For many people struggling with addiction, getting to their treatment sessions is a challenge due to their location or lack of transportation. This is why telehealth rehab has become such an important option for individuals seeking addiction recovery. The benefits of telehealth rehab include remote access to therapists, the ability to attend sessions from home or work, and regular communication with counselors between appointments.

Addiction recovery is a journey that looks different for everyone. However, one thing that all individuals in recovery have in common is a commitment to taking it one day at a time and finding support along the way. For some, that means a focus on in-person group therapy and meetings or the support of an addiction recovery therapist who can meet with them one-on-one. For others, telehealth services can be a valuable tool that allows them to keep up with their therapist and maintain their recovery even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many therapists are using telehealth services to provide their clients with the care they need, when they need it. This has allowed more patients to access the care they need and avoid long wait times for in-person appointments. The ability to use telehealth also reduces the need for a client to travel long distances, which can be challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides more flexibility in scheduling appointments. The convenience of telehealth services has also been shown to increase the number of treatment sessions and adherence to medication regimens.

Often, telehealth addiction treatment is more cost-effective than traditional in-person treatments. This is because a person does not have to pay for the price of gas or public transportation and does not have to pay for childcare. Additionally, a telehealth session can be scheduled around existing obligations and schedules, which makes it easier to participate in therapy.

The use of telehealth in rehabilitation therapy is rapidly expanding due to its convenience, accessibility and ease of use. However, it is crucial to identify and address barriers to its uptake, including the need for internet or computer availability, comfort with computers and digital systems, and a level of literacy and familiarity with navigating online platforms. Further, considerations need to be made for insurance coverage and reimbursement, cross-state telehealth or universal licensure, and policies that will provide a framework for telehealth use beyond the current COVID-19 public health emergency. These issues will need to be addressed in order to maximize the potential for rehabilitation telehealth to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.