruptions.
Choose a private, quiet location. Find a place where you can talk comfortably without unnecessary distractions.
Check your internet connection. A reliable connection can help maintain clear audio and video throughout your appointment.
Prepare your device. Make sure your computer, smartphone or tablet is charged and that the camera, microphone and speakers are working.
Use good lighting. Sit in an area where your provider can see you clearly, preferably without a bright window or light directly behind you.
Taking a few minutes to prepare can help you focus on your conversation once your appointment begins.
Connecting With Care From Wherever You Are
Behavioral health is an important part of overall health, and accessing support should be as practical as possible.
For patients who may face challenges related to travel, scheduling or mobility, telehealth can offer another way to connect with participating LVDHC providers. Whether an appointment takes place virtually or in person will depend on the patient’s needs and the type of care being provided.
To learn more about Behavioral Health services, call (906) 358-0252. To schedule a telehealth appointment, call Lac Vieux Desert Health Center at (906) 358-4588 and speak with a Patient Services Representative.