Telehealth is not just an option but a strategic requirement to meet the escalating demand for behavioral care. In an op-ed for MedCity News, Jamie Evans, MD, MPH, Medical Director of OnDemand Care and Clinician Engagement, writes that the mental health crisis among children and youth is on the rise.
The crisis has become glaringly evident in gridlocked emergency rooms across the country. In certain regions, suicidal thoughts have become the primary reason for children’s ED visits.
Dr. Evans joins other medical and mental health experts calling for urgent and necessary action. A “mental health moonshot” can address the community-based and systemic barriers affecting children’s mental wellness, including:
- Increasing access to telehealth services
- In-school resources
- Expanded insurance and Medicaid coverage
- Clinician diversity and bias training for specialists
Telehealth has emerged as a lifeline to help connect youth with vital mental health resources—from hospital, to community, to home.
It's time to take action and ensure that mental healthcare is accessible, equitable, and effective for all. Let's work together to protect our children's wellbeing and give them the support they need to thrive.
Read the full article here: 'Why Telehealth is Vital for Addressing the Children’s Mental Health Crisis Affecting Emergency Departments Nationwide'
