Debate: How and when will the telemedicine surge reach mental healthcare?

Covid-19 Pandemic Drives Patients—and Deal Makers—to Telemedicine (The Wall Street Journal): The coronavirus pandemic has put the once-niche category of telemedicine in the spotlight and is now driving a flurry of deal activity involving virtual health-care providers … Patients have embraced virtual care as a way to stay in touch with doctors for urgent care or chronic care management without risking exposure to the coronavirus by visiting medical offices. Telemedicine visits are typically conducted between a doctor and patient using videoconferencing or a phone call and are used to address minor ailments like colds as well as management of chronic conditions like diabetes. Some 28% of consumers surveyed in April were using virtual medical visits in the early months of the year, up from 15% in 2019, according to Deloitte Consulting LLP. Meanwhile, Talkspace, the text-based mental health application touted by swimmer Michael Phelps, has had preliminary talks with some larger telehealth companies about a potential sale, people familiar with the matter said. “We have been approached multiple times in the past about a sale, but we have not pursued it,” said Oren Frank, its co-founder and chief executive. News in Context: Mobile cognitive therapies gain traction as first-line mental health intervention Microsoft announces support for three innovative mental health services harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) Three ways to protect your mental health during –an...
Source: SharpBrains - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Tags: Cognitive Neuroscience Health & Wellness Technology CBT cognitive-behavioral-therapy COVID-19 mental health mental healthcare Talkspace telemedicine Source Type: blogs