Telehealth in an Integrated Care Environment

The health care industry is evolving in response to increasing costs, poor health outcomes, and consumer dissatisfaction. Integrated care is a critical component of health care evolution, recognizing the particular burden of untreated behavioral health issues on both physical and behavioral health care outcomes and costs. Telehealth, the use of technology to provide care at a distance, is a flexible process adaptable to a variety of integrated care applications and models. Telehealth (telepsychiatry, telebehavioral health, telemental health) can help maximize limited resources and expand the reach of psychiatrists and other limited specialty providers. As evidenced in a strong and growing research base, telehealth can support integrated care, as well as forward its application in new and innovative ways across the integration continuum. This chapter provides examples of current telehealth supported care integration models along the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s articulated integration continuum.