What is the concept of "telehealth" in addiction treatment?

The concept of "telehealth" in addiction treatment refers to the use of digital communication technologies to provide healthcare services remotely. This encompasses various methods of delivering care, such as video conferencing, phone calls, and secure messaging, allowing individuals to access treatment from the comfort of their homes or other locations without the need for physical visits to a healthcare facility.

Telehealth significantly enhances access to addiction treatment, particularly for individuals who may face barriers such as transportation issues, geographical limitations, or physical disabilities. It allows healthcare providers to reach a broader population and maintain continuity of care, especially in situations where in-person visits may not be feasible, such as during pandemics or for those in rural areas.

While on-site therapy is an essential component of addiction recovery and face-to-face consultations are traditional formats of care, telehealth provides a flexible alternative that accommodates different needs and circumstances. Medication-assisted treatment can also be part of telehealth services but is not exclusively defined by it. Thus, the primary focus of telehealth is on the use of technology to facilitate communication and service delivery in healthcare, including addiction treatment.