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PTSD: National Center for PTSD

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Leveraging Telehealth Services

 

Rural Provider PTSD Toolkit

 
Leveraging Telehealth Services
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Telehealth is a powerful tool that makes it possible for Veterans with PTSD to access mental health services like never before. It can be a compelling vehicle to engage Veterans in care by truly meeting them where they are. Telehealth can be delivered to Veterans in both clinical (e.g., satellite clinics) and non-clinical (e.g., home, work) settings and can be instrumental in overcoming barriers to care such as:
  • Distance
  • Transportation challenges
  • Time restrictions
  • Mobility limitations
  • Emotional barriers
  • Stigma
Telehealth can be used to deliver different types of care:
  • Individual therapy
  • Family/ couples therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Assessment
  • Evidence-based psychotherapy
  • Supportive therapy
  • Medication management
As a provider, you may have questions about telehealth.

Click each question to learn more.
Do Veterans like telehealth? What about our therapeutic relationship? Is telehealth effective? Is it as good as care delivered in-person? How do I manage risk and mental health or medical emergencies? Is telehealth clinically appropriate for PTSD? How do I manage homework assignments, assessment measures, etc.? Does telehealth pose a risk to privacy?

Telehealth Resources

If you are interested in learning more about telehealth, there are many resources available.

Click a provider group to learn more.
VA Providers Community Providers
VA Providers
There are many resources for VA providers who wish to deliver telehealth services to their Veterans. The Office of Connected Care and Telehealth Services websites have a wealth of information for VA providers. Further, each VA facility has a Facility Telehealth Coordinator (FTC) and Telehealth Clinical Technicians (TCTs) that provide support for telehealth services. The National Telehealth Technology Help Desk (866-651-3180) can provide technical support and troubleshooting for providers and Veterans. Veterans can use personal equipment or a VA-issued tablet for telehealth sessions delivered to non-clinical locations using a cutting edge platform called VA Video Connect.

For providers who prescribe controlled substances, familiarity with the Ryan Haight Act is essential to meet the in-person requirement for telehealth services.
Community Providers
Organizations such as the American Telemedicine Association Link will take you outside the VA website. VA is not responsible for the content of the linked site. and guidance documents such as American Psychological Association's "Guidelines for the Practice of Telepsychology" Link will take you outside the VA website. VA is not responsible for the content of the linked site. can provide important information.

For providers who prescribe controlled substances, familiarity with the Ryan Haight Act is essential to meet the in-person requirement for telehealth services.

PTSD Information Voice Mail: (802) 296-6300
Email: ncptsd@va.gov
Also see: VA Mental Health