Over the years, telehealth has emerged as a crucial service model, transforming the way we think about and deliver mental health and substance use services. It offers unparalleled access, privacy, and convenience to clients who need it or may otherwise go without care. Its rise in popularity and necessity, especially highlighted during the pandemic, has made clear its value in our healthcare system.

For these reasons and more, Health Affiliates Maine (HAM) is committed to supporting private practice clinicians in all settings—including those who serve clients virtually. We fully embrace telehealth as a vital and effective mode of service delivery.

Supporting Quality Care in Virtual Settings

As clinicians’ support network, we’re not just here to embrace telehealth, but to make it feasible! Our services are designed to meet your needs and enable you to provide quality care to those you serve.

Here are a few tips to ensure your telehealth services remain effective and impactful, as well as how we play a role:

• Ensure Privacy and Confidentiality: Use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms for your sessions and seek out a trusted, robust EHR system. Knowing just how crucial EHR systems are in your daily work, the team at HAM has performed extensive research so that we can offer a state-of-the-art EHR system that leaves affiliate’s feeling comfortable and confident. Remember, privacy and confidentially also apply to your physical environment. When providing telehealth services, you should be in a private space and be cognizant of your surroundings. Check your background and consider what clients will be able to see. You want to ensure that they feel safe and protected—just as they would if they were in an office with you. We also encourage you to provide clients with guidance on how to set up a private space for their appointments.
• Build a Strong Therapeutic Relationship: While telehealth can feel different than in-person sessions, the core of effective therapy remains the same. Spend time building rapport with your clients and employ strategies to make each session feel personal and engaging.
• Stay Informed on Best Practices: Telehealth is an area of rapid growth and change. Stay updated on the latest in telehealth delivery, including advancements in technology and shifts in ethical guidelines. We stay connected with industry leaders to bring you news and timely trainings. Just last month, we held an Ethics training titled, “Who’s in the Room: You, Your Client, and AI in 2024.”
• Understand the Differences in Billing and Credentialing: Telehealth services often have specific billing codes and credentialing requirements. Rather than bog yourself down in these nuances, we stay on top billing and credentialing for you. This means less time spent on administrative tasks and more time doing what you love—helping clients.

The integration of telehealth into mental health and substance use services represents a significant step forward in creating more accessible, convenient, and effective care. It’s a privilege to work alongside clinicians in Maine, and those licensed to serve in Maine, to build healthier communities.

Posted on October 2, 2024by Author Kayla Quesnelin Categories Advice for Affiliates, Private Practice